Murder With My Husband - Episode 255: The Murder of Mengqi Ji
Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 255 of Murder With My Husband, hosted by Peyton and Garrett Moreland from OH NO MEDIA, the podcast delves into the tragic and intricate case of Mengqi Ji, exploring the dark complexities of her relationship with her husband, Joe Elitch, and the subsequent investigation leading to Joe's conviction. This episode meticulously navigates through the timeline of events, uncovering the factors that culminated in Mengqi's untimely death.
Background of Mengqi Ji and Joe Elitch
Mengqi Ji, born in 1991 in Xi'an, China, was an exceptionally talented individual, excelling in academics and the arts from a young age. She pursued a bachelor's degree in engineering at the East China University of Science and Technology and later earned her master's in mechanical aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri by December 2014.
Joe Elitch, born in 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri, also pursued engineering at the University of Missouri. Their professional paths converged in September 2015 at Nanova, a company specializing in high-tech biomaterials for dental products. Their collegial relationship blossomed into a romantic one, leading to their first date in January 2016.
Notable Quote:
Peyton (04:16): "I'm the husband."
Marriage and Early Tensions
In September 2017, amidst the backdrop of their growing relationship, Mengqi and Joe decided to solidify their commitment by getting married just 14 days after their engagement—a decision some believed was influenced by Mengqi's impending visa expiration. Their marriage quickly faced strains when Mengqi was offered a new job opportunity, prompting Joe to return to school and leaving Mengqi as the primary breadwinner.
The arrival of their daughter, Anna, in October 2018, added pressure to their already fragile marriage. Cultural differences and communication barriers surfaced as significant stressors. Mengqi's parents moved in to help with Anna, a traditional practice in Chinese culture that Joe found overwhelming, exacerbating tensions between him and Mengqi.
Notable Quote:
Joe (05:53): "I'm over here with Dose like oh well done. Just did it 17 times in one."
Mengqi's Disappearance
On the night of October 8, 2019, after attempting to initiate intimacy with Mengqi, Joe reported that Mengqi had left the house abruptly, leaving behind her car keys, cell phone, wallet, and their one-year-old daughter, Anna. Rather than immediately contacting authorities, Joe chose to take Anna on a long drive, a decision that raised suspicions given the circumstances.
By the next day, Mengqi remained missing. It wasn't until her parents reported her absence that a formal investigation commenced. Police discovered sexually explicit messages Mengqi had sent through a Chinese-based messaging app, suggesting an emotional relationship with another man, which Joe initially cited as a possible reason for her disappearance.
Notable Quote:
Joe (23:32): "She's still just a woman."
Investigation and Evidence
As the investigation unfolded, police unearthed recordings from both Joe and Mengqi, totaling significant hours of conversations filled with threats and abusive language from Joe. These recordings painted a picture of a volatile and abusive relationship, providing Joe with clear motives for Mengqi's disappearance.
Further evidence emerged when police discovered Mengqi's passport and personal belongings at Joe and Mengqi's residence, contradicting Joe's claim that Mengqi had fled to be with another man. Additionally, muddy hiking boots found in Joe's possession contained vegetation matching the location where Mengqi's remains were later discovered.
Notable Quotes:
Joe (33:00): "You think you are so empowered because of this society. Well, don't forget that nature exists and you're still just a woman."
Peyton (30:04): “He was brutally threatening her life. Like saying, I am stronger than you and could kill you.”
Trial and Conviction
In February 2020, prosecutors filed first-degree murder charges against Joe Elitch, followed by additional charges of child abuse after evidence surfaced of Joe physically abusing their daughter, Anna. Despite the lack of a body initially, the accumulation of circumstantial evidence and Joe's incriminating behavior led to his trial.
On February 19, 2020, Joe was charged with first-degree murder, and subsequently, evidence continued to point towards his culpability. The pivotal moment came in March 2021 when a hiker discovered Mengqi's remains in Rockbridge Memorial State Park, the very location where Mengqi and Joe had gotten engaged in 2017. Forensic analysis of the mud on Joe's hiking boots matched the vegetation surrounding Mengqi's burial site, solidifying the link between Joe and the crime scene.
During the trial, Joe's defense presented a narrative that lacked coherence, claiming Mengqi died peacefully in her sleep despite clear evidence of foul play. The jury, however, found Joe guilty of second-degree murder, attributing the death to a heated altercation rather than premeditation. Additionally, in February 2022, Joe was convicted of child abuse, resulting in a combined sentence of 38 years in prison.
Notable Quotes:
Joe (50:36): "She died in her sleep."
Peyton (33:22): "To Joe threatening to get Mungshi deported, to Joe then saying that Monkshee abuses him. It's a lot of yelling. It's a lot of nonsense. It's a lot of toxicity, a lot of gaslighting."
Aftermath and Conclusion
Following Joe's conviction, Mengqi’s one-year-old daughter, Anna, initially stayed with Mengqi's parents in China before moving to Joe's mother's home in Missouri, raising concerns about her well-being given her father's abuse and recent crimes. The case highlights the profound impact of cultural differences, communication breakdowns, and domestic abuse on relationships, ultimately leading to tragedy.
Peyton and Garrett emphasized the human cost of the case, honoring Mengqi Ji's memory and recognizing the ongoing struggles faced by Anna, who now navigates life without her parents.
Notable Quote:
Peyton (53:05): "Please keep her family in your thoughts today. You know, just remember that this is more than a true crime case. These are real people involved."
Conclusion
Episode 255 of Murder With My Husband offers a comprehensive and poignant examination of Mengqi Ji’s life, her tumultuous marriage with Joe Elitch, and the harrowing events that led to her disappearance and eventual death. Through detailed storytelling and the careful presentation of evidence, the podcast underscores the devastating effects of domestic abuse and the complexities involved in such tragic cases.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key elements discussed in the podcast episode. For a more immersive experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into Murder With My Husband by OH NO MEDIA.