Rotten Mango Podcast Summary Episode #394: “Asian Kardashian” Flees Country After Murder, Then Offers Interpol A Private Jet To Arrest Her Release Date: September 29, 2024 Hosts: Stephanie Soo & Ramble

Introduction

In episode #394 of Rotten Mango, hosts Stephanie Soo and Ramble delve into the intricate and shocking case of Lucy Lee, infamously dubbed the "Asian Kardashian." This episode explores Lucy's alleged involvement in a double murder, her subsequent flight from Canada, and her audacious offer to Interpol to use a private jet for her arrest. The hosts provide a comprehensive narrative, weaving through the events leading up to the crime, the investigation, and the dramatic trial that ensued.

Background

Lucy Lee, an Instagram model and the eldest of three triplets in a wealthy Chinese-Canadian family, was thrust into the spotlight following a gruesome murder case. Her mother, Winnie Lee, is a prominent figure in Canada's financial sector, managing substantial wealth and maintaining high-profile connections, including interactions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Lucy is the eldest of three triplets, and her family is deeply entrenched in Canada’s elite business circles,” [10:46].

The Crime

On a chilly morning in March 2021, Shailene, the manager of Glen Orchid General Store in Canada, discovered incriminating evidence—a black plastic bag containing 40 unused bullets, blood-stained clothes, an Audi Q5 key, and a blonde wig—in the store's restroom trash can. This unsettling find led to the police investigation targeting Oliver and Lucy Lee.

“60 seconds into the discovery, Shailene knew something was terribly wrong,” [02:40].

The Investigation

Following the discovery, over the ensuing months, Oliver and Lucy Lee fled to Eastern Europe. In December 2021, Lucy returned to Canada, leading to her immediate arrest. During her interrogation, Lucy revealed that her mother had offered Interpol a private jet to facilitate their arrest, which Interpol declined.

“Thank God, Lucy. Yeah, me and my mom were really concerned about that,” [04:30].

The Trial

The trial presented multiple narratives:

1. Lucy Lee’s Defense: Led by renowned Toronto attorney Liam O'Connor, Lucy portrayed herself as a flawed but innocent victim manipulated by Oliver. She described herself as naive and entitled, distancing herself from the murders.

   “Lucy is a distinctively flawed individual. She is naive, she's superficial, she's entitled,” [09:24].

2. Prosecution's Argument: Prosecutors argued that the meticulous planning and execution of the murders indicated premeditation. They highlighted inconsistencies in Lucy’s story, such as the SIM card swap and the purchase of high-end vehicles without clear intent.

   “The plan isn't smart. No one said, you have to be the greatest killer, but you are a killer,” [71:05].

3. Oliver’s Defense: Oliver’s attorney contended that the murders were not first-degree but second-degree, citing self-defense against Tyler Pratt, a known associate in the cocaine trade.

   “He wanted to, quote, tame a violent, angry, volatile, muscular international drug dealer,” [67:12].

Key Evidence

• SIM Card Swap: Evidence showed that Lucy’s SIM card was swapped without her knowledge, contradicting her claims of innocence.

  “You have text messages between Oliver and Lucy three days before the murder,” [66:54].

• Vehicle Purchases: The acquisition of an Audi Q5 shortly before the murders raised suspicions about their intentions and plans.

  “Lucy purchases the Audi for Oliver. But Oliver does not have a license,” [72:01].

• Witness Testimony: Jordan Romano, Tyler Pratt’s girlfriend, provided a compelling eyewitness account of the shooting, directly contradicting Lucy’s statements.

  “Jordan states she was in the passenger seat when Oliver pointed a gun at her,” [39:16].

Verdict and Aftermath

The jury deliberated for less than an hour, swiftly finding both Lucy and Oliver guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Lucy received her verdict stoically, while Jordan Romano delivered a powerful victim impact statement expressing her trauma and disdain for the defendants.

“They will have to face their own evil self every day,” [67:09].

Post-verdict, Lucy and Oliver have filed appeals against their convictions. Additionally, Jordan has initiated a civil lawsuit against both defendants.

Conclusion

Episode #394 of Rotten Mango presents a riveting exploration of wealth, power, and deceit intertwined in the tragic murders of Tyler Pratt and Jordan Romano. The hosts meticulously dissect the layers of the case, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics that led to the unfolding of this true crime saga. The case underscores the perilous intersections of high society and criminality, leaving audiences pondering the true nature of justice and influence.

Notable Quotes

• Shailene (Narrator):

  • “40 bullets. Used or unused?” [02:35]
  • “I am smart. I am smart.” [11:44]

• Host (Ramble):

  • “Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart?” [00:01] (Skipped in summary)
  • “Wait, her mom wants to fly Interpol police in a private jet?” [04:25]

• Jordan Romano (Prosecutor’s Witness):

  • “It's crystal clear Lucy was involved.” [54:43]

Additional Insights

• Family Dynamics: The pressure exerted by Winnie Lee on her children to excel appears to have contributed to Lucy's alleged entanglement in criminal activities.

• Wealth and Influence: The case highlights how immense wealth and connections can complicate legal proceedings, as seen in the substantial bail posted on Lucy’s behalf.

• Public Perception: The public’s fascination with Lucy's image as the "Asian Kardashian" adds a layer of complexity to the case, blending celebrity culture with criminal justice.

Final Thoughts

Rotten Mango episode #394 serves as a compelling narrative that not only recounts the events of a high-profile murder case but also invites listeners to reflect on the broader implications of wealth, power, and morality. Through detailed storytelling and analysis, Stephanie Soo and Ramble provide a platform for understanding the dark corridors of true crime, making it an essential listen for enthusiasts seeking depth and engagement in their crime podcasts.