Murder With My Husband: Episode 259 - "The Therapist That Prescribed Murder!"
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host/Authors: Peyton Moreland & Garrett Moreland
Podcast Description: A true crime podcast delving into sinister crimes, featuring a wife intrigued by true crime and a husband who isn't a fan.
Introduction
In Episode 259 of Murder With My Husband, titled "The Therapist That Prescribed Murder!", hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland explore a chilling true crime case involving familial manipulation, mental health struggles, and an attempted murder orchestrated by a mental health professional.
Setting the Scene: New York City, 2012
The episode transports listeners back to 2012 in New York City, focusing on Jacob Nolan, a 20-year-old grappling with severe mental health issues. Jacob, the third of three children in a seemingly stable and affluent family, was diagnosed with ADHD at age five. Despite his early academic ingenuity—winning awards for an iPhone study app—his condition worsened into depression and bipolar disorder by his teenage years.
Notable Quote:
"Jake put that innovative side of himself to the test, and he actually created an iPhone app that was meant to be a study tool for his classmates. He even won a prestigious award for it." [06:25]
As his mental health deteriorated, Jacob resorted to self-medication with drugs and alcohol, leading his parents to seek a more stable environment for him.
Enter Pamela Buckbinder: The Manipulative Psychiatrist
Jacob's parents decided that staying with his cousin Pamela Buckbinder, a 43-year-old psychiatrist, might aid his recovery. Pamela agreed to provide daily therapy and manage his medications in exchange for Jacob's assistance with household duties and helping raise her son, Calder.
Notable Quote:
"He could come stay with her, get daily therapy sessions while she helped monitor his medication, which this is like, amazing." [08:24]
Initially, the arrangement seemed beneficial. Pamela's influence appeared positive, giving Jacob a sense of purpose and stability. However, the relationship soon took a sinister turn.
The Dark Turn: Manipulation and Indoctrination
Over the course of a year, Pamela systematically manipulated Jacob. She inundated him with fabricated tales of abuse by her ex-boyfriend, Michael Weiss, creating a narrative that positioned Michael as a threat to Calder's safety. Pamela's tactics blurred the lines between professional guidance and personal manipulation, effectively brainwashing Jacob.
Notable Quote:
"Pamela did have an agenda. She knew exactly what she was trying to do by sending Jake these lovey, flirty, sweet texts." [16:16]
The pivotal moment came when Pamela convinced Jacob that eliminating Michael was the only way to protect Calder. She provided him with a map, a sledgehammer, and even specified the song to play during the attack.
The Attempted Murder: A Tragic Outcome
On the night of November 11, 2012, Jacob followed Pamela's instructions to attack Michael Weiss. Armed with a 10-pound sledgehammer and a knife, Jacob confronted Michael at his psychiatry office. The confrontation escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in both men being stabbed. A neighbor intervened, calling 911 and separating the two men.
Notable Quote:
"Jake's like, well, I don't know what to do. So he says, no, no, I came over here to get this signed and..." [28:58]
Despite Jake's intention to kill, the attack failed, leaving both him and Michael wounded. Jacob's subsequent behavior—taking a selfie covered in blood and reaching out to Pamela from the hospital—highlighted the extent of his manipulation and loss of autonomy.
Legal Proceedings: The Trial of Jacob Nolan
Jacob was charged with second-degree murder, facing substantial bail and potential prison time. His defense team mounted an insanity plea, arguing that Pamela's manipulation and his mental health conditions rendered him incapable of understanding his actions.
Notable Quote:
"The defense even calls an expert to the stand who compares Pamela to a cult leader." [34:15]
However, statements made by Jacob during therapy sessions contradicted the insanity defense. He admitted to discussing various methods to kill Michael, undermining claims that he was entirely controlled by Pamela's influence.
Ultimately, the jury convicted Jacob of attempted murder, sentencing him to nine and a half years in prison. He expressed deep regret over his actions and continued fears of Pamela's influence.
Pamela Buckbinder's Downfall
Despite initial leniency, Pamela's involvement became undeniable when security footage from Home Depot placed her at the scene where Jacob purchased the murder weapon. This evidence led to her arrest in October 2017. Facing charges related to her role in the attempted murder, Pamela changed her plea to guilty but later retracted it, citing various hardships. The court dismissed her withdrawal, sentencing her to eleven years in prison.
Notable Quote:
"Most of you have unique needs... Get more with Geico." [44:35]
Michael Weiss, the victim, attended Pamela's sentencing and shared the lasting impact of the attack on his life.
Aftermath and Reflections
The case underscores the profound dangers of manipulation by trusted mental health professionals. It highlights vulnerabilities in individuals struggling with mental health issues and raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of those in caregiving roles.
Final Thoughts:
"We often are talking about mental health in these cases, but this was one case where a lot of people believe that if mental health had not been a component, there actually would have not been any attempted murder." [45:42]
The episode concludes by reflecting on the intricate interplay between mental health, trust, and manipulation, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of such tragic events.
Conclusion
Episode 259 of Murder With My Husband provides a captivating and harrowing exploration of a true crime case where mental health vulnerabilities were exploited by a trusted family member and professional. Through detailed narration and insightful commentary, Peyton and Garrett Moreland shed light on the devastating consequences of such manipulation, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded.
Notable Advertisements Skipped:
- Shopify Promotion
- ZocDoc Advertisement
- Jolie Shower Head Endorsement
- Warby Parker Sponsorship
- Babbel Language Learning Promo
- Lean Weight Loss Supplement Ad
- GEICO Insurance Promotion
This summary captures the essence of Episode 259, focusing on key events, discussions, and insights while omitting non-content sections such as advertisements and casual banter.