Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband
Episode 310: The Suspicious Death of Lois McMillen
Release Date: March 2, 2026
Hosts: Peyton Moreland & Garrett Moreland
Episode Overview
This episode delves into the mysterious and still-unsolved murder of Lois McMillen, a 34-year-old artist who was found dead on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands in 2000. Peyton and Garrett recount Lois’s privileged upbringing, the circumstances leading up to her death, the subsequent investigation, and the controversial prosecution of four American men—all tourists—who were charged and eventually acquitted. The hosts critically examine how circumstantial evidence, questionable witnesses, and investigative shortcomings led to justice remaining elusive decades later.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Lois McMillen’s Background and Life Before the Crime
(04:24 – 09:58)
- Lois grew up in an affluent family, splitting her time between Connecticut and her family's winter estate on Tortola.
- She enjoyed a privileged childhood with activities like horseback riding, travel, and art, eventually pursuing painting as a career.
- Lois was known for giving back, volunteering with Make A Wish, Greenpeace, and the Humane Society.
- The family became close with other American “snowbirds”, notably the Spicer family and their son Michael.
Notable Quote:
“She had horseback riding lessons, trips to summer sleepaway camps, school abroad in Switzerland...an upbringing most children only dream of.” – Peyton [05:49]
2. Setting the Stage: The Fatal Vacation
(09:58 – 13:49)
- Michael Spicer arrives on Tortola with friends Alex Benedetto, Evan George, and William Labrador. Lois reconnects with them; her past romantic involvement with Alex is noted.
- On January 13th, Lois dines with the group. The following night, she goes out alone to the Jolly Roger Inn.
- Lois is last seen around 10:30pm, driving off alone from the bar.
3. Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation
(13:49 – 21:19)
- The next morning, a local, Winsome Manning, discovers a female body along the rocky shoreline, unrecognizable due to seawater exposure.
- Key evidence found along the path included scattered belongings (necklace, mace, shoe) and blood on the rocks, suggesting foul play over accidental drowning.
- Lois's parents report her missing, and soon police link the missing person to the body found.
Memorable Moment:
“When Lois still wasn’t back by 10am the next morning, her parents raced down to the local police station...I just can’t. Like, that would just be so sad...How do you take that in?” – Garrett [18:58]
4. Early Suspicions & Interrogations
(21:19 – 31:38)
- Police locate Lois’s car—clean, undamaged, but with its floor wet and sandy, and suspiciously wiped of fingerprints.
- Lois’s mother expresses suspicion about the four young men’s lack of contact after Lois’s death.
- Police question Michael Spicer and friends, noting their confused reactions but also observing red flags:
- Wet, sandy sneakers at the house
- Red stain on Michael’s shirt (later tested)
- Resistance from Alex during the room search
- Tampons matching Lois’s brand in Alex’s trash
- Recent trimmed fingernails on all men
Notable Quote:
“It feels like he has nothing to hide...all of the boys deny having anything to do with Lois’s death. Still, the police are thinking these four guys are their best lead at the moment.” – Peyton [26:33]
Discussion:
The hosts repeatedly question whether these are just coincidences or valid points of suspicion, noting that much of the evidence is circumstantial.
“Like, from the outside looking in right now, extremely difficult. Like, I don’t think you...there’s no way this gets past a jury. It’s all circumstantial.” – Garrett [31:07]
5. Charges and Forensic Shortcomings
(31:38 – 37:10)
- Despite a lack of direct evidence, the four men are arrested on suspicion of murder.
- DNA analysis and forensic testing (blood stains, sand samples, shoeprints) yield no connection to the suspects.
- The case is purely circumstantial until a jailhouse informant emerges.
Memorable Moment:
“All of it told the same story. None of it connected to any of these four men. So the case is purely circumstantial. That was until a man named Jeffrey Plant came into the picture.” – Peyton [35:57]
6. The Jailhouse Snitch and Questionable Testimony
(37:10 – 44:16)
- Jeffrey Plant claims William confessed the crime to him, describing details matching the mode of death.
