389: Haley Beck, Athena Strand, Anna Kepner & Bahamas Mystery

Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 389 Summary

Episode Title: Haley Beck, Athena Strand, Anna Kepner & Bahamas Mystery
Date: April 23, 2026
Host: Annie Elise (with co-host Amy Heller)
Theme:
This episode is a deep dive into a series of breaking or developing true crime cases, each centered around predatory behavior, power abuse, and profound questions of justice. Annie and Amy unpack updates and details on the cases of Haley Beck (teacher-student scandal), Athena Strand (the ongoing trial of her murderer), Anna Kepner (cruise ship homicide), the Bahamas mystery with Lynette Hooker (marital disappearance), and a follow-up on Michaela Settles (familial sexual assault tragedy). The tone, as always, is conversational, often raw and empathetic, aiming to discuss both the criminal facts and human impact.

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1. [01:01] Episode Kickoff & Recent True Crime Activity

• Annie returns from a family vacation and notes the recent overwhelming activity in the true crime world.
• Announces topics: Haley Beck, Athena Strand trial, Bahamas case, Anna Kepner update, and a follow-up to Michaela Settles.
• Co-host Amy Heller joins for this week’s discussion.

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2. [05:41] David "D4VD" Burke & The Murder of Celeste Hernandez – Case Update

• Context: David Anthony Burke (D4VD), rising singer, arrested and charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Hernandez.
• Charges: First-degree murder with special circumstances: lying in wait, murdering a witness in an investigation, and financial gain; continuous lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14; mutilation and dismemberment of her remains.
• Annie emphasizes:
  • The girl went missing at 13, believed murdered at 14 (April 23, 2025).
  • Strong suspicion that Burke lured Celeste to his house, premeditating the crime.
  • “They are going for the max with this guy. And they, you know, it seems like they have a pretty slam dunk case.” ([09:32])
  • Cause of death determined, but not yet made public.
  • Annie notes the callousness and calculated nature: “She was five months in that trunk...”
  • Co-host Amy shocked by victim’s age, “That is so young.” ([10:48])
  • Annie: “A predator is a predator. Hello.” ([11:00])
  • Discussion on reports of freezing/disposal of remains; confirmation that dismemberment occurred.
• Takeaway: Deeply disturbing, predatory case; significant digital and witness evidence pending trial.

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3. [13:18] Haley Beck Teacher-Student Scandal

Key Points

• Case Overview: Haley Beck, 27, Arizona high school teacher (and sister of TikTok star Noah Beck), accused of grooming and sexual abuse of a male student.
• Allegations:
  • Over 4,000 texts in a few weeks (June–August 2025): sexual content, plans to meet, Apple Pay transfers totaling $630, accusations of “sugar baby” dynamic.
  • Handwritten note found: “...for this relationship being extremely wrong, I feel like we have really made the most out of it. There is truly no other student I know so wrong that I'd want to do all of this with.”
    • Annie’s reaction: “How about no student, period? You f***ing creep.” ([17:24])
  • Relationship began while the student was a minor (Dec 2024).
  • Second teacher (Angela Berlocka) also involved with same student; allegations of sending nude videos.
• Failures Noted:
  • School and student rumors circulated for months without intervention; ultimately reported by the victim’s grandmother.
  • Title IX investigation concluded grooming and sexual relationship occurred; Beck fired March 2026.
  • No criminal charges yet—prosecutors reportedly slowed by lack of full family cooperation (potential impact on victim’s athletic scholarships).
  • Concerns over mandatory reporting failures and possibility of additional victims.
  • Annie: “...maybe it’s easy being said from an outsider’s perspective, but I cannot imagine a world in which I was made aware that this was happening with my child and that I didn’t cooperate fully to get this monster and predator locked up...” ([21:12])
• Discussion: Both women note the disturbing trend of increased reports of female teacher predators; conversation explores the psychology and shocking negligence within the school system.
• Listener feedback sought: Should they do a deep-dive episode on the text content?

Notable Quotes:

• Annie: “[This] is not that simple because this involves not only one teacher, but two teachers and the same student. Also thousands of text messages, money, Apple Pay gifts and a ton of questions...” ([13:55])
• Co-Host Amy: “I do not understand on so many levels, but I cannot imagine being attracted to somebody that much younger as a man or as a woman...” ([24:19])

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4. [27:08] Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Homicide

• Case Recap:
  • Nov 2025: Anna Kepner, 18, found dead on a family cruise; her 16-year-old stepbrother charged as juvenile, later indicted as an adult.
  • Cause: Mechanical asphyxiation, body hidden under bed.
  • April 2026: Grand jury indicts on murder and aggravated sexual abuse; now tried as an adult.
  • Death penalty is off the table due to defendant’s age but possible life in prison.
  • Frustrations: Despite indictment and severity, accused is not detained pending trial.
• Family Perspective:
  • Victim had previously reported feeling uncomfortable with stepbrother’s advances.
  • Family must navigate dual loss and the pain of the alleged perpetrator still free.
• Insights:
  • Annie: “Here’s what enrages me… Even if you are a child? Well, I guess that is where it gets more complicated.” ([31:43])
  • Amy: “That poor family, how layered that is... just the placement of where everyone was sleeping and I just…” ([33:22])
• Concerns about risk to other siblings, calls for pre-trial detention.

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5. [34:24] Athena Strand Trial Update (Texas FedEx Abduction & Murder)

• Overview:
  • Athena, 7, abducted and murdered by FedEx delivery driver Tanner Horner (Dec 2022).
  • Horner pleaded guilty; trial now to decide between death penalty or life without parole.
• Trial Details:
  • Jury heard harrowing audio of Athena inside the delivery truck—she is heard asking if he’s a kidnapper, requesting her mother, and being threatened.
  • Jurors “visibly shaken, some were crying...” ([45:24])
  • Family emotional on the stand; Athena’s mother: “...I’m sorry to you, and I’m sorry to y’all too, because none of us, not Athena, not me, not anyone in this room besides Tanner Horner asked for what’s on that video, and Athena definitely didn’t.” ([43:31])
• Killer’s Defense:
  • Claimed alter ego “Zero” committed the murder; no established mental health defense yet.
  • Claims of wanting to end life, but prosecution highlights calculating, predatory actions.
• Annie’s Take:
  • “...it still doesn't feel like there's an outcome that makes this make any sense. Because at the center of it all you have this seven year old little girl. She was playing at her own house where she should have felt safe...” ([46:43])
  • Emphasizes deeply personal resonance due to her own child’s age.
• Listener Response:
  • Amy: “This one, for me, it’s like, death penalty. Yeah. Like, this guy. And I never talk like that...” ([49:12])

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6. [50:42] Bahamas Mystery: The Disappearance of Lynette Hooker

• Timeline:
  • April 4, 2026: Lynette Hooker vanishes during dinghy ride at dusk with husband Brian in the Bahamas.
  • Husband’s story: Lynette fell overboard accidentally; he claims to have tried to rescue her but lost sight and spent hours before calling authorities.
  • Major Point: 9+ hour delay in contacting authorities; no body found.
• Red Flags:
  • Brian was quickly made focus of investigation; falls overboard himself during scene recreation.
  • Texts surface: Lynette’s daughter calls the marriage volatile; Lynette expressed frustration and thoughts of leaving Brian.
  • Brian leaves Bahamas shortly after release without charges (citing family emergency), drawing criticism.
• Notable Moments:
  • Daughter protests on Dateline: “Part of me feels like he’s gonna get away with this and walk away a free man, and I really hope that doesn’t happen.” ([55:08])
  • Annie calls out Brian: “Brian, I will pay for a first class ticket and your entire accommodations in the Bahamas for however long it takes to find your wife. If you go back there, contact me. I will pay for it...” ([61:04])
• Hosts’ Reactions:
  • Annie and Amy both highly suspicious, referencing other high-profile spousal disappearances.
  • “It’s not looking good.” ([59:51])

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7. [62:32] Michaela Settles Case Update

• Tragic Summary:
  • Michaela, 18, moved from NC to CA for college, and to reconnect with biological father.
  • Within days, reports to mother and uncle of being drunkenly and sexually assaulted by father.
  • SANE exam and DNA confirm father’s involvement; he is arrested and released on bond.
  • Michaela later dies by suicide, “the person who could speak out as to what happened… is no longer able to do that.” ([65:59])
  • Hearing delayed as the father fails to appear—public outrage.
• Annie’s Reaction:
  • “This poor, poor girl. And I just… this is sick.” ([67:59])
  • “Be nice, don't kill people, and don't be a freaking predator.” ([69:06])

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8. [68:22] Closing Thoughts

• Annie underscores the unintentionally heavy focus on predatory cases in this episode, but stresses the necessity of telling these stories.
• Encourages subscribers/followers to stay tuned for upcoming deep dives, especially on Athena Strand and David/D4VD.

