Proof: A True Crime Podcast

Murder at the Warehouse | Ep. 17 – The Butterfly (May 6, 2024)

Hosts: Susan Simpson & Jacinda Davis

Overview of Episode Theme

This emotional and revealing season finale centers on the reinvestigation into the 2000 murder of 18-year-old Renee Ramos, focusing on the implications of long-overlooked evidence and the impact of wrongful convictions. Simpson and Davis give fresh voice to the experience of Renee’s friends and family—especially now that many believe the two men convicted for her murder, Jake Silva and Ty Lopes, were innocent. The episode features forensic analysis, powerful testimony, and new witness accounts, and closes with hope that recently rediscovered evidence could finally exonerate Jake and reveal the truth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reflections and Emotional Toll on Families

[01:12 - 06:09]

• The anniversary of Renee’s death is marked by memories, grief, and hope. Her mother, Donna, reflects on coming to believe in Jake and Ty’s innocence after years thinking justice had been served.

  “And now I'm. I'm totally thinking that they are both innocent. ... It just makes me cry. I just cry so much because I feel for Jake.” — Donna Ramos [05:17]

• Families express gratitude to podcast hosts for reopening the case, despite the pain it brings.

Long-Standing Legal Obstacles for Jake Silva

[09:03 - 10:33]

• Jake still lacks legal representation; efforts to find pro bono help have failed due to the case’s complexity.
• Plea put out on the podcast for any attorneys or innocence projects willing to represent Jake.

The Ripple Effects of Wrongful Conviction

[10:33 - 12:04]

• Ty Lopes’s daughter, Mandy, describes connecting with Renee’s family and the importance of continuing to fight for justice, reflecting on the healing (but also the uncertainty) brought by newfound information.

  “I just want to know the truth. I do feel like it’s closer. You guys found out so much more. ... But I am excited, and I can’t help feeling that excited.” — Mandy [11:40]

The Search for Missing Evidence & Police Records

[12:04 - 13:48]

• Suspicion lingers that key video surveillance and evidence may still exist within the Manteca Police Department. Mandy and Donna submit a joint letter urging police to release full case records for independent review.

Expert Forensic Analysis: Medical & Entomological Insights

Dr. Eric Peters (Forensic Pathologist) [14:03 - 20:29]

• Dissects the official autopsy and refutes prosecution’s claim that Renee was pregnant at time of death:

  “Dr. Cooper’s testimony about Renee’s pregnancy was wrong. ... There was evidence she had been pregnant before, but not that she was pregnant when she died.” — Jacinda Davis [15:27]

• Details support for ligature strangulation (using Renee’s own necklaces), possibly with manual strangulation as well.

  “...those little oval areas kind of fit with, like someone using their thumb and forefingers around someone’s neck.” – Dr. Peters [16:27]

• Time of death likely closer to her disappearance, but with uncertainty due to decomposition factors.

Dr. Crystal Hans (Forensic Entomologist) [22:23 - 26:39]

• Explains that fly larvae could have narrowed the time of death, but samples were never analyzed.
• Based on available data, Renee could have died any time from the night of May 29 to as late as June 4.

  “Based on the limited data available... it is possible Renee’s body was placed at the Home Depot as late as Saturday, June 4, or as early as the evening of May 29.” — Jacinda Davis [26:06]

Timeline Implications & Jake Silva’s Alibi

[29:07 - 30:45]

• Jake was surrounded by many people during the week of Renee’s disappearance; hosts are certain he could not have been responsible.
• Raises question: Where was Renee in the days she was missing, if not with any of her friends or family?

New Witness and Key Testimony

Introducing “Wes” [42:07 - 52:29]

• A listener, Wes, comes forward after hearing the podcast, claiming to have seen Renee with another man, Tim Fisher, during the crucial period she was missing.

  “She was over there with Tim. ... That’s how she could be missing and not really missing at all.” — Wes [45:48]

• Wes’s sighting places Renee in an unfamiliar social circle, shedding new light on possible suspects and timelines.
• Tim Fisher later denies this account vehemently:

  “Both of those statements are lies, hun. You are dealing with a lot of crazy idiots and can leave me out of it.” — Tim Fisher, via text [53:00]

Continued Barriers—Uninterviewed Witnesses & Community Silence

[56:46 - 58:23]

• Several key figures, such as “Liam”, were never interviewed by police and remain unreachable.
• Community wariness toward police and the stigma of drug use rendered some witnesses silent for decades.