- The defense points out Plant’s history as a conman and serial informant, having lied before for personal gain.
- Despite this, Plant’s testimony becomes the prosecution’s only substantial evidence against William.
Notable Quote:
“You can. Trusting an informant seems extremely difficult, especially one who has a history of lying. Like knowingly lying.” – Peyton [38:36]
7. The Trial and Acquittal
(42:07 – 44:47)
- After prolonged pretrial detention, the court acquits Michael, Alex, and Evan due to lack of evidence.
- William remains on trial solely due to Plant’s contested testimony; he is found guilty and sentenced to life.
- William's conviction is eventually overturned, with the British court citing “judicial errors” and the unreliability of the prosecution's informant, barring retrial.
Notable Quote:
“Their ruling also comes with another win for William Labrador. It bars a retrial. Which means after nearly three years behind bars...he’s finally allowed to return to the States, get back to his life without fear of being retried.” – Peyton [45:32]
8. Loose Ends, Alternative Suspects, and Unanswered Questions
(45:25 – 51:24)
- The hosts discuss the failure to seriously pursue other leads, such as Lois’s ex-fiancé, Luigi Longorini, who had a history of abuse and a possible motive but was never questioned or tested for DNA.
- Other puzzling aspects: evidence Lois had intercourse in the 48 hours prior (DNA not matching the accused), untraced man seen with her at the bar, and forensic suggestions that her body may have drifted from deeper waters.
- Peyton emphasizes the investigation seemed “improperly handled from the beginning,” with DNA and other leads seemingly lost.
Notable Quote:
“Sometimes...the investigation has been, like, pounded into the dirt...But there is so much investigation done. I do feel like this investigation was just handled improperly from the beginning.” – Peyton [50:44]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the plight of suspects in a flawed system:
“Say you are innocent. You go out with this girl, you’re just on vacation with your friends and police show up, wake you up...and the next day you’re arrested, you’ve been in jail since, and now you’re at trial. Like, that’s low key, wild.” – Peyton [39:13]
-
On unreliable criminal informants:
“I this is wild. If he goes to prison...based off of an informant that was a liar previously. That’s not fair.” – Garrett [42:40]
-
On the unresolved nature of the case:
“There just isn’t enough evidence for me to think it was them. There’s no other suspects. Like, how does that happen? Just a cold case gone. Just nothing.” – Garrett [50:27]
Timeline of Key Events
- 05:49: Lois McMillen’s privileged upbringing and penchant for art
- 13:49: Lois is last seen at Jolly Roger Inn (January 14, 1999)
- 15:12: Body is found; clues suggest possible attack
- 21:19: Lois’s car is recovered, evidence is ambiguous but suspicious
- 26:33: Interrogation of the four men; circumstantial red flags
- 31:38: All four arrested on murder charges
- 35:56: Forensic evidence provides no direct link to accused
- 37:10: Jailhouse informant Jeffrey Plant’s claims
- 42:07: Michael, Alex, and Evan acquitted
- 44:47: William Labrador is convicted, later exonerated (45:25)
- 47:39: Alternative suspect Luigi Longorini introduced, never investigated
- 50:23: Episode concludes with the case still unsolved
Tone and Approach
Peyton brings empathy and thoroughness to the storytelling, always centering both victim and accused in her analysis of justice. Garrett, his skepticism and practicality evident, constantly questions the viability of circumstantial cases and flawed prosecutions. Together, they maintain a conversational, easygoing tone that balances seriousness with levity, ensuring the episode is informative without being overly somber.
Conclusion
The suspicious death of Lois McMillen remains unsolved, overshadowed by a flawed investigation, circumstantial evidence, and judicial missteps that left her family without closure. This episode highlights the dangers of rushed prosecutions and the importance of competent investigations, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of injustice and unanswered questions.