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Key Quotes & Timestamps

• “A predator is a predator. Hello.” — Annie ([11:00])
• “How about no student, period? You f***ing creep. Like, what is going on here?” — Annie ([17:24])
• “...this is absolutely devastating and going viral, as it should, because this is, like, diabolical and her father is a freaking monster, allegedly.” — Annie ([61:32])
• “Part of me feels like he’s gonna get away with this and walk away a free man, and I really hope that doesn’t happen.” — Lynette Hooker’s daughter ([55:08])
• “Be nice, don’t kill people, and don’t be a freaking predator.” — Annie ([69:06])

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Important Timestamps for Reference

• [01:01] – Episode intro and overview
• [05:41] – David "D4VD" Burke case update
• [13:18] – Haley Beck teacher scandal
• [27:08] – Anna Kepner cruise murder
• [34:24] – Athena Strand trial
• [50:42] – Bahamas Lynette Hooker case
• [62:32] – Michaela Settles case and follow-up
• [68:22] – Episode conclusion and closing remarks

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Summary

This episode is a heavy, multi-case true crime update, delivered in Annie's signature conversational style with empathy, outrage, and skepticism where warranted. Cases explored range from viral teacher predation, familial murder, and international marital mystery to devastating stories of child victimization—recurring themes of predation, institutional lapses, and the immense harm suffered by victims and their loved ones. Throughout, Annie and Amy provide critical analysis, emotional perspective, and a commitment to following up as these stories develop.

Transcript

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[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Hey true crime besties. Welcome back to an all new episode of Serial Asleep. Hello, hello, hello. Welcome back to an all new episode of Serial as Lee and Happy Thursday. Happy Thursday everybody. I have to say, not only this week, but last week, there has been so much activity in the true crime world. I was out last week, it was my kids spring break and so I was, you know, trying to just decompress, put my mind in like a not dark place. But there were so many updates coming out left and right and so today we not only have so much to talk about, but it probably will lean on being a little bit longer of an episode because there's just so much, so much to go over and just to give you a little bit of a, you know, I don't know, a little snack of what we're going to be talking about today. I've seen your dms, I've seen your comments. I know you all want my take on the Haley Beck situation, which is beyond appalling and also very, very cringe. Also going through the Athena Strand trial and what that means. We first covered that case back in 2022 together. Everything happening with the Bahamas mystery, Anna Kempner's stepbrother David D4VD, which I actually did like an impromptu to live stream earlier this week when the press conference was happening. There's just so, so much to go over and I also want to follow up a little bit to last week's Thursday episode regarding Mikayla Settles and talk through that a little bit as well. So I think we just should get started and Joining me today is Amy Heller. Hello. Hello. Welcome back. As I welcome back to you. Thank you.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Thank.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

You know, I was at the happiest place on earth. I don't know if that's what they call Disney World or if that's just what they call Disneyland, but Disney World. Okay, it was pretty happy.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know you said it far exceeded your expectation, which coming from you, I feel like that's a big statement.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Look, I'm not going to be trading

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

pins anytime soon, but are you the newest Disney adult?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I'm not. But I will say this. We have thought about getting Disney passes for even Disneyland here because that's.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I feel like you've had that before, though.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know, but we never used it. But now that the kids are, like, going on bigger rides and like, Emmy Lou is a thrill seeker, loves the roller coasters, loves Splash Mountain, which is like Tiana.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Actually, not surprised.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No, she, like, is like an adrenaline junkie. Little Theodore was more wanting to go on the slow ride. Well, he.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But he texted me a video of the ride that he went on really

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

quickly before anybody freaks out right now, saying he texted. He does not have a phone. He does not have a phone number. He does have a tablet in which we have pre programmed contacts. Only family members that he can text at from the house when on WI Fi. Okay, so don't come for me. Okay, Go ahead.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Early Saturday morning, I get a text from little Theodore when I love his name pops up in my phone. Hey, pout. Pout. I went on this ride and it was the one that I'm way too terrified to go on. The House of Terror.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Tower of Terror.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Tower of Terror, where you, like, do the big drop.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

It's the elevator drop.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

He said he loved it.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

He did. He just put. He was really brave. I asked him, like, do you want to go on this ride? It's an elevator ride. But I was like, I'm not gonna lie to you. It does have a couple drops. And I know you don't love big drops. He's like, I could do it. And like, he was just trying to be brave. Jared didn't go on it because he's a big fat baby.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But is that the one where you're outside?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, so, yeah, it takes you up in the. I think it was like, what, like 15 stories high or something like that. And then it's an elevator. And then it opens and you see the outside. You see the whole park kind of like supreme scream.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And then it drops you and it keeps, like going up and down. And up and down. So it was like, he says he had fun and he shows everybody that video because it basically, instead of just sending you the photo like rides do on that one, they send you the video of it. So he's really proud of himself. But I will say this, the whole time when we were in line waiting to go on, I had like, my arms draped over his shoulders. He was in front of me and so my hands were like right over his heart and it was like, aw. Like, he was so nervous, but he did great. But, yeah, so it was a. It was a nice week. I was a little, like, trepidatious to go. I was like, going to Orlando and Disney World for a full week is no easy feat, but we had a

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

great time and I'm proud of you, honestly.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Thank you. The kids loved it, so it was good. And now this week we're back. Emmy star of the week at school

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

with her dream, her dream come true. She's just gymnastics. Magical weeks. No back to back.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

