Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 219 - "Unhinged Murder Plot Against The Hired Hitman | The Joe Rosebrook Case"

Introduction

In Episode 219 of Serialously with Annie Elise, host Annie Elise delves deep into the convoluted and chilling case of Joe Rosebrook, a career criminal whose intricate murder plot led to the untimely death of an innocent man. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to the murder, the investigation that followed, and the eventual unraveling of a decades-old criminal web.

Background of the Case

The story unfolds on May 26, 2006, in the peaceful Burton Township, Ohio—a community untouched by homicide for six years. On that fateful night, 31-year-old Daniel Ott and his girlfriend Marianne Ritter are abruptly awakened by their dog, Mulligan. Little do they know, their seemingly safe haven is about to be invaded by a masked assailant.

Annie sets the scene effectively:

"This case is so convoluted and crazy that when I tell you the twists, they are a twisted. We're going to go through all of it, but it is definitely like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." ([04:30])

The Murder

Daniel and Marianne discover an intruder in their home—an armed, masked man wielding a shotgun. The intruder orders them to lie face down, but Daniel, in a desperate bid to protect himself and Marianne, grabs a lamp to defend them. This act of bravery tragically results in Daniel being shot at point-blank range:

"As the masked man began to tie Daniel's hands with duct tape, he also asked Daniel a very odd question. He wanted to know what his name was." ([05:15])

Despite Marianne's timely 911 call, Daniel succumbs to his injuries later that day, leaving Marianne physically unharmed but emotionally shattered.

Investigation and Suspects

The absence of forced entry and lack of theft puzzled investigators initially. The primary theory centered around a professional hit gone wrong, reminiscent of mafia-style eliminations. Joe Rosebrook, an inmate with a notorious criminal background, emerged as a person of interest:

"Joe's whole background was kind of like that. These weird crimes that nobody could quite pin on him." ([12:50])

Rosebrook's history is riddled with violent acts and unsolved disappearances, painting him as a formidable and dangerous figure capable of orchestrating such a heinous act.

Unveiling the Truth: A Case of Mistaken Identity

A breakthrough came nine years later when Mindy Stanifer, a getaway driver, stepped forward with critical information. She revealed that Chad South, a fellow inmate Rosebrook shared a cell with, had been commissioned to eliminate a witness named Curtis Frazier. However, due to a tragic case of mistaken identity involving two men named Daniel Ott living nearby, South inadvertently targeted the wrong Daniel.

Annie highlights the absurdity of the situation:

"It's like you have a con artist, thief, criminal, hire a hitman to commit a murder, then they flip. So you hire a hitman to kill your hitman, then finally you do get the hit that you wanted, but it's on the wrong person." ([36:40])

Arrests and Trial

With Mindy's testimony, authorities pieced together the intricate plot. Joe Rosebrook, along with his brother Jeff and Chad South, were indicted for their roles in the murder. The trial was fraught with emotional testimonies and confrontations:

"[Leroy Ott]: Joe, his family does not accept your apology. He put this family through hell, especially Mary Ann Ritter." ([52:34])

Despite overwhelming evidence, some conspirators received lenient sentences. Jeff Rosebrook, for instance, faced minimal repercussions despite his involvement:

"He chose to plead not guilty to the charges... But in the end, a jury sided with the prosecution." ([47:10])

Chad South, the actual gunman, was sentenced to 15 years to life, while Mindy Stanifer received 18 years for her role as the getaway driver.

Aftermath and Reflections

The case left a lasting impact on Daniel Ott's family, who grappled with the loss and the complexities of seeking justice:

"[Leroy Ott]: You took the life of an innocent man. If you would have served 10 years and served your time, Dan would have probably hired you, give you a second chance at life." ([53:46])

Furthermore, the episode sheds light on the elusive nature of Rosebrook, who continued his criminal endeavors even from behind bars until his eventual conviction in 2016.

Conclusion

Annie Elise concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of personal security and reflecting on the unpredictable nature of human behavior:

"Please take away the fact that you need to lock your doors... It's just one of those very wild ride roller coaster cases." ([64:10])

This episode of Serialously not only unravels a captivating true crime story but also serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching consequences of criminal actions.

Notable Quotes

• Annie Elise: "This case is so convoluted and crazy that when I tell you the twists, they are a twisted." ([04:30])
• Detective: "Detectives repeatedly ran into the phrase, 'I know what you want. They will kill me.'" ([19:36])
• Leroy Ott: "Joe, his family does not accept your apology. He put this family through hell, especially Mary Ann Ritter." ([52:34])
• Chad South: "It's horrible, man. Horrible, man." ([54:13])
• Marianne Ritter: "I'm really not a bad person or a heartless person." ([56:02])

Key Takeaways

• The complexity of the Joe Rosebrook case underscores the intricate nature of criminal conspiracies.
• Mistaken identity can lead to tragic and irreversible consequences.
• The pursuit of justice often spans years, revealing layers of deception and betrayal.
• Personal security measures, such as locking doors, remain crucial in safeguarding one's life.

Final Thoughts

Episode 219 of Serialously with Annie Elise is a testament to the depth and detail that true crime storytelling can achieve. Through meticulous research and engaging narration, Annie Elise brings to light a case that is as baffling as it is tragic, ensuring that Daniel Ott's story is remembered and that listeners are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance.