Murder With My Husband - Episode 275: The Acid Lady - The Murder of Tim Schuster

Published by OH NO MEDIA on June 30, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 275 of "Murder With My Husband," hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the chilling true crime case of Tim Schuster, exploring the intricate dynamics of his marriage and the events leading to his tragic demise. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key points, critical insights, and notable quotes with timestamps for an engaging and comprehensive overview.

Background of Tim Schuster and Larissa Foreman

Tim Schuster, a 45-year-old resident of Clovis, California, had established a solid career in the medical field. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Tim moved to California in 1988 after completing his nursing degree at Chapman University. He rose to prominence as the manager of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at St. Agnes Hospital, earning respect for his intelligence, compassion, and dedication.

In 1982, Tim met Larissa Foreman, a biochemist from Clarence, Missouri. Larissa was equally driven and intelligent, working as an aide at a hospital in Columbia before pursuing a prestigious role in an agricultural research lab in California. The couple quickly fell in love, marrying the same year they met and soon welcoming their first child, Kristen, in 1985. Their family expanded with the birth of their son, Tyler, in 1990.

The Breakdown of the Marriage

The Morelands highlight the evolving power dynamics within Tim and Larissa's marriage. As Larissa's career flourished, she became the primary breadwinner, earning double Tim's salary. This shift led to increased pressure and higher expectations for household management and parenting.

[10:45] Peyton Moreland: "Larissa demanded more and more from Tim. Her standards and expectations for what he and the kids were supposed to do and how they were supposed to behave got higher and higher."

The tension escalated when their daughter Kristen entered her teenage years, defying curfews and rules. Larissa's stringent disciplinary measures, including sending Kristen to Missouri to stay with relatives, clashed with Tim's more lenient approach. This disagreement intensified the strain on their relationship, culminating in February 2002, when Larissa filed for divorce and demanded Tim move out.

Despite the divorce filing, neither party was willing to relinquish the family home, leading to a tumultuous cohabitation where Tim resided in a guest room. The escalating resentment culminated in Larissa gaining primary custody of Tyler and retaining ownership of the family home.

[13:54] Garrett Moreland: "She got awarded the family house because she was taking care of the kid."

Tim Schuster's Disappearance

A year after the separation, on July 9, 2003, Tim faced a series of misfortunes. He was laid off from his position at St. Agnes Hospital, compounded by a recent burglary at his new condo where personal belongings were stolen. Social interactions suggested Tim was beginning to rebuild his life, including a dinner with coworkers and plans to meet Mary, a fellow laid-off colleague, for support.

However, Tim never showed up for a scheduled brunch with Mary the following morning. Concerned, Mary contacted a mutual friend to check on Tim, discovering his phone left in his unlocked condo but no sign of him.

[17:26] Peyton Moreland: "But he still continues to try to get this new life in order."

Amid speculations of suicide, police investigations revealed underlying tensions stemming from Tim and Larissa's acrimonious divorce. Larissa's inconsistent statements about contacting Tim and suspicious behavior further raised red flags.

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation uncovered disturbing behaviors from Larissa and her personal assistant, James Figone. Larissa had previously orchestrated break-ins to Tim's property, enlisting James to assist in stealing and disposing of evidence against Tim. These actions reflected her deep-seated resentment and desire to sabotage Tim's new life.

[30:30] Garrett Moreland: "So she could put some of the things she stole from his house in there."

James eventually confessed to the murder, revealing that on the night of July 9th, he and Larissa attacked Tim. James admitted to using a stun gun to incapacitate Tim, followed by Larissa applying chloroform to ensure he remained unconscious. They then transported Tim to Larissa's laboratory where he was brutally killed by being submerged in hydrochloric acid.

[35:32] Garrett Moreland: "That's insane. That's insane."

The police discovered critical evidence linking Larissa and James to the crime, including the stun gun, chloroform containers, and premeditated purchases of chemicals needed for the murder.

Arrest and Trial

Larissa fled to Missouri with her son following Tim's disappearance. She was apprehended at the St. Louis airport and extradited to California, where both she and James faced first-degree murder charges.

During the trial, James took the stand, detailing his coerced involvement under Larissa's intimidation. Despite his attempts to distance himself, the prosecution's robust evidence against both conspirators led to his conviction and a life sentence without parole.

Larissa's trial commenced in October 2007, relocated to Los Angeles due to media attention. The prosecution presented damning evidence, including Larissa's own emails and search histories related to acid digestion, underscoring her role as the mastermind behind Tim's murder. In a surprising turn, Larissa maintained her innocence, casting blame solely on James.

[45:21] Garrett Moreland: "Oh, my gosh."

The jury found Larissa guilty of first-degree murder on December 12, 2007, and she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her daughter Kristen, who had estranged herself from Larissa, voiced her condemnation during the sentencing, expressing her desire for her mother's punishment to reflect the gravity of her actions.

[47:45] Garrett Moreland: "Good for her."

Conclusion and Reflections

Peyton and Garrett reflect on the Motive behind Larissa's actions, emphasizing the destructive power of resentment and hatred in dismantling seemingly stable relationships. They discuss the rarity of such cases where the wife is the perpetrator, aiming to shed light on the fact that domestic homicide transcends gender roles.

[48:55] Garrett Moreland: "It just. I mean, it can happen to anyone, is the bottom line. Like it can happen to anybody."

The episode concludes with the hosts underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing deep-seated emotional turmoil within relationships to prevent such tragedies.

Notable Quotes

• Peyton Moreland at [10:45]: "Larissa demanded more and more from Tim. Her standards and expectations for what he and the kids were supposed to do and how they were supposed to behave got higher and higher."

• Peyton Moreland at [17:26]: "But he still continues to try to get this new life in order."

• Garrett Moreland at [35:32]: "That's insane. That's insane."

• Peyton Moreland at [48:55]: "And I think that the motive, honestly feels like it's coming at least from the same route for both male and female. It's like this anger and rage and resentment and. And just hatred."

Final Thoughts

The case of Tim Schuster serves as a harrowing reminder of how personal vendettas and unresolved marital conflicts can escalate into irrevocable violence. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, justice was ultimately served, highlighting the crucial role of law enforcement and the judicial system in unraveling complex domestic cases.

For listeners interested in exploring more such true crime stories, "Murder With My Husband" continues to provide in-depth analyses and gripping narratives that shed light on the darkest facets of human relationships and criminality.

Disclaimer: This summary is derived from the podcast transcript and aims to provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of the episode. All names and details are based on the provided content.