She loves when the attention's on her. So, yeah. So, but now, as I was saying a little bit at the start of this episode, while I was trying to decompress, I was getting hit every single way, every single day with, like, case updates. So I feel like we have so much to go over. Yes, yes. Okay, lots of updates. Let's start with my favorite piece of trash, human being, David the singer. Because there has been a major breaking update in the case of David Anthony Burke, Otherwise known as D4VD David, in connection with the death of 14 year old Celeste Hernandez. So he now has been arrested and charged, which we knew that that happened late last week. However, the press conference happened on Monday of this week, which is what had prompted that impromptu live stream of mine where we streamed the press conference together, talked through the case. I actually posted that audio on this podcast feed as well so that you can go back and listen to it if you missed it. And I'm not going to go through the whole thing with you, but let me just give you the brief breakdown. So we now know the charges he's been charged with first degree murder. That also has special circumstances attached to it. The special circumstances being lying in wait, murdering a witness in an investigation, and financial gain. The second charge, continuous lewd and lascivious sex acts with an individual under 14. Because as we know, when Celeste first disappeared, she was 13. It's now believed that she was murdered when she was 14. The third charge is mutilating the remains of a body. Because also as we know Celeste was found dismembered. Now, I'm not, as I said, I'm not going to go into the full case here, but what I did find interesting about this is the police have determined, they believe that her death date was April 23, 2025, meaning she would have been 14 years old. She first went missing and was reported missing the April before that in 2024, when she was 13 years old. Now, going into the special circumstances, because I think that's what a lot of people are hung up on. At least I know I am or like hung up on. But my curiosity has been peaked. The lying in weight, I believe, and we'll know more as it comes to trial. But I believe that the reason that the investigators were able to determine the death date being 4, 23, 25, which they said they know, that she went to David's house that night and that was the last time there was any known contact with her or that she was last seen. I think he most likely lured her there and that's where this lying in weight is coming. That he planned to do what he was going to do, allegedly. And that's why the special circumstance is coming into play. The other special circumstance is murdering a witness in an investigation. Now, when the press asked them, okay, well, had Celeste outcried about the sex acts that were going on between them, was she going to file a report? Was she, did she tell her mother, was she going to the police, they said they wouldn't answer it at this time, that we would learn it during the trial. However, because of that secondary charge, continuous sex acts with an individual under 14, then layering in this special circumstance of murdering a witness in an investigation, they did say that that investigation that it's referencing is into charge two, leading me to believe, and I could totally be wrong, guys, I'm not a detective, I'm just nosy. But I believe that what happened is that she either was going to tell someone, had told someone, perhaps threatened him, saying, if you leave me or if you do this, like I'm going to tell everyone, whatever it is. So he knew that there would be charges because then that there's also where that financial gain special circumstance comes into play, which investigator said is because he didn't want his livelihood to be threatened, his celebrity to be threatened, even went back out on tour, as we know, to still collect money. So he lures her to come to the house on April 23, 2025, lying in wait, allegedly murders her because she is therefore a witness in an investigation that would Potentially go against him for having underage sex acts with her. And then also the financial gain element, because if he was charged, convicted, he'd be canceled, he'd be tried, all of the things. So there's so much more that goes into it. Go listen to the episode from Monday. But he is facing life in prison without parole or possibly the death penalty. They are going for the max with this guy. And they, you know, it seems like they have a pretty slam dunk case. They believe that they have a lot of evidence, a lot of digital evidence, witness testimony, documents. And the cause of death has not been released. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide. At the point of this recording, though, and I want to be very clear when I say that at the time of this recording, cause of death has not been released, but it has been determined by the coroner. However, the coroner has not made the. The report public at this point. There is a chance that at the time this episode releases, it will be made public, but right now it hasn't. But I do think it's pretty remarkable that they were able to determine cause of death, given how decomposed her remains were, that she was dismembered, that she was, what, five months in that trunk? In. It's just disgusting.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, and I don't think I realized that she was only 13 when she was originally reported missing. That is so young.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah, I believe, if I'm. If I'm doing the math correctly, I believe seventh grade.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

That's.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And he's 21. Which think two years ago still doesn't make a difference. 19 and a 13 year old. A predator is a predator. Hello. You know, he was lying to his

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

friends about her age, so he obviously knew it was wrong. But that's.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

It's sick.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

It's so.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And there were. There were early reports, which I mentioned in Monday's episode when TMZ had first. When this all first happened, when she was found in September of last year, TMZ had reported that not only was she found dismembered, but that it appeared to her remains had been frozen. And very quickly, investigators came out saying whatever's out there that you're hearing isn't true, isn't true. And so people were like, okay, was she not dismembered? Was she not frozen? And now they are saying she was in fact dismembered. That's why he has the mutilation charge. But I'm wondering, because they believe she was killed in April and she wasn't found until September. The car had been dumped in the Hollywood hills for about 30 days before they, that person had smelled the odor. They called it in and they found her. It's very possible, and we'll learn this, of course, that she was frozen and that's why he hightailed it out of that rental house from Hollywood Hills. Maybe there was a freezer there, who knows? And that it of course thawed. That's when the odor happened. So look, I don't love tmz. I think they do things pretty grimy and the way that they report on things when family members haven't even been alerted is disgusting. But I will say they do get it right most of the time because

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

there might be some truth there.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah. Because they do have so many inside sources which, not that that detail even matters, but it does just go to the concealment and him trying to hide it and get away with it for

