Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband

Episode 301: The Casting Call Killer – The Murder of Kristi Johnson
Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Peyton Moreland, Garrett Moreland

Main Theme

This episode examines the 2003 murder of Kristi Johnson, a 21-year-old aspiring film professional in Los Angeles, targeted by a predator posing as a casting director for a James Bond film. The hosts trace how Kristi's case reveals a chilling predatory pattern by the so-called "Casting Call Killer," real name Victor Paleologos, and the recurring failures of the justice system to stop him before he finally killed.

Episode Structure & Key Discussion Points

1. Opening Reflections on Ambition and Vulnerability [04:17]

• Peyton introduces Kristi Johnson as an ambitious young woman chasing her dream in LA’s film industry, highlighting Hollywood’s allure—and its risks for newcomers.

  "But following a dream can feel a lot like being in love... it can make us vulnerable, especially in a town where everyone is sort of going after the same thing, like Los Angeles." (Peyton, 04:23)

2. Kristi Johnson’s Disappearance [04:59–13:09]

• Kristi calls her mom about shopping at Century City Mall on Feb 15, 2003. After two days without contact, her mother notifies police—unusual, since Kristi was very close to family.
• Police and hosts debate at what point to take "missing adult" cases seriously.

  “For me, I’d probably wait like a week, which is really bad because I’d just assume everything is probably fine.” (Garrett, 08:26) “I would call the same day. Two missed calls—cops.” (Peyton, 08:46)

• Kristi had told her roommate, Carrie, she’d been approached by a “producer” about an audition for a Bond girl role, instructed to come dressed provocatively, and didn’t return.
• Security footage shows Kristi shopping alone; no sign of an audition handler.

3. Breakthrough from a Survivor: Susan Murphy’s Story [17:28–21:17]

• Susan Murphy, after seeing Kristi’s story in the LA Times, reports a near-identical scam: scouted in a mall for a James Bond casting; told to bring the same outfit.
• Susan avoids danger by showing up with her boyfriend to the “audition”; the man, “Victor Thomas,” flees on seeing him.
• Security footage finally corroborates Susan’s story—a significant, credible lead.

  "This is obviously the exact same costume Kristi told her roommate she had to bring to the audition." (Peyton, 18:31)

4. The Hunt for the Predator [21:17–26:37]

• “Victor Thomas” is clearly an alias. Tips come in: a real estate agent describes a prospective buyer matching the composite sketch, behaving bizarrely (screaming behind closed doors in empty homes).
• Parole officer IDs the sketch as Victor Paleologos, a known offender who has broken parole.

5. Victor Paleologos’ Pattern of Predation [26:37–36:08]

• Detailed look at Paleologos’ predatory history since 1989, involving repeated scams using the entertainment industry as a lure, sexual assaults, and attempted rape—often escaping real consequences.

  “It's like, this is the most in your face pattern of gonna eventually murder.” (Peyton, 29:06) “Like, I think—yeah, put him in prison for life. Don't care. He's not doing anything useful to the country anyways.” (Garrett, 28:42)

• Repeatedly, victims fend him off; police/courts treat offenses lightly.

6. The Fatal Escalation: Kristi’s Murder [40:57–43:11]

• Paleologos snared Kristi just weeks after being released on parole.
• Kristi’s remains are discovered in a sleeping bag, bound; likely suffocated, possibly alive when left for dead.
• Lack of DNA means prosecution must rely on witness accounts and patterns.

7. Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath [43:05–51:46]

• Paleologos pleads guilty to avoid the death penalty after numerous victims testify to his methods—then tries unsuccessfully to withdraw his plea.

  “If only he knew that the death penalty would eventually be taken off the table so shortly after this, he actually tries to back out of his plea...” (Peyton, 44:34)

• Paleologos is sentenced to 25 years to life, with the possibility of parole—sparking outrage.
• Survivors, especially actress Kathy Debono who nearly fell for Victor’s scam, campaign to keep him behind bars.

  “There’s people sitting in life in prison for first offenses, mind you, that aren’t even sexual assault.” (Peyton, 45:45)

8. Ongoing Fight to Block Parole [46:56–51:46]

• Kathy and survivors create a documentary and ongoing campaign ("Justice for Kristi"), especially as possible parole due to new California laws looms.
• In 2025, Paleologos waives his parole hearing—a relief to victims’ families but not the end of their vigilance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On systemic failure:

  “I am genuinely very, very confused... I don’t understand how—how he’s not in prison.” (Garrett, 33:47–33:51)

• Pattern recognition in justice:

  “There’s a difference in the type of crimes he was committing versus other criminals. Like when he is premeditating, using the same ruse, tying women up. Like, those are indicators of reoffending.” (Peyton, 51:18)

• About the plea and refusal to admit guilt:

  “Not just the assault, but, like, all the way down to the fact that I didn’t tell you that I was a producer... I don’t know. It’s crazy.” (Peyton, 45:57)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Kristi’s Last Known Movements: [04:59–13:09]
• First Survivor Breaks Silence, Sets Pattern: [17:28–21:17]
• Predator’s Full History and Systemic Misses: [26:37–36:08]
• Discovery of Kristi’s Body & Investigation: [40:57–43:11]
• Trial, Guilty Plea, Sentencing: [43:05–45:32]
• Parole Fight & Victims’ Advocacy: [46:56–51:46]

Closing Note

Peyton closes:

“Take some time today to think of Kristi’s family, who are still hurting... and all the other victims... imagine how just terrifying that was for them and how hard they are working now to keep him in prison.” (Peyton, 51:47)

Signature Sign-off:

"I love it." (Peyton)
"I hate it." (Garrett)

Tone and Style

The episode balances Peyton’s empathy for the victims, thorough investigative storytelling, and true crime fascination with Garrett’s exasperated, incredulous reactions and dark humor about the criminal justice system. Both openly vent their frustration with repeated failures to stop Victor before Kristi’s murder and reflect on survivor resilience and advocacy.

Summary Takeaway

Episode 301 provides a powerful, detailed case study of predatory manipulation and repeated institutional denial, culminating in a senseless murder. The hosts remind listeners that behind every “true crime story” are real lives lost—and real survivors still fighting for justice.