Episode 273: The Man Who Dreamt His Own Death - John Yelenic

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: OH NO MEDIA
Podcast: Murder With My Husband
Hosts: Peyton Moreland and Garrett Moreland

Introduction to the Case

In this compelling episode of Murder With My Husband, hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the chilling true story of John Yelenic, a single father whose premonition of his own demise became a haunting reality. The episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to John's brutal murder, the ensuing investigation, and the complex web of relationships that may have culminated in tragedy.

Background of John Yelenic

John Yelenic, born on February 20, 1967, in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, led a commendable life marked by dedication both professionally and personally. Despite losing his father in a car accident shortly after his birth, John's resilient mother ensured he excelled academically, culminating in honors in both college and dental school. John specialized in pediatric dentistry, earning admiration for making dental visits enjoyable for children.

John's personal life saw him marrying Michelle Kamler on New Year's Eve 1997 after a swift courtship. Michelle, a divorced mother of two and a Budweiser girl, integrated into John's life, and together they adopted a boy named JJ from Russia, fulfilling John's long-held desire to have a child of his own.

Cracks in the Marriage

Despite outward appearances of a thriving family and a growing dental practice, subtle tensions began to surface. Peyton Moreland reflects on the couple's stability, noting, "We've recorded here for five years... nostalgic, it almost feels like it's carrying all of our energy" (04:27).

By around 2002, rumors of infidelity began to circulate, leading to John and Michelle deciding to separate. Michelle moved out with their children, and while initially amicable, the separation gradually soured. Accusations emerged, with Michelle alleging that John was abusing their adopted son JJ—a claim vehemently denied by John's friends and eventually dismissed by the court, which found no evidence of abuse (26:44).

John’s Premonition and Mysterious Death

In early 2006, four years after their separation, John approached his lawyer with an unsettling request. He entrusted $10,000 to be used specifically for investigating his potential murder, expressing a deep-seated fear: "I have a feeling that I'm going to be murdered..." (12:24). This premonition was eerily fulfilled on April 13, 2006, when John's neighbor, nine-year-old Zachary, discovered his lifeless body with a slit throat upon visiting their home to play (14:58).

The violent nature of the crime scene shocked first responders and set off a complex investigation. Blood was found throughout the house, and bloody boot prints led investigators outside, suggesting the presence of another individual at the scene. The initial misidentification of the report as a heart attack added confusion, delaying the realization of the gruesome reality (19:23).

Investigation and Emerging Suspects

Detectives began piecing together John's relationships and potential motives for his murder. Early leads pointed toward Michelle Kamler, primarily due to her upcoming divorce finalization, which would result in her losing significant spousal support and potentially gaining a substantial life insurance payout. However, physical evidence initially did not link Michelle directly to the crime.

Attention soon shifted to Kevin Foley, Michelle's new boyfriend and a Pennsylvania State Trooper. Colleagues testified to Foley's open hostility towards John, with one stating, "Kevin would just casually mention... how he wished John... would die a horrible death" (37:30). Surveillance footage captured a truck resembling Foley's near John's house on the night of the murder, and forensic evidence found under John's fingernails strongly implicated Foley: "there's only a 1 in 13,000 chance that the DNA found under John's fingernails does not belong to Kevin Foley" (41:38).

Trial and Conviction

Kevin Foley was arrested and stood trial in March 2009. The prosecution's case hinged on the DNA evidence and testimonies from Foley's colleagues about his animosity towards John. Despite conflicting DNA test results—initially indicating a 1 in 13,000 chance the DNA was not Foley's, later tests improved the probability to an astounding 1 in 189 billion—the defense struggled to counter the compelling forensic evidence.

Foley admitted to harboring ill feelings towards John but maintained his innocence, attributing his statements to humor rather than intent. Notably, Michelle Kamler did not testify, leaving lingering suspicions among some listeners about her potential involvement. After two weeks of testimony, Foley was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment (45:30).

Aftermath and Unresolved Questions

Following Foley's conviction, Michelle relocated to Georgia with her children, effectively closing the chapter on public scrutiny. However, unresolved tensions linger among John's friends and family, some of whom speculate about Michelle's possible indirect involvement or coercion of Foley, despite the lack of concrete evidence. The podcast hosts emphasize the emotional toll and lingering doubts that often accompany such unsolved nuances in real-life cases.

John's final wish, as he entrusted his lawyer, was for his son JJ to know how much he was loved, adding a poignant note to the tragic narrative.

Notable Quotes and Insights

• Peyton Moreland (04:27): "Nostalgia, it almost feels like it's carrying all of our energy. Like from the beginning of this podcast. It's almost like a relic."

• Garrett Moreland (05:57): "Do you think you would play devil's advocate?"

• Peyton Moreland (24:35): "So they've been officially separated for years, but had never actually gone through and finalized a divorce."

• Garrett Moreland (37:32): "What is wrong with people?"

• Peyton Moreland (46:52): "And that is the case of John Yellenic."

Conclusion

Episode 273 of Murder With My Husband offers a gripping exploration of John Yelenic's life, his tragic end, and the intricate investigation that ensued. Through detailed storytelling and insightful commentary, Peyton and Garrett Moreland present a case that not only highlights the complexities of human relationships and premonitions but also underscores the relentless pursuit of justice amidst lingering doubts and unresolved questions.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments and focuses solely on the content pertaining to the case of John Yelenic.