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

so long and why allegedly so long

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

and yeah, so more to come on that that trial will be happening if, if it does move forward, it's all going to be happening here in our backyard. So maybe we'll go Lake Elsinore is where she grew up to and that's where. Right in our backyard. That's where our grandma lived actually. So more to come on all of that. But go listen to that episode from Monday where it goes through all of the details. Now let's move into Haley Beck. Okay. Because the amount of DMS I've received from you, comments I have received from you guys saying please talk about Haley Beck. This woman is so cringe, it's disgusting. It's giving me the ick. You need to talk about it. It's one of those cases that kind of, it feels like it's gone viral on TikTok and a lot of people are sharing their thoughts and their opinions, but in my opinion, it hasn't really gotten the attention that it truly deserves because it is, yes, very, very cringe. But it's also extremely disgusting and like diabolical. And at first glance it may sound like just another, you know, teacher misconduct type of situation, but it really is not that simple because this involves not only one teacher, but two teachers and the same student. Also thousands of text messages, money, Apple Pay gifts and a ton of questions about how this all went down. So like I said, the case centers around Haley Beck, a 27 year old high school teacher in Arizona who was teaching psychology and sociology at Centennial High School. She's also the older sister of the famous Tiktoker and now actor Noah Beck. I think he was actually just cast in the reboot of Baywatch, but he's pretty famous. So she had worked at Centennial High School for quite a few years, starting around 2020. So she definitely wasn't a new teacher, but not like tenure or anything like that. Like, newish, I guess. But she was somebody that the students and the staff knew really well and somebody who was, of course, in a position of trust and authority, which is exactly what makes these allegations that we're about to talk about so serious. According to police reports and the school's internal investigation, Haley is now being accused of grooming and having a sexual relationship with a male student. And this wasn't something vague or loosely defined. The details that are outlined in these reports are very specific and honestly, like, super disturbing when you look at the full picture. So investigators allege that over the course of just a few weeks between June 21 and August 2 of 2025, Haley exchanged more than 4,000 text messages with this student. And according to reports, those messages included sexual conversations, discussions about meeting up, references to alcohol and drugs, text messages in which she was sending him money and he was asking for money. She even, I guess, referred to him as her sugar baby in some messages, which, for those of you who are unfamiliar with that term, it's basically when you pay someone for their company or their attention or in some cases, sex as well. And the investigators say that these conversations and this terminology, it wasn't a joke. It was true, it was factual. And it wasn't just them talking about this student getting money or gifts. She actually sent this student hundreds of dollars, 630 to be exact. And she did this through Apple Pay, which I was. I don't know if I'm like a millennial boomer or what. I didn't know that you could send Apple Pay person to person, but it is so easy. You basically go into your text messages and you know where you, like, go to the emoji menu in your text, there's a menu or a button that says, like, Apple Pay or has the dollar sign or whatever. And you can just send money through text message and people can redeem it, which, hello, technology. I. I'm still like, using Venmo and cash app because apparently I'm like, archaic. But anyway, she also bought him food, gifts, alcohol, and just was really grooming this kid and trying to facilitate a relationship of sorts with him. And at least one time in the text messages, she said that giving him money felt like, quote, straight prostitution, which. Hi, you're a psychology teacher and a sociology Teacher. Like, maybe if you think it feels like that, maybe it is that. There was also a handwritten note that had been found during a search of Haley's apartment. And in the note, it said, quote, for this relationship being extremely wrong, I feel like we have really made the most out of it. There is truly no other student I know so wrong that I'd want to do all of this with. Which, again, that shows knowledge. That shows that you understand that this is absolutely wrong and that you should not be having this kind of relationship with a student. Yet you're saying there's no other student I'd want to have this relationship with. How about no student, period? You fucking creep. Like, what is going on here? Another key detail here is that the investigators say that this relationship with the student began while the student was still a minor. And as we know, that is a huge detail legally, because while, yeah, parts of the relationship continued after he turned 18, the allegation is that it started way before that, back In December of 2024, when the student was still a sophomore. Which that alone changes everything in terms of potential charges and how this case should be prosecuted. But then it also. Right when you think it couldn't get even more disgusting or gross or predatory, it takes another unexpected turn. Because Haley is not the only teacher who is allegedly involved in this. There's a second teacher by the name of Angela Berlocka, who's also being accused of misconduct involving this same student. And according to reports, those allegations against her include sending videos of herself naked to him. And apparently, Haley knew about what this other teacher was doing because in some of the text messages that she sent the student, she would say things like, even though our situation is still not right, at least we are closer in age. I don't like being compared to Mrs. B. Closer in age or not, you are 27 and he's a minor now 18. That's a pretty big age gap, and it doesn't make it okay. So now you have two separate teachers, both, by the way, in positions of power, authority, you know, a trusted adult, or they should be. And they're both allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior with the exact same student, which. That raises a very uncomfortable question. How did this all go on without being stopped? According to reports, there were rumors circulating at the school for months about these relationships and dynamics and text messages and all of that, where it almost became like a joke between groups of friends way before law enforcement ever even got involved. People were talking, there were concerns, yet nothing was ever being officially escalated. That was until the school heard about it from one of the students family members and then brought it to the police, which this was the student's grandmother. She allegedly found, quote, explicit material on the student's phone and then she decided to report it herself in July of 2025. So that's when everything finally started moving forward. Meanwhile, the school district also conducted its own Title 9 investigation. This was back in August of 2025. And they concluded that Haley did in fact groom this student and that a sexual relationship had occurred. And after this internal investigation finished, Haley ended up being placed on leave. Then they fired her ass and they listed her as not eligible for rehire on March 26th, 6th of this year, which that's all good and well and great and keep her away from students, but on the criminal side of things, it's not as clear. Police launched a full investigation, compiling a report that is close to 200 pages long, documenting the messages, the interactions, everything that they have basically uncovered. Yet despite the investigation and the amount of messages and the school's findings, no criminal charges have been filed yet, at least not at the time of this recording. Police have submitted their case to the prosecutor's office and they have recommended charges. But as of right now, the Maricopa County Attorney's office is still reviewing the case. And there's actually a reason that this might not be moving as quickly as people expect, because one of the biggest complications in all of this is that the student and his family have not been fully cooperative with the investigators. And the reason why is allegedly they're worried that it could cause problems with potential athletic scholarships that the student could get, which I understand wanting to protect any scholarships because you don't want to. You don't want to lose out on furthering your education or your athletic career or things like that, because you were taken advantage of by a teacher and that you shouldn't be punished for that. However, that being said, and maybe it's easier being said from an outsider's perspective, but I cannot imagine a world in which I was made aware that this was happening with my child and that I didn't cooperate fully to get this monster and predator locked up behind bars to where I prioritized their scholarship or their education, which again, I get it. You know, from an outsider's perspective, maybe that's easy to say, because again, you don't want your child punished for what this predator did against them and their education to be stunted or their career to be stunted, but also this person needs to be held accountable criminally at least in my opinion. So all of that can have a major impact on whether the prosecutors feel that they can move forward with the charges. Because even with all of the evidence, prosecutors still have to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. And when a key witness or a victim isn't cooperating, that can make the case way more difficult to build. There are also questions being raised about whether mandatory reporting laws were followed, because again, if there were rumors and concerns circulating for months and months and months and nothing was formally reported, then that opens the door to a whole separate issue about whether the system completely failed before law enforcement ever even got involved. And investigators have even suggested that there could be additional victims. Yet I will say that has not been confirmed. So right now, we're really at this in between stage where the allegations are obviously very serious and the reported evidence is extensive. The school has, yes, already taken action, but the criminal case is still sitting in review, waiting for a decision. But it's also one of those cases where the moment that a decision comes down from the prosecutors, everything could change very, very quickly. So this is definitely one to keep watching because it feels like it's right on the cusp of taking a major turn. I will follow it closely and I will give you updates. But also, so let me know if you want the deep dive. I was going back and forth, kind of wavering, like, do we do a deep dive? Do we just cover it in headline highlights? There are a lot of text messages, and like I said, certain videos are going viral on TikTok right now because of the cringe factor. With a lot of these messages, she. Which. It's like, part of me, part of me doesn't know if I want to share all of that because it could make the situation feel lighter than how severe it really is. Because then you're, like, laughing about it and poking fun because she was so desperado. But it also then helps paint the full picture. I don't know. So you guys tell me if you want the deep dive, inclusive of the text, the cringe letters, all of it. And we can revisit that. But I will say over the last five years, we, Amy and I, came from an era of Mary Kay Letourneau, where it was that was the only woman predator in the school system. But more times than not, it was the male teacher. We even had one at our school who was involved with a student, a seventh grader, as a matter of fact. And I will say, over the last five years, there has been this huge uptick in women.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I do not understand on so many levels, but I cannot imagine being attracted to somebody that much younger as a man or as a woman. But, like, I just don't understand that. But also why you would risk your job, why you would go to how you could fall in love or, like, infatuation with someone that much younger than you. How you could even feel like that's at all appropriate. How she kind of says, like, oh, well, at least we're closer in age. And then was it this sick, like, competitive thing with this other teacher? And then what happened with that other teacher?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, and also, not for nothing, but first of all, she shouldn't be doing this, obviously, at all. But if your brother is super famous and well known and, like, wouldn't your first thought be like, oh, these kids are being nice to me because they like my brother. He's a famous tick tocker. Like, how embarrassing and pathetic for myself. But also, there's a huge spotlight that's going to be on here. I could go down so much faster and get caught so much faster if. Because I am in. Yeah, they know who I am. They know who I'm attached to. They could extort me. They could do whatever. But it seems like she didn't even care about any of that.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Maybe because she was finally getting the attention.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah, maybe. But to your point, it's like, I'm like, how do you find that attractive? And is it because there's now these, like, heartthrobs on the. All these Netflix shows and, like, they romanticize these, like, young, like, December, I turned pretty. Not that there's obviously a teacher relationship in that, but, like, where they see these, like, not mature younger kids, but, like, this passion, this romance, and they are, like, yearning for that. I don't. I don't understand.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Read the timeline. It was June to August. So then they said maybe dated further back. But I was wondering, did she think maybe there was some loophole because it was like, summer and school was out and, like. And I. Was there a physical relationship? Was it mainly just text?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No, I believe it was. Don't quote me on this. Allegedly, it was physical.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Again, not that he would, like, brag

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

to his friends being like. And send screenshots, even, like, she's so pathetic. Look at this. I'm gonna ask her to send me some money in Apple pay. And she would, but she would do it, like, in a way too, being like, oh, you're just using me for money. Like, wanting him to be like, no, I'm not. I really care about you, but thanks for this, but he would never give her that reassurance. And it, it's like that's where it gets very cringey.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

So is she just like getting money from all these teachers?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yes. That's kind of wild.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And like, I guess, hooking up.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And then I would die if my

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

grandma is the one who found like sexually explicit stuff on your phone and went to tell them it's bad all around. So I feel like as we're talking, maybe the deep dive is coming. Maybe I don't even need people to vote.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But still, I mean, I have a lot of questions.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know. Well, speaking of predatory behavior. Yes. Hit me.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

