Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband – Episode 274: The Red Flag Romance - Kelly Dwyer
Introduction
In Episode 274 of "Murder With My Husband," hosted by Peyton and Garrett Moreland of OH NO MEDIA, the true crime duo delves into the tragic case of Kelly Dwyer. This episode, titled "The Red Flag Romance," explores how overlooked warning signs in a seemingly perfect relationship led to a devastating outcome.
Background: Kelly Dwyer's Fresh Start
Kelly Dwyer, a 27-year-old originally from the Chicago suburbs, sought a fresh start after her parents' tumultuous divorce. Moving to Milwaukee in 2013, Kelly immersed herself in the community, finding solace in yoga, teaching classes, working at Lululemon, and enjoying Milwaukee’s vibrant nightlife. Her efforts to rebuild her life were evident when she celebrated her 27th birthday with optimism, telling her friend Ryan, “[Kelly] felt really important to me” ([05:17]).
Meeting Chris Zoco: A Promising Relationship
Kelly met Chris Zoco, an 38-year-old IT executive from Boston University, through mutual friends. Despite an 11-year age gap, their shared backgrounds of divorced families and indulgence in recreational drugs initially bonded them. Chris's financial stability, showcased by his beautiful condo and sports cars, made a strong impression on Kelly. However, underlying issues in their relationship soon began to surface.
The Night Kelly Disappeared
On October 10, 2013, Kelly and Chris planned a date night. They spent the evening at a local bar, Liam, where Kelly appeared cheerful and relaxed, telling her friend Chanel she was looking forward to a “just having an easy day” ([15:29]). Later, they visited Ian's Pizza before returning to Chris's apartment around 2:37 AM on October 11th. The next day, Kelly failed to show up for her shift at Lululemon, prompting her coworkers to raise alarms when she also stopped updating her social media ([06:30]).
Investigation and Emerging Suspicion
Authorities launched a missing person's investigation, noting that Kelly's debit cards hadn't been used and her phone was either dead or turned off. Interestingly, Kelly's social media was deleted around the time of her disappearance, a significant red flag. Police turned their attention to Chris, who downplayed his relationship with Kelly, describing her as "someone he parties with" rather than his girlfriend ([19:45]).
Red Flags Unveiled
During interrogations, inconsistencies arose. Security footage showed Kelly entering Chris's apartment but never leaving, contradicting Chris's claim that she left around 9 AM ([20:51]). Additionally, Chris had removed the SIM card from his phone, hindering tracking efforts. A subsequent search of Chris’s apartment revealed substantial amounts of drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, and disturbing evidence such as sex videos showing Kelly in distress and photos of her unconscious, suggesting possible abuse ([24:37]).
Further investigations revealed that Chris had a long-term girlfriend, Megan Pollack, unaware of his relationship with Kelly. Megan reported odd behavior from Chris, including excessive sweating and missing items from his apartment, such as a guest bathroom shower curtain and a golf bag, which investigators later linked to the disappearance of Kelly ([35:28]).
Discovery of Kelly's Remains
On May 1, 2015, Christopher Fountain discovered skeletal remains in a remote area west of Milwaukee. Dental records confirmed the remains belonged to Kelly Dwyer. Although the autopsy was inconclusive regarding the cause of death, the position of Kelly's body suggested she had been concealed, likely in a container similar to a golf bag ([42:36]).
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Despite mounting evidence, including testimonies from other women who experienced violent behavior from Chris, authorities awaited more concrete proof before filing murder charges. In November 2014, Chris was sentenced to 19 years for drug possession and child pornography charges. However, it wasn't until additional evidence and witness testimonies surfaced that the district attorney moved forward with murder charges. In 2018, Chris was convicted of first-degree reckless homicide, strangulation, and suffocation, receiving an additional 31-year sentence without credit for time served ([45:22]).
Lessons and Conclusions
The case of Kelly Dwyer underscores the importance of recognizing and acting upon red flags in relationships. Both hosts emphasize trusting one’s instincts when warning signs emerge, as ignoring them can lead to severe consequences. Peyton and Garrett also highlight the role of community and vigilance in preventing such tragedies.
Notable Quotes
- Peyton: “You see, when we ignore red flags, they could lead to something far more deadly than heartbreak.” ([05:17])
- Garrett: “He's the husband.” ([01:20]) (Lighthearted moment highlighting the dynamic between hosts)
- Garrett: “That's a horrible word.” ([42:36]) (Reacting to the discovery of Kelly's remains)
Supporting Information and Resources
Listeners moved by Kelly's story are encouraged to support the Sojourner Family Peace Center, a fundraiser established by Kelly’s family to aid women impacted by violence. Donations can be made at www.familypeacecenter.org.
Conclusion
Episode 274 of "Murder With My Husband" presents a compelling narrative of Kelly Dwyer's life and untimely death, illustrating the devastating effects of overlooked red flags in relationships. Through meticulous investigation and persistent pursuit of justice, the episode serves as a potent reminder to heed warning signs and prioritize personal safety.