Murder With My Husband: Episode 267 – The Deadly Friend: The Murder of Lori Ann Slesinski

Host/Authors: Peyton Moreland and Garrett Moreland
Release Date: May 5, 2025

1. Introduction to the Case

In Episode 267 of Murder With My Husband, hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of Lori Ann Slesinski. This true crime episode meticulously unpacks the timeline, suspects, and eventual resolution of a case that spanned over a decade.

2. Lori's Background and Disappearance

Lori Ann Slesinski, a 24-year-old psychology and criminology graduate, was known for her friendly and outgoing nature. Born on September 21, 1981, Lori moved from New York to a rural Alabama farm at age 13, where she thrived academically and socially. By 2006, Lori was working at the East Alabama Mental Health Center and leading a fulfilling life enriched with hobbies like bike riding and recreational sports.

On June 10, 2006, Lori had plans for a Girls Night out with friends at Lindsay Braun’s home. At approximately 6:30 PM ([05:00] in the transcript), Lori informed Lindsay that she would stop by a store to pick up drink mixes before joining the gathering. However, Lori never arrived. Shortly after, Lindsay noticed Lori's car was missing, and the trailer home was left unlocked, raising immediate concerns.

3. Initial Investigation and Suspicion on Rick Ennis

As days passed without any sign of Lori, her friend Lindsay and her mother Arlene grew increasingly worried. During their investigation, Lindsay discovered that Lori had a friend named Rick Ennis, the last person known to have seen Lori alive. Initially, Rick was cooperative, but his claims soon raised red flags. He stated, “[06:30] 'We were actually growing marijuana together,'” a statement that seemed out of character for Lori, who had no known history with drugs.

Despite these suspicions, Detective Garrett expressed skepticism: “[05:20] Garrett Moreland: Honestly. This is why you don't trust anyone except yourself.” The lack of physical evidence and conflicting statements made it difficult for the police to build a strong case against Rick at the time.

4. Cold Case and New Evidence

Years passed without resolution, and the case went cold. In 2016, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations’ cold case unit, led by Special Agent Mark Whitaker, reopened Lori’s case. Delving into old evidence, Whitaker discovered an unopened report from 2007 indicating that Rick’s DNA was found on Lori’s bed sheets and the blood on her front door.

Additionally, a critical piece of evidence emerged when Rick’s former roommate revealed that Rick had left behind three rugs previously removed from Lori’s home. DNA analysis later showed Rick’s blood on one of these rugs, further implicating him in Lori’s disappearance.

5. Rick Ennis's Arrest and Trial

The breakthrough came on August 6, 2018, when Rick Ennis was arrested in Virginia. Over the years, Rick's criminal history unraveled, revealing a troubling past that included the murder of his parents at the age of 12. This history, combined with the new DNA evidence, solidified the case against him.

During the trial, Rick maintained his innocence, claiming that any interactions with Lori were consensual. However, the overwhelming evidence, including DNA ties and circumstantial links to Lori’s disappearance, led to his conviction. The jury found Rick guilty of two counts of capital murder, burglary, and kidnapping after deliberating for two days.

One poignant moment in the episode captures Peyton's reflection on closure:

“[40:49] Peyton Moreland: So on August 6, 2018, Rick is celebrating his 37th birthday in his new home in rural Virginia. ... the Slacinski family had a piece of it.”

6. Conclusions and Reflections

Despite Rick Ennis’s conviction, Lori’s body has never been found, leaving lingering questions about the final hours of her life. Her mother, Arlene, chose not to pursue the death penalty to avoid prolonged legal battles, instead accepting a life sentence for Rick. The episode concludes with the hosts emphasizing the emotional toll on Lori’s family and the enduring mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Garrett encapsulates the sense of incomplete justice:

“[41:08] Garrett Moreland: It’s sad when the parents can't have...you never even get full closure…”

Peyton echoes this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing quest for Lori’s final resting place and the hope that Rick may one day reveal the truth behind her disappearance.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peyton Moreland ([05:20]): “Today we are going to dial the clock back to 2006. We are traveling to Auburn, Alabama to meet the 24-year-old Lori Ann Slesinski.”

• Garrett Moreland ([05:20]): “Honestly. This is why you don't trust anyone except yourself.”

• Peyton Moreland ([19:24]): “He was a demon. Needs to go back to where he came from.”

• Peyton Moreland ([40:30]): “The only thing anyone really wants to hear from Rick is, where is Lori's body?”

• Garrett Moreland ([41:08]): “It’s sad when the parents can't have... you never even get full closure.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 267 of Murder With My Husband offers a compelling exploration of Lori Ann Slesinski’s tragic story, illustrating the complexities of a cold case and the pursuit of justice over an extended period. Through detailed narration and insightful commentary, Peyton and Garrett Moreland shed light on the challenges faced by investigators and the enduring impact on the families involved.