We're going back to Florida.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Come back to Florida.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And I'm going to give you an update on the Anna Kepner case, because this one has taken a pretty big turn and there are a couple details that people are really stuck on right now. So just to recap quickly, 18 year old Anna Kepner was on a cruise with her family in November 2025, where she was sharing a cabin with her stepbrother and younger siblings. And at some point during that trip, something happened inside that room because on November 7, 2025, she was found dead. Her body was hidden under the bed, covered in life jackets and wrapped in a blanket. Investigators later determined her cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation. Now, fast forward a few months. On February 2, 2026, her 16 year old stepbrother was officially charged in connection to her death as a juvenile. And then just a few days later, on February 6, he appeared in federal court. And this is where people started raising eyebrows a little bit because he was actually released. His charges weren't dropped, thankfully, but he was released into the custody of a relative, his uncle, which for a case this serious, already felt kind of hard to wrap your head around. But at that point, it was still being handled through the juvenile system. So the rules, the process, all of that looks very different from what people might expect expect in an adult case. Now, in the most recent update, here's where everything shifts. On April 13, 2026, a federal grand jury came back with an indictment. And this is the moment where the case officially escalated because he is now being charged as an adult. And if you remember, when this case first broke, there was a lot of speculation about the motive, if there was sexual motive or if anything like that had happened. It was kind of decided that there wasn't. And then when he was arrested, there was a redacted charge. So now after this indictment and information coming out, we now know that there was, in fact, sexual assault involved, and he was not just charged as an adult, but charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse, which that's a massive development because now that he's not being charged as a juvenile anymore, this is federal court, and if he's convicted, he could be facing life in prison. The death penalty, however, is off the table because of his age. But still, this is as serious as it gets. But the part that has people really frustrated is that even with this indictment, even with the adult charges, he is still not in custody. But prosecutors are pushing to change that. They've filed to have him detained, arguing that he poses a danger. But as of now, he remains out of custody and is reportedly living with family members. And when you look at this from the family's perspective, which is obviously very complicated, it's been incredibly difficult. They've been open about how devastated they are about this entire thing, not just losing Anna, but also navigating the reality that the person who allegedly caused her death is still out living his life while this case moves forward. And then there's another layer to this that makes it even more complicated. He's not talking. After his arrest, he invoked his right to remain silent, and a judge signed off on that, meaning investigators can't just sit down and question him directly. Everything has to go through his attorney. So when you look at this case, and there still feels like there's some gaps. We don't fully know what happened in that cabin still, and that's part of it. A lot of those details just aren't public right now. We're still getting little pieces of information and not that full picture. So for now, we're all just kind of waiting to see as the information continues to come out, waiting to see if the court decides to detain him, waiting to see what comes out in the future hearings. And honestly, just what happened inside that cabin. Exactly.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I mean, innocent until proven guilty. But I think it's pretty obvious what went down in that cabin, especially because she had reported feeling uncomfortable from. From his behavior earlier and had told her boyfriend. Right. Like. That he would make weird innuendos and advances.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

They saw things on FaceTime that one time that were weird.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah. And, like, it seems pretty cut and dry, in my opinion. But I get it. Innocent until proven guilty. But here's what enrages me. I understand Florida, and I believe a couple other states do have the law. Where is. Even if they're charged as an adult, if they're underage at the time of the crime, they can't face the death penalty. People are mixed on the death penalty. I don't think I've even ever asked you where you stand with the death penalty. But I am very much of the mindset of if you hurt a child, firing squad, I don't care. I don't believe in reform, I don't believe in rehabilitation. You hurt a child, bye, you're out of here. So, and what also, even if you are a child? Well, I guess that is where it gets more complicated.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I like to pose the uncomfy questions, but yeah, I think that's where I'm struggling. Not at all that he doesn't deserve punishment. And I mean there's no excuse. But like as a minor, not like what caused you to do that. But it's just, I mean, I. Yeah, there's a lot of questions, I guess.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, and the fact that he isn't detained is so ass backwards right now.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Is that part of the Florida process to where if you're a certain age, even if you're charged.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Not to my knowledge. Okay. Because yeah, he was always locked up the whole time.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Okay.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And that he even played like he was hearing voices in that one stupid jail call that was on video. But the fact that he's not detained, I mean, if he was facing the death penalty and if he wasn't detained, I feel like that would even be far worse because how do you know he's not a flight risk? How do you know he's not going to Brian Laundrie himself? How do you know he's not going to just like be a coward and all this? But even still, even though he's not facing the death penalty, he's probably facing, I would imagine, the max, which is life in prison with the possibility of parole because he's a minor. I don't know. I'd have to look at what those charges equate to. But even for a young kid, that feels like the end of the world. So the fact that he isn't detained, he there. It does pose a risk that he could take his own life. We saw Foto Stoulos do it. We saw Brian Laundrie do it. So like lock him up until there can be a proper trial that either exonerates him or convicts him and like go through the appropriate channels.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I just can't imagine that poor family, how layered that is. Because remember, it's a blended family, right. They were on vacation. I, you know, obviously there are probably things that could have happened to help prevent this. Whether it was paying more attention to the warning signs, if there were those ahead of time, but also just the placement of where everyone was sleeping and I just.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, now he's staying with family, so what does that look like? Are they going to Easter together? What's happening? Like do you still have to see him around and knowing what he did?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Are the kids like scared?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Right. Like he put clearly. I mean I'm going to say this term even though obviously I'm not a doctor and I can't diagnose anybody sexual deviant. So the fact that he is still out there and there could be other children in the mix, we know there are other siblings, like lock his ass up, err on the side of caution. Then if it goes to trial, he's not speaking obviously. But if he somehow is exonerated, great, then he can go back glad and

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

thankful he was charged as an adult.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Same. Agreed.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

We were waiting for that. Same so what a nightmare.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

