Murder With My Husband: Episode 268 - The Murder of Cayley Mandadi
Released: May 12, 2025
Host: OH NO MEDIA
Description: A true crime podcast that ventures into the darkest crimes with a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.
Introduction
In Episode 268 of "Murder With My Husband," hosts Peyton Moreland and her husband Garrett Moreland delve into the tragic and mysterious case of Cayley Mandadi. Balancing their contrasting views on true crime—Peyton's passion and Garrett's apprehension—the couple navigates the complexities of Cayley's life, relationships, and untimely death.
Background of Cayley Mandadi
Cayley Mandadi, a 19-year-old sophomore at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, epitomized the quintessential college experience. Described as an "all-American girl," Cayley was not only a popular cheerleader but also academically driven, nurtured by her accomplished parents—her father an international executive for MGM Resorts and her mother a scientist, alongside her stepfather, a NASA engineer.
"Cayley brought that radiance with her to Trinity College," explains Peyton [05:51].
Cayley's Relationships: From Jet to Mark
Cayley's romantic life was a significant facet of her college experience. She previously dated Jet Burcham, a Trinity star football player and fellow member of Greek life, from January 2017 until their relationship soured by the summer. Seeking a more serious commitment in her sophomore year, Cayley met Mark Howerton, a 22-year-old former high school baseball star residing in Houston.
"Mark and I have a great relationship," Garrett remarks humorously about his own experiences, reflecting the dynamic between the hosts [02:32].
The Fateful Music Festival
On October 29, 2017, Cayley and Mark attended a music festival in San Antonio. The day took a pivotal turn when they decided to consume MDMA at a nearby car wash ([10:08]). The altered state heightened emotions, leading to an awkward encounter with Cayley's ex-boyfriend, Jet. This meeting ignited tensions, culminating in a heated argument between Cayley and Mark.
"We get into a bit of an argument. I told Cayley that Jet wasn't worth her time," Mark recounts during police interrogation [20:49].
The couple left the festival early, with Mark driving Cayley in his Mercedes. However, their journey took a tragic turn when Cayley became unresponsive.
Cayley's Disappearance and Discovery
Cayley failed to communicate with her friends and missed a scheduled sorority meeting after the festival. Her friends' growing concern led them to contact the police for a wellness check, but authorities initially declined due to Cayley's age, being over the 17-year limit for Amber Alerts.
At around 10 PM on October 29, Mark arrived at Luling, Texas, hospital, visibly distressed, claiming Cayley wasn't breathing ([19:40]). Paramedics discovered Cayley unconscious, with significant bruising and disheveled clothing, suggesting foul play rather than a mere overdose.
Investigation and Autopsy Findings
Police interrogated Mark, who maintained that Cayley had overdosed on MDMA and alcohol, leading to her collapse. However, discrepancies arose when the autopsy revealed the true cause of death: blunt force trauma to Cayley's head, resulting in a severe brain bleed.
"The autopsy stated that Cayley's head injury was so substantial that it caused her brain to separate from her skull," Peyton details [26:26].
These findings shifted the investigation towards homicide, with Mark becoming the prime suspect due to his inconsistent statements and the physical evidence against him.
First Trial and Mistrial
In December 2019, Mark Howerton faced trial for first-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including autopsy photos and witness testimonies. However, the defense countered by attributing Cayley's injuries to medical interventions during her overdose treatment and emphasizing the lack of direct eyewitnesses to the assault.
Jet Burcham's conflicting testimony further complicated the case. Initially claiming limited observation, his later statements did not fully corroborate the prosecution's narrative.
After extensive deliberations, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial [40:21].
Renewed Efforts and Second Trial
Undeterred, Cayley's parents, Allison Seal and Lawrence Baitland, intensified their pursuit of justice. They critically examined the autopsy photos, identifying specific injuries that suggested deliberate assault. Their relentless efforts included purchasing Mark's Mercedes to uncover additional evidence and commissioning reenactment videos to support their case.
In June 2023, the second trial commenced with new evidence, including cell phone data that contradicted Mark's initial account. Despite heightened scrutiny and public outcry, the jury found Mark not guilty of first-degree murder but convicted him of aggravated assault causing serious bodily harm, sentencing him to 20 years in prison and ordering him to pay $10,000 to Cayley's family [45:22].
Aftermath and Advocacy
The verdict left Cayley's family grappling with the limitations of the legal system. Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Allison Seal established "Kaylee's Calling," an organization advocating for extended Amber Alerts for adults. Her efforts led to legislative changes in Texas, aiming to expedite alerts for missing individuals aged 18 to 64.
"We want justice for our daughter, and we are getting to work," Lawrence emphasizes [41:01].
Kayley's family continues to promote awareness and support for victims of domestic violence, ensuring her legacy endures through community education and advocacy.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Cayley Mandadi underscores the complexities of domestic violence, legal challenges in prosecuting homicides, and the critical need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, Cayley's family strives to honor her memory and safeguard others from similar fates.
"You should have the right in this world to break up with anyone whenever and for whatever reason you want," Peyton asserts, highlighting the fundamental freedoms that must be respected to prevent abuse [37:44].
For more information or to support Kaylee's Calling, visit kayleescalling.org.
Notable Quotes
- Garrett Moreland [10:14]: "Well, sorry, what is mdma? Molly dance from? I didn't know that was Molly, did you?"
- Peyton Moreland [05:51]: "Cayley brought that radiance with her to Trinity College."
- Garrett Moreland [45:18]: "He's found guilty of aggravated assault causing serious bodily harm."
- Peyton Moreland [37:44]: "You should have the right in this world to break up with anyone whenever and for whatever reason you want."
Key Takeaways
- The Complexity of Domestic Abuse Cases: Cayley's case illustrates how domestic relationships can escalate into fatal violence, often obscured by initial appearances and misleading narratives.
- Legal System Limitations: The first mistrial and reduced charges in the second trial highlight challenges in securing full accountability for perpetrators in the face of inconsistent testimonies and circumstantial evidence.
- Advocacy for Systemic Change: Cayley's family’s establishment of "Kaylee's Calling" emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in law enforcement protocols to prevent delays in alerts for missing adults.
This detailed examination of Cayley Mandadi’s case offers listeners an in-depth understanding of the events leading to her tragic death, the ensuing legal battles, and the enduring impact on her family and community.