Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband - Episode 248: "The Dark Web Killer - The Murder of Amy Allwine"
Introduction
In Episode 248 of Murder With My Husband, hosted by Peyton and Garrett Moreland from OH NO MEDIA, the duo delves into the mysterious and tragic case of Amy Allwine, a seemingly ordinary mother whose life was brutally cut short under suspicious circumstances. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to her death, the initial assumption of suicide, and the unraveling of a dark web conspiracy that ultimately led to her husband’s conviction for first-degree murder.
Background of the Allwine Family
Amy Allwine, a 43-year-old mother, and her husband Stephen Allwine lived in Cottage Grove, a suburban area southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Married for 20 years, the couple appeared to lead a typical Middle American lifestyle. Stephen worked as a freelance IT expert, while Amy ran her own dog training business. They were active members of their local church, the United Church of God, with Stephen serving as a church elder.
Key Points:
- Marriage and Family: Amy and Stephen were college sweethearts who adopted a son, Joseph, in 2006.
- Community Involvement: Both were deeply involved in their church and community.
- Professional Lives: Stephen in IT, Amy in dog training.
The Day of Tragedy: November 13, 2016
On November 13, 2016, the Allwines' lives took a tragic turn. Stephen was working from home when Amy informed him she wasn't feeling well and needed to rest. Later, Amy asked her father to watch Joseph while she considered going to the doctor. However, plans changed, and by the evening around 6:50 PM, Stephen and Joseph returned home to find Amy deceased in their master bedroom, with signs suggesting foul play.
Notable Events:
- Initial Illness: Amy claimed to be unwell around noon.
- Father’s Visit: Amy’s father came over to assist with household projects.
- Disappearance: Amy left to possibly visit a doctor, leaving Joseph in her father’s care.
- Discovery: Upon returning, Stephen and Joseph found Amy dead with a gun nearby.
Notable Quote:
"Amy changed her mind about going and she just stayed in bed." — Stephen Moreland [02:00]
Initial Investigation: Apparent Suicide?
Initially, Stephen reported the death as a possible suicide during a 911 call, which captured distressing background noises, including Joseph’s poignant question about remarriage.
Key Observations:
- 911 Call: Included Joseph’s questions, revealing emotional turmoil.
- Physical Evidence: Amy had a gun beside her and a gunshot wound to the head.
- Sergeant Gwen Martin’s Reaction: Recognized Amy and found her death suspicious.
Notable Quotes:
"I think this is suicide." — Stephen Moreland [06:35]
"Who puts dinner in the oven and then decides to go upstairs and die by suicide?" — Sergeant Gwen Martin [15:40]
Uncovering the Truth: Signs of Foul Play
Upon further investigation, Sergeant Martin and other detectives noticed inconsistencies:
- Gun Positioning: The gun was on Amy’s left arm, opposite the wound.
- Blood Spatter: Lack of blood on Amy’s hands and presence of blood in other parts of the house suggested the scene was tampered with.
- Luminol Test: Revealed additional blood stains and footprints leading from the bedroom to other areas.
Notable Quote:
"You can't die by suicide and then clean up your own crime scene afterward." — Sergeant Gwen Martin [16:01]
The Dark Web Connection: Besa Mafia and Dogday God
The investigation took a pivotal turn when it was revealed that Amy was on a dark web hit list managed by the Besa Mafia, a notorious site for hiring assassins anonymously using Bitcoin.
Key Details:
- FBI Involvement: In May 2016, the FBI discovered Amy on the Besa Mafia's hit list.
- Nature of Threats: Amy received threatening emails demanding she commit suicide or face the consequences.
- Besa Mafia Operations: Offered various killing services ranging from $4,000 to $50,000, accepting only Bitcoin for transactions.
Notable Quotes:
"Deadly services... revenge at your fingertips." — Yura, Besa Mafia [25:16]
"I still blame you for my life falling apart... commit suicide." — Dogday God [28:46]
Stephen Allwine: The Hidden Culprit
As the investigation deepened, evidence pointed towards Stephen Allwine:
- Affairs: Stephen had been involved in extramarital affairs, notably through the Ashley Madison website.
- Dark Web Activity: Signs indicated Stephen might have been seeking to hire the Besa Mafia to eliminate Amy.
- Bitcoin Transactions: A 34-character wallet code used to pay the hit was found on Stephen's computer.
- Scam Revelation: The Besa Mafia was identified as a scam; payments made did not result in any hits.
Notable Quotes:
"Stephen Allwine was Dog Day God." — Garrett Moreland [32:43]
"The entire website was a scam." — Peyton Moreland [38:43]
The Trial and Conviction
In January 2017, Stephen was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, which was later elevated to first-degree murder due to evidence of premeditation. During the trial, his defense argued that someone else could have accessed his computer and orchestrated the murder. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence linking Stephen to the payment and planning of his wife’s murder.
Key Points:
- Evidence: Dark web transactions, browser history, and Bitcoin wallet code.
- Defense Claims: Alternative access to Stephen’s computer.
- Prosecution's Case: Strong link between Stephen and the dark web transactions.
Outcome:
- Verdict: Stephen was found guilty of first-degree murder.
- Sentencing: Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Notable Quote:
"You're an incredible actor, a hypocrite, and a cold, calculating killer." — Judge [43:41]
Aftermath and Continuing Threats
The Besa Mafia, traced back to Romania, saw several of its members arrested by 2022. Despite these arrests, similar dark web platforms continue to operate, posing ongoing threats.
Key Insights:
- Ongoing Operations: Dark web assassin sites persist despite law enforcement efforts.
- Community Impact: Amy’s death highlighted the dangers of unregulated online marketplaces.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Amy Allwine underscores the complexities of modern criminal investigations, especially those intertwined with the anonymity of the dark web. Stephen Allwine's deceptive facade and covert online activities ultimately led to his downfall, serving as a stark reminder of the pervasive threats lurking in digital shadows.
Final Thoughts:
"That's the case of Amy Allwine. That's so sad. Amy was just a good mom." — Peyton Moreland [44:22]
Reflections from the Hosts
Throughout the episode, Peyton and Garrett reflect on the emotional toll of the case, the irony of Amy's death being potentially used to legitimize a scam, and the broader implications of dark web crimes in everyday lives.
Notable Quotes:
"It's hypocritical... It's crazy how much it happens." — Garrett Moreland [44:32]
"It's so sad. Amy was just a good mom." — Peyton Moreland [44:32]
Conclusion
Episode 248 of Murder With My Husband provides a comprehensive and riveting exploration of Amy Allwine's murder, blending meticulous investigative detail with engaging storytelling. The episode not only recounts a heartbreaking personal tragedy but also sheds light on the darker aspects of internet anonymity and the lengths individuals may go to hide behind digital masks.