What a nightmare. Today's episode of Serial Lessly is sponsored by Ro. If you've been hearing about GLP1s literally everywhere lately, but you feel overwhelmed by all of the options, the cost, if you qualify, or even where to start, then you want to listen up because Roe just introduced the first FDA approved GLP1 weight loss pillar, offering a new alternative to injections with the same active ingredient and results that are comparable to the shot. On average, patients can lose up to 14% of their body weight over the course of a year. It's designed to be simple, one daily pill that reduces cravings and supports feeling fuller longer with an innovative formulation that fits more seamlessly into your routine. And RO isn't just about access, it's about support. With the Robody membership, you get access to FDA approved GLP1s, unlimited provider messaging, guidance on side effects and ongoing care every step of the way. Pricing is transparent and competitive with the GLP1 pill starting at $149 for your first dose and options scaling depending on dosage. Membership starts at just $45 for your first month, then $145 monthly after that, giving you continuous care beyond just the medication. So if you've been considering GLP1 treatment but you didn't even know where to begin, Roe makes it straightforward. Go to Roe Co Ae to see if you're eligible for the new GLP1 pill on Ro. That's Ro Co Ae. To get started, go to Ro Co Safety for boxed warning and full safety information about GLP1 medications. Today's episode is also sponsored by Hyakids Vitamins now here's something more. Parents are starting to question what's actually in the vitamins that we're giving our kids. Because a lot of what is marketed to children today looks more like candy than nutrition. Packed with sugars, artificial dyes and ingredients that don't exactly inspire confidence. But that's exactly why Haya exists. Haya takes a completely different approach to kids vitamins. Zero sugar, zero gummy additives, just clean, thoughtfully designed nutrition. Each chewable vitamin is made with a blend of 12 organic fruits and vegetables, plus essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, zinc and folate, supporting immune health, brain function and overall development. It's also designed with transparency in mind. Non gmo, vegan, dairy free, allergy free and third party tested for purity and safety. And beyond the formulation, the experience is intentional too. Haya is built for modern families with a reusable bottle and monthly refill system that keeps things going and simple. And I have to say too, the reusable bottles are so cute. They send you custom colors, sticker packs. The kids can get really involved and kind of like gets them, you know, buying into the process easier and it's just great. And for parents that are navigating picky eaters, Haya also offers Kids Daily Greens Plus Superfoods, a chocolate flavored greens powder with over 55 whole food ingredients. Just mix it into milk or a milk alternative and it turns into something kids will actually enjoy while quietly delivering real nutrition. And we've worked out a special deal for our listeners. Receive 50% off your first order when you go to hiahealth.com ae that's h I y a health.com a ae to get your kids the nutrition that they need to grow into healthy adults. Okay? So I don't know if today just coincidentally happens to be the episode of Predators, but that is the direction it's going. Because now I want to give you the update on the case of Athena Strand because the trial is happening right now and I actually first covered this case when it first broke back in December of 2022. And I have seen so many comments on that episode saying, hey, are you going to be revisiting this? Are you going to do an update? Which, yes, a full update is coming. But my point is that a lot of you have been asking like, what are my thoughts on this trial? Have I been tuning in what's going on? And yes, I have. But I'll be honest with you, it has been one of the most emotional and difficult trials to listen to that I have heard in A very long time. And like I said, we did a full deep dive on this case a while back. So I will link that in the show notes for you if you haven't listened to it yet and you can go listen. But before we get into what's happening in court right now, I do want to give you a very high level recap. So back in 2022, seven year old Athena Strand was reported missing from her home in Texas. And within days, investigators said that a FedEx driver, Tanner Horner, had abducted, possibly sexually assaulted and then killed Athena while he was delivering a package to her property. Now, it has been ruled out that he sexually assaulted her, or I should say, like, yeah, that has been taken off the table. But they have said that it was sexually motivated, that that was potentially the initial intention. There's even some horrific video of where he tells her how pretty she is. It's just absolutely foul and disgusting, but there were the sexual undertones involved. Now, before we get into the moments that everyone is talking about, there is one thing that completely changes the way that this trial is unfolding compared to the trials that we've covered in the past. That being Tanner has already pleaded guilty. So this trial isn't about whether or not he killed her. That part is already established. It's more about what really happened. Why? Because very early on too, he said that while he was delivering the package, he accidentally reversed and hit Athena. And, and then he panicked and he threw her body in the truck. We now have seen surveillance video. We know that that is complete bullshit and a huge lie. But this trial is about one thing and one thing only. Whether he will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. And once you understand that every single piece of evidence that has been presented so far, it feels way more heavy. And the state's case so far has been a lot. It's been heartbreaking, emotional and very difficult to hear. And look, not to bring it back to myself, but I have a six year old son who's about to be seven. And that's why this trial has been. I. There's been parts where I'm like, I don't even know if I'm. I can like talk about this case again. It's just hitting so different now and it's just impossible to wrap your mind around it. But obviously I think Athena's voice deserves to be heard and he needs to be called out for what a fucking true monster he is. But one of the biggest moments that has happened so far in this trial was when Jurors were played the audio from inside that delivery truck when Tanner killed Athena. And I'm not going to go into detail here, because honestly, even the descriptions coming out of the courtroom have been hard enough to read. But what we do know is that this audio was recorded after Tanner covered the camera inside the truck, which just that detail alone, that he covered the camera, I mean, people have really latched onto that because of course, it suggests awareness. It suggests that he knew what he was doing and he didn't want it to be seen. And then the audio itself was played for the jury. And there are a few moments from that audio recording that have really stuck with people. At one point, Athena can be heard asking him if he was a kidnapper, which, I mean, just hearing that, you can tell that she knew that something wasn't right. She was trying to make sense of what was happening, even trying to talk to him, saying like, hey, where are we going? Are you a kidnapper? What's going on here? She even he responds saying, you know, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter where we're going. She then asks for her mom, and it's so heartbreaking listening to it. Reports also say that as she tried to talk to him, he got more and more frustrated. Then he would tell her, you know, go sit down or I'm gonna hurt you. Go back there, go to the back of the truck. And then right after that is when he covered the camera. He then asked Athena how old she was about school, the name of her teacher, before then saying something that completely changed the tone of the conversation in even darker way. I believe she had asked something about why, where they were going, why he picked her up. And he told her, you're really pretty. You know that, right? Like implying like, well, of course the reason I picked you up is because you're pretty, but you know that, right? Then he stopped the truck and told her that they were gonna just, quote, hang out for a minute. Then a few minutes later, she is heard saying that she wants her mom, which that's the part that really stayed with people because it brings it back to exactly what this was. A seven year old little girl, scared, asking for the person who makes her feel safe. And from everything that has been reported, it wasn't just one moment that was emotional. It was the entire playback of this recording. Jurors were visibly shaken, some were crying, and some people in the courtroom struggled to even sit through it. It's one of those moments where this case, it stops being just, you know, a story that you're hearing and a awful case that you're hearing about. And it becomes something that feels so real, just very immediate and very hard to sit through. Athena's mom was asked if she had the chance to watch or listen to any of the videos in this case, and she said that she did, but that she just couldn't.

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

Do you have any chance to view or look at any portion of anything

[Athena's Family Member]

is in this case you did.

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

How much of it were you able to look at?

[Athena's Family Member]

Maybe, maybe a minute, maybe two. Atida. And I'm very sorry to all of the innocent people that do have to watch that. I am so sorry. I'm sorry to you, and I'm sorry to y' all too, because none of us, not Athena, not me, not anyone in this room besides Tanner Horner asked for what's on that video, and Athena definitely didn't.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Another moment that has been getting a lot of attention is when the jurors were shown recorded interview footage of Tanner speaking with the investigators after the crime. Because in that footage, he brings up this idea of an alter ego, something he calls Zero, or someone, I guess you could say. He tells investigators that Zero is the one who killed Athena. And what makes that moment stand out is that this didn't come from the defense building out a mental health case. This came in through the prosecution playing his own words for the jury. So at this point, jurors are hearing that claim without any kind of explanation or framework around it. No expert testimony, no diagnosis, nothing like that yet. It's just, you know, something that he said. So now the jury is left to sit with that and decide what they think it means. There was also a moment where the jury was shown a note where he talked about wanting to end his own life. And again, it really just added to this picture of who he was in the days around the crime, but without the defense fully stepping in yet to explain his mental state. And then, of course, some of the most emotional testimony came from Athena's family. They spoke about who she was, her personality, her life, the kind of little girl she was, which those are always the moments that shift everything in the courtroom in a case like this, because it pulls you out of the legal arguments for a moment and it reminds you what this case is truly about and the root of this case, which is a seven year old little girl who should still be here.

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

People say that if they just had. To talk to somebody that they no longer have. You heard that before?

[Athena's Family Member]

I thought about it a lot.

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

Let me ask you, if you had those Communities to talk to the penis right now, today, sitting in this room.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

What would you tell her?

[Athena's Family Member]

I'd tell her I'm sorry. And I would tell her how much she means to me, me and her daddy and to her sisters and how much she is loved and how much we want her and just how sorry. How sorry I am that I didn't protect her.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And when you step back and look at everything that the jury has heard so far, it paints a very dark picture which again, everything that has been presented so far has been coming from the prosecution. They rested their case at the end of last week and then the jurors took a few days off earlier this week before the defense started presenting their side yesterday. But that's going to be really interesting because in the next few days we are going to start hearing arguments about Tanner's background, his mental health and anything that they believe could spare him from getting the death penalty. But what's interesting too, and I told you, a follow up to my original Deep Dive is coming, there's other women who have spoken out publicly about his predatory behavior and his alleged sexual assault against them in the past. He was, he, as I said, he had tried to lie initially saying he accidentally hit her and then panicked. Then in the days following her going missing as they were trying to find her and there were search parties, he was driving through those areas in his truck, like asking like, what's going on here? Who are you looking for? Just like that doesn't show a mental break or mental instability. That shows calculation, in my opinion. So I don't know. Honestly, this is one of those cases where you can follow every single update, every detail, every moment in the courtroom and it still doesn't feel like there's an outcome that makes this make any sense. Because at the center of it all you have this seven year old little girl. She was playing at her own house where she should have felt safe. It was almost Christmas. This FedEx driver comes to the house to deliver a Christmas gift for her. A package of a multi pack of, I believe it was like seven or eight Barbies. That was the package being dropped off, an early Christmas gift for her. He snatches her up, takes her horrifically beats her and scares the living out of her and ultimately murders her. So as this continues to unfold, I'll keep you posted, but keep an eye out for that update video. You can either go back and listen now to the original Deep Dive or the update will be coming out next week where we will go into the whole backstory. What People have said to us that we've spoken with the other allegations and just everything that gives a little bit more context to this case. But this has been a really, really difficult one to stomach. And I know a lot of you feel the same way, which is, I think, why so many of you have asked me to weigh in on it. But it's one of those ones where it's been really difficult for me to listen to it, to absorb it, and then to, you know, redeliver the information to you. But that update will be coming.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

