SPECIAL: Halloween Murder Houses

Podcast: Murder: True Crime Stories
Host: Carter Roy (Crime House)
Date: October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Halloween special, host Carter Roy explores two infamous and devastating family murders that occurred on Halloween: the 2010 Sandusky, Ohio Liske family murders and the 2015 Pendleton, South Carolina Scott family murders. The episode examines how these tragic events shattered the sense of safety typically associated with home during the holiday, the impact on surviving family members, and the long, complex search for justice. Through vivid storytelling, Carter Roy humanizes the victims, discusses investigative turns, and highlights the enduring consequences for loved ones left behind.

Case 1: The Liske Family Murders (Sandusky, Ohio, 2010)

Setting the Scene

• [05:10] 16-year-old Devin Griffin, returning from church on Halloween 2010, discovers his mother (Susan), stepfather (Bill), and older brother (Derek) murdered in their home.
• The initial shock blurs into horror:
  • “At first, Devin thought his mom must be playing a Halloween prank on him. [...] But soon he realized this was no joke.” — Carter Roy [05:57]

Victims

• Susan Liske (mother)
• Bill Liske (stepfather)
• Derek Griffin (brother, 23)

Crime Details

• Bill: Shot five times in the head, likely while sleeping.
• Susan: Signs her body may have been moved post-mortem.
• Derek: Blunt force trauma, found in a locked room.
• Discovery of a bloodied hammer stashed in a closet—at least one murder weapon found.

The Suspect and Family Background

• Immediate suspicion falls on BJ, Bill’s 24-year-old son and Devin’s stepbrother.
  • “There was only one person on his mind. Though it broke his heart to say it, he immediately gave police the name of his stepbrother, 24 year old BJ.” — Carter Roy [09:21]
• BJ’s troubled past:
  • History of mental illness, untreated episodes, violent incidents dating back to age 16.
  • Previous altercations involving Susan; police interventions; incidents with neighborhood pets.
  • “A family friend who lived next door, Mark Gradle, suspected BJ of being responsible for a number of murdered neighborhood pets, though he never had any proof.” — Carter Roy [11:44]
• Despite conflicts, Bill continues to support BJ, taking him on hunting trips and allowing him to stay overnight.

The Morning of the Murders

• [14:49] Devin’s brief interaction with BJ:
  • BJ is unusually chatty, particularly interested in Devin’s plans and how long he’ll be gone.
• Bill and Susan host BJ overnight after a family event; Michelle Gradle, the neighbor, hears possible gunshots early the next morning but doesn’t report due to the family’s hunting habits.

Investigation & Arrest

• Police hunt for missing BJ and Bill’s pickup.
• BJ is found hours later at the family’s hunting cabin and is arrested without incident.
• Interrogation: BJ is first unresponsive, later admits guilt.
  • “When she asked why he did it, all he said was he wasn’t in his right mind. Moments later, he became distraught and told her he couldn’t talk about it anymore.” — Carter Roy [17:41]
• 2011: BJ pleads guilty to three counts of aggravated murder, sentenced to three life terms without parole.
• “I loved my dad very much, and it makes me feel sick every time I think about what I did. I can't really explain why this all had to happen, but I think most of it all had to do with my mental illness.” — BJ, quoted by Carter Roy [18:05]
• BJ dies by suicide in prison (2015), age 29.

Aftermath & Impact

• Devin strives to honor his family’s memory:
  • “Devin is determined to show his son the beauty of Halloween. His attitude should be an inspiration to us all.” — Carter Roy [18:52]
• Reflection on tragedy, family effort to care for BJ, and resilience of the sole survivor.

Case 2: The Scott Family Murders (Pendleton, South Carolina, 2015)

Setting the Scene

• [20:01] On Halloween night 2015, four members of an extended family—Mike Scott, his wife Kathy, and their mothers Barbara (80) and Violet (82)—are found murdered in a blood-soaked scene.
• Discovered by Kathy’s daughter, Amy Velardi, after two days of uncharacteristic silence from her parents.

Victims

• Mike Scott
• Kathy Scott
• Barbara (Mike’s mother, 80)
• Violet (Kathy’s mother, 82)

Crime Scene & Initial Investigation

• Stabbings, shootings, slashed throats; the violence and lack of forced entry suggest the victims knew their killer.
• “Investigators were horrified by the gory scene. Mike, Barbara and Violet had all been stabbed repeatedly and shot twice.” — Carter Roy [21:19]
• Significant cash missing (tens of thousands of dollars kept at home).

Suspects & Family Dynamics

• Amy Velardi (Kathy’s daughter) and her husband Ross become primary suspects:
  • Tension and recent falling out between Amy and Kathy, public arguments, accusations of extortion, and financial strain.
  • Police find $67,000 in cash hidden in Amy and Ross’s trailer, believed taken from Mike and Kathy.
  • “Amy and Ross claimed it was their life savings, earned through their dog grooming business.” — Carter Roy [26:36]
• Autopsy points to military-style knife, suggesting possible involvement by Ross, a former Marine.
• Police struggle to find the murder weapon or direct physical evidence—case stalls.

Investigation Roadblocks & The Cold Case

• Police analyze shoe prints—identify Asics Speedstar tread, but can’t link to Amy or Ross through photos.
• [33:44] For years, circumstantial evidence but no progress; case goes cold.

Cold Justice Breakthrough (2023)

• Mike’s sister Pam campaigns for the case; Oxygen’s “Cold Justice” team takes up the investigation.
• Social media expert matches serial numbers from confiscated cash to money once owned by Mike Scott; undermines Amy and Ross’s claims of the money’s origin.
• Texts reveal the Velardis were financially desperate shortly before the murders.
• Surveillance footage from Halloween night 2015 shows Ross wearing Asics Speedstar shoes—the same model that left the blood print.
• Ross’s conflicting alibis and witness statements emerge on the TV show.
  • “In 2023, Ross told Cold Justice that his parents were watching the kids that night. [...] It was also contradicted by cell phone location data. Those records firmly place the Velardis at or near their trailer during the estimated time of the murders.” — Carter Roy [36:24]
• Additional tip: Amy’s cousin often saw Ross with a military combat knife (similar to murder weapon).

Arrest and Awaiting Justice

• February 2024: Amy and Ross Velardi are arrested and charged with four counts of murder each.
• Denied bond; currently awaiting trial as of the episode's recording.
• “Regardless of what happens at trial, we can only hope their family finds closure soon after so long. It's time for the ghosts of the past to be put to rest.” — Carter Roy [39:47]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “But the houses that truly haunt us are the ones where real loss has taken place.” — Carter Roy [00:27]
• “On Halloween, nowhere is safe, not even your own home.” — Carter Roy [01:39]
• “People’s lives are like a story. There’s a beginning, a middle and an end. But you don’t always know which part you’re on. Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon and we don’t always get to know the real ending.” — Carter Roy [02:03]
• “The story of the Liske family is one of compassion and loss.” — Carter Roy [18:27]

Key Takeaways

• Both cases demonstrate how seemingly ordinary family relationships can hide deep dysfunction, mental illness, and resentments that can turn deadly—even on a night meant for celebration.
• The Liske case illustrates how mental health struggles, despite family support, can escalate to tragedy.
• The Scott family murders show how complicated family finances, festering grudges, and personal strife can lead to suspicion—and how perseverance (and new investigative techniques/media) can break a cold case even after years.
• The episode closes on the influence of these events, hoping justice will bring closure to affected families, and honoring the resilience of survivors.

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