The Parallel Conway Confession & Memphis Links

[59:34 - 67:42]

• The hosts recount a trip to Memphis, investigating whether Jared Conway, a man who confessed to killing a different woman (Latoya Lusk), could be connected to Renee’s case.

  “As far as they’re concerned, Latoya’s case is closed. They sent it over to the DA’s office and recommended that Jared Conway be indicted. So their job was done.” — Jacinda Davis [63:41]

• The hosts emphasize inadequate inter-agency communication and lingering doubts over unresolved connections.

Rediscovery of Crucial Physical Evidence

[70:53 - 74:03]

• At the courthouse, the team discovers that several key pieces of evidence (unidentified hairs, Renee’s clothing, and—most importantly—the three hemp necklaces likely used in the murder) have remained sealed, untested, and well-preserved for 23 years.
• The excitation and hope surrounding DNA testing:

  “...you wouldn’t have wanted [DNA] tested sooner because the technology wasn’t where it needed to be.” — Susan Simpson [73:46] “Yeah, I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see the DNA pops up.” — Jake Silva [74:42]

Final Pleas and Calls for Action

[75:01 - End]

• Susan and Jacinda urge the San Joaquin DA’s office to review the case proactively and pursue DNA testing even before Jake secures legal representation.

  “They don’t have to wait for Jake to find an attorney. ... They just have to recognize the injustice that was done here and decide to take action.” — Susan Simpson [75:47]

• The hosts vow to continue their investigation and support for Jake, expressing gratitude to families, witnesses, and listeners.

  “The more people who hear this story, the more likely we can help both Jake and Renee get the justice they deserve.” — Jacinda Davis [79:46]

Notable Quotes & Key Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I always believed that they were guilty... and now I’m totally thinking that they are both innocent.” — Donna Ramos [04:37, 05:17]
• “I do feel like it’s closer. You guys found out so much more.” — Mandy Lopes [11:40]
• “There’s just too much that went wrong here, which you’ve obviously realized by now if you’re listening all the way to episode 17.” — Susan Simpson [09:32]
• “Dr. Cooper’s testimony about Renee’s pregnancy was wrong... there was evidence she had been pregnant before, but not that she was pregnant when she died.” — Jacinda Davis [15:27]
• “Based on the limited data available... it is possible Renee’s body was placed at the Home Depot as late as Saturday, June 4, or as early as the evening of May 29.” — Jacinda Davis [26:06]
• “She was over there with Tim. ... That’s how she could be missing and not really missing at all.” — Wes [45:48]
• “Both of those statements are lies, hun. ... I’ve heard enough of your crap, Ty.” — Tim Fisher [53:00]
• “You don’t have to wait for Jake to find an attorney. ... They just have to recognize the injustice that was done here and decide to take action.” — Susan Simpson [75:47]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [01:12 - 06:09] – Emotional shift for Renee’s mother & families’ reflection
• [09:03 - 10:33] – Jake’s ongoing search for legal help
• [14:03 - 20:29] – Dr. Peters on autopsy and medical forensics
• [22:23 - 26:06] – Dr. Hans on forensic entomology and timelines
• [42:07 - 52:29] – Critical new witness (Wes) describes seeing Renee with Tim Fisher
• [70:53 - 74:03] – Discovery of preserved murder evidence in courthouse
• [75:01 - End] – Powerful plea for justice and closing thoughts

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances methodical, detailed investigative work with a compassionate, sensitive exploration of grief and hope. Conversations are unflinching yet empathetic—conveying urgency, frustration, and a longing for justice.

Conclusion

Episode 17 ties together two seasons’ worth of dogged investigation with new testimony, expert forensics, and a rediscovery of potential DNA evidence—offering genuine hope for exoneration and justice. Susan and Jacinda reaffirm their commitment to seeing the case through, calling on the legal system and the community to step forward.

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Website and resources: proofcrimepod.com