This one, for me, it's like, death penalty. Yeah. Like, this guy. And I never talk like that, but I purposefully did not read about this case because I saw it in headlines. And you know me, like, yeah, I can't stomach stuff when I can, like, picture my niece or nephew and that just now. And, like, telling her she's pretty.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Like, no, I know.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

That is. I can't even imagine. Like, Christmas. And, like, little kids love delivery drivers. Like, trash truck. Like, they're probably so excited.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Ugh. I know. It's one of those cases, too, where it's like, how can you. Like, again, not that I'm advocating for vigilante justice, but how do you even sit in that courtroom and not smuggle in a gun and kill this bastard?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No, if I was a family member, it would be. I couldn't be there.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I would be so enraged and, like, leading up to the trial, like, it would be.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know. And he just, as they, like, play these recordings, he just keeps his head down, not really showing any sort of remorse, not even giving any sort of information. It's.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

So he pled guilty to avoid the death penalty. It wasn't because he feels remorse.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Oh, he doesn't feel remorse? No, no. And I believe. Don't. I'm. I'm 99 positive. I believe when she was found, her shirt was off. And they say he did not sexually assault her, as I said, but that there were undertones of that, as though that was the motivation.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But he savagely kidnapped a little girl

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

and say she's pretty. It's sick. I know. He's a monster.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

So I'm sure you've probably seen pieces of this case circulating around already, because it's been everywhere in the news the last couple of weeks. We're talking about Lynette Hooker, a woman from Michigan who vanished while on a boating trip in the Bahamas with her husband. And as of now, she has not been found. So this is how it all started on April 4, 2026, Lynette Hooker and her husband Brian were in the Bahamas near the Abaco Islands. They had stayed on a sailboat, and that night they took a small dinghy out on the water for a nighttime cruise. And when I say small, I mean an 8 foot inflatable boat with a motor and metal bottom. Not something with a lot of space and also not something super stable, especially at night. And according to Brian, the sun was going down, the water conditions were pretty choppy, and at around 7:30pm Lynette fell overboard. He says she was holding on to the keys of the boat when she went into the water, which caused the motor to shut off immediately. And from there he claims that the current and wind pulled her away faster than he was able to react. He says he tried to grab her but couldn't and eventually lost sight of her completely. Now, instead of immediately getting help, Brian says he spent hours trying to navigate and get back to shore. He didn't reach shore to call authorities until around 4am which means there was about a nine hour gap between when she went overboard and when authorities were actually alerted. And of course, once that call was made, a search effort started. Authorities began combing the area both in the water and from the air, but they never found Lynette. No body, no confirmed sighting after she went into the water. Nothing. And almost right away, Brian became the central focus of the investigation. He was detained and questioned by authorities in the Bahamas on April 8th. Now, during that time, investigators were trying to piece together exactly what happened out on that water. And at one point, they even took Brian back out to the scene to retrace his steps and, and locate the dinghy. And during that process, he fell overboard himself. And when that happened, not only did that just feel really odd, but it came off as super suspicious to the public. He's in custody, out on the water with investigators, and somehow ends up in the water too. But he was quickly pulled out, treated for injuries, and taken to a hospital before being brought into custody. Authorities said that it appears to be an accident during the search, but still, it's one of those details that makes this whole situation just feel even more bizarre. Because while all of this was happening, while Brian was in custody, more information started coming out about what was going on leading up to Lynette's disappearance, including text messages. It turns out Brian had been messaging a friend in the days after Lynette went overboard describing what happened. And in those messages, he said that the wind had separated them and that Lynette was actually swimming toward the sailboat. When he lost sight of her, which is a very specific detail when you think about it, because this is happening in the middle of the night in open ocean conditions with rough water, and he's able to clearly see not only where she is, but the direction she's swimming. And again, it doesn't mean this is impossible, but it's another one of those things that have people questioning what's actually going on. And then there's the relationship. Lynette's daughter had spoken out, and she painted a very different picture of what things were like between Lynette and Brian, who was her stepfather father. She described the relationship as volatile and that there was a lot of fighting, and even mentioned that arguments were frequent, especially when alcohol was involved. She also made it very clear that she does not believe that this was an accident.

[Podcast Sponsor Host]

For the first time since her mother, Lynette Hooker, went missing in the Bahamas, Carly Ailsworth is now seeing the boat her mother and stepfather Brian called home before Lynette disappeared nearly two weeks ago.

[Athena's Family Member]

Now you have no idea where she is?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah, I never imagined my mom would disappear.

[Podcast Sponsor Host]

In a dateline exclusive, Aylesworth, emotional in her desperate search for answers.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I'm still trying to grapple with the fact that she's just not here right now.

[Podcast Sponsor Host]

Bahamian police say Brian Hooker told them Lynette went overboard in their dinghy while in rough waters, finally leaving Kima. Aylesworth says the couple's relationship was volatile, and she expressed suspicions of Bryant since before he was arrested and questioned.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Part of me feel like he's gonna get away with this and walk away a free man, and I really hope that doesn't happen.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And right around the same time that Lynette's daughter was speaking out, texts that Lynette herself had sent in the past started surfacing. Messages where she reportedly expressed frustration in her relationship, talked about ongoing conflict, and gave the impression that things between her and Brian were not in a good place. Some reports have even indicated that she had considered distancing herself from the marriage. Now, obviously, we don't have full context for every single text message about their relationship, but when you line them up with what her daughter was saying, it does kind of reinforce the idea that the relationship might have been in a rough place leading up to that trip to the Bahamas. And then as all of this is unfolding, yet there's another major shift. After being held in the Bahamas for five days, Brian was released without charges on April 13th. And then when he was released, he said that his, quote, sole focus was finding Lynette that he was going to stay there and continue helping with the search. But then, just one day after saying that Brian left the Bahamas, he went back to the United States while the search for his missing wife was still ongoing. Now, his attorney says this was due to a family emergency, that his mother was ill, and legally, since he hadn't been charged with anything, he is allowed to leave. But from a public perspective, this didn't look good for him at all, because people suspect the spouse in a situation like this to stay, to be present, to be actively involved in the search. And Lynette's daughter spoke out about this too, saying she was shocked he left and questioning why he would go when her mom still hasn't been found. So when you step back and look at all of this together, this is why this case has gotten so much attention lately and so quickly. A lot of people are starting to wonder if Brian knows more than he's saying or if he might even be responsible for this. So this is still very much developing and Lynette still has not been found as of this recording. But this is absolutely one of those cases where I'm sure there will be more details that emerge and hopefully answer some of these questions. I just say it. And actually, no giving maritime divorce.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Alpine divorce.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Oh, Mary.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

There's a new oh that's now taking traction. The maritime.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Is that like. Is maritime, like water? I don't know, A marine. Marine layer. Maritime.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I don't know.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But yes, it reminds me of Gabe from Australia, which. Where they were scuba diving and he took the gas mask off of her. Whatever. Here's the thing again. Innocent until proven guilty. But I would be lying if I was not saying my eyes are rolling so far back that I can see my brain right now. Like, talk to me, my man. Let's have a conversation. Like, no comment. This guy. I mean, come on. And then he falls off the boat.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, you know what? I don't know why in my mind I kept envisioning Scott Peterson, even though it's different, but I'm picturing this small dinghy with two people and, like, it being unstable.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

You know what it's giving?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

What?

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

The net.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Really throwing it back there.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

If you haven't seen that movie with Sandra Bull.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Such a classic.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Guys, I was scared of FedEx for years because of that movie, which actually, hello, Athena Strand. You should be scared of FedEx, obviously, even though it was a third party vendor. But my point being, it's giving the net.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah. And I. So, I mean, there are A lot of questions, like, do you.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

What do you think?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I mean, obviously he's guilty, but I mean, off overboard and you wait hours to call for help. And.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And the text messages happen to show that you guys were not in a great place, that she was frustrated, and

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

you're telling your friend that she was swimming and that you just lost sight of her. And I'm sorry.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Like, and then family emergency or not, you leave the Bahamas. I. I think that the charges were dropped or whatever. Not filed, because they're building the case. They want to have rock solid proof you can prosecute no body crime. But it's more difficult.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I mean, the writing's on the wall.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

That's what I think. Which, you know what?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And I'm glad the daughter was a maritime.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No, no, I was gonna say, what's the. Because I was like. Yeah, I was like, I'll eat crow. Is that what it is?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

If I'm wrong, please don't ever say that.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I. I won't eat crow. Disgusting. But what's like, another one? Like, I don't know. That's it, right?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Yeah, I don't.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I don't want to eat crow.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Don't. Gross.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Sick. I don't even want a crow near me. I have a. I'm freaked out by birds.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

You really are.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I am. I have a fear of birds. It. It's not looking good.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

It's not looking good.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And the fact. And he. What? So you dealt with the family emergency, go back to the Bahamas.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, and what family emergency? And like, the do there's a family emergency, but the daughter doesn't understand why you came home.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Right. And, like, is the family emergency dealt with? Go back to the Bahamas. You know what?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I'm blanking right now. What was the case that was just on trial and it was a woman on trial. Her name was Ashley or. No last name was Banfield, the woman.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Oh, I know what you're talking about.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But I just was thinking how the daughter was so outspoken about that and. And basically, like, giving all the tea and I feel like good on these, you know, children for being outspoken.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I will put this statement out right now and whoever is listening or watching this clip it, post it on socials. Let's make it go far and wide. Brian. I'm gonna look directly to the camera. Brian, I will pay for a first class ticket and your entire accommodations in the Bahamas for however long it takes to find your wife. If you go back there, contact me. I will pay for it. Get your ass back to the Bahamas. If you have nothing to hide, period.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

That's a call out right there, Period.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

That's it.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Wow.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

But not. Not Baja Mar. Because that shit's expensive. No, that's a different island. Yeah, it's not looking good. And this poor daughter just, like, trying to figure out what the truth is here. And, like, not even having help by your mother, spouse, like, what is happening?

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I think.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Well, we know what's.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

If you're in marital trouble, do not go on a trip.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Never go on a trip.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No boating, no excursions.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

Go on. You can go on a trip. Like, yeah. Just no activity. Like, well, no. You can't even go on a beach vacation now. Yeah. No trips. It's not a good sign. That's not a way to rekindle. Don't do it. Okay, so really quickly, I do want to follow up on last Thursday's episode. We didn't do a full headline. Highlights. I had a guest on Dr. Leslie Dobson, and we talked about the Michaela settles case, which is. Is absolutely devastating and going viral, as it should, because this is, like, diabolical and her father is a freaking monster, allegedly. But want to follow up on this because I did see some of you guys were a little bit frustrated with the guest I had on with the lack of information and a lot of the I don't know responses, which I get the frustration 1000% through and through. I do think that some of the details and the question I was asking a lot of, like, nosy and, like, questions of like, I want to know what's going on with all this. And I don't think that the answers have been made public or shared. And that's where the I don't know comes from. But I do think that that information certainly could have been conveyed. Conveyed in a different way so that it didn't feel as though they were so uneducated on the topic when I know that she is not. But anyway, I want to follow up on this case. I heard your feedback. Let me give you the breakdown. So this is the case of Michaela Settles. Now, she was just 18 years old, and from everything that her family has said, she had plans, she had goals, she was trying to start fresh, which is what ultimately led her from North Carolina to California in the first place. Michaela had been living in North Carolina, but In July of 2025, she made the decision to move to Moore Park, California, to live with her biological father, Stephen. This was also while she was attending Moore Park College. And from the outside, this was supposed to be a new beginning. Moving Forward with school, traveling to the west coast, reconnecting with your biological father in, like, a more meaningful way, build a relationship, just kind of like, reset. Now, he lived just down the street from the college and also had said that he was going to pay for her tuition. He was going to teach her how to trade. He was going to be a great father figure for her. Her mom and sister were also going to come with her to stay in the area for about a month, just while she got used to this new area. So, again, it was supposed to be the perfect start. But that entire situation turned devastating almost immediately because within just two days of arriving, Mikayla called her mom, crying, distraught, devastated, and begging to be picked up. She didn't say anything else at the time, but once her mom and her uncle got there and got her into their car, she told them what was going on. And what she told them was absolutely horrible. She said that her father, while extremely drunk, had gotten her drunk and had sexually assaulted her for four hours straight. Now, after this outcry and this revelation, she was taken to the hospital, and she actually was in such awful shape, her uncle had to carry her into the hospital. She couldn't walk. And it was just. It's absolutely disgusting. And an exam was done, a sane exam was done, and her father's DNA was collected from inside of her. Authorities were, of course, called, and Michaela made a statement. So police then went and arrested her father that same night, and he was charged with multiple felonies, including incest, taking advantage of a position of trust, and providing alcohol to a minor. A judge granted him a $500,000 bond, and about a week later, he placed it and he was released. Now, he has since pleaded not guilty, which at that point you would think, okay, this is awful. This is disgusting. This guy is a dirtbag. But at least the system is moving. There's evidence being collected. There's going to be a process here. But what happened next in all of this is what makes this case so much more complicated and, honestly, so much more heartbreaking. After the alleged assault, McHale, and I say alleged because even though they collected his DNA, he has not been convicted. But after this assault, Michaela returned to North Carolina, and she was really struggling in those few months. She was trying to make sense of what was going on. My guest from last week, doctor, forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson, had spoken with Michaela's mother. She was trying to make sense of things. She was trying to understand, like, how did this happen? Why me? Did I deserve this? How did all of These things. And then on December 22, 2025, she attempted to take her own life. She was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, the damage was too severe. And soon after, she was declared brain dead. And I want to just pause here for a second, because now the person at the center of this case, the victim, the person who could speak out as to what happened, who could tell the jury her side of the story, she's no longer able to do that because of the mental and emotional damage that this person allegedly inflicted on her. And this creates a huge issue because in cases like this, prosecutors rely heavily on the victim's testimony. And a lot of times, it's one of the most critical pieces of evidence. And without it, the case becomes significantly harder to prove. You do have the sane exam. You do have the DNA collection. You. But there is now the argument that could be made that it was consensual, even though I would imagine the condition of her body when brought into the hospital could potentially, you know, combat that argument. But the point being, you don't have. Well, you have her police statement, but you don't have the witness there anymore. And that brings us to where we stand right now, because why I first talked about this case last week and why it has gone viral in so many places is because it appears that this guy could walk, that there may not even be anything moving forward in the system. However, there was a hearing on Tuesday, and let me break down what happened in that hearing. It was basically a huge nothing burger because this piece of shit loser coward didn't even show up. So now it has been rescheduled to May 23rd. And I have to say, I think part of the reason he didn't show up is not only because he's dodging accountability, but there were so many people at the courthouse demanding justice for Michaela. But, like, the true coward he is, he did not show up. That.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

It's honestly that poor, poor girl. And I just. This is sick. You just think how excited she was to reconnect, and this is the last thing you would expect.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

No, like. And like your own father betraying you that way for four hours, like.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

And just like, the visual of her being carried into the hospital is just absolutely devastating and disgusting.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know. Well, I know that I said at the top of this episode, or actually probably midway through, that it felt like this was an episode focused solely on predators. And I kind of feel like it was. It wasn't my intention, obviously, but these are all extremely important cases that deserve to be heard and shared and told and it's awful. So as a reminder to the Athena deep dive, I will link below the David episode from Monday. I will link below in the episode episode show notes and make sure that you're following subscribed all the things because that update for Athena will be coming out shortly, probably on a day that is not scheduled. So unless you're following or subscribed, you won't catch it. But yeah, it's a lot.

[Co-Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

This is a heavy one.

[Main Host (True Crime Podcaster)]

I know. So I guess all I'm gonna say is I will be back with you guys very soon. And until then, take care of your well being. Be nice, don't kill people, and don't be a freaking predator. Stay safe. Stay safe. Bye.