Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 228 Summary
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Title: Mom Left Baby with 3 Men at Casino, Stabbed 14x Over Bad Pizza Tip, 12 Human Remains Found & Woman Kills Husband Then Flees on Kayak
Host: Annie Elise
Produced by: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios
Introduction and Overview
In Episode 228 of Serialously with Annie Elise, titled Mom Left Baby with 3 Men at Casino, Stabbed 14x Over Bad Pizza Tip, 12 Human Remains Found & Woman Kills Husband Then Flees on Kayak, host Annie Elise delves into a series of gripping true crime stories that span from Florida to Mexico, Texas, North Carolina, and New York City. The episode kicks off with exciting news about the podcast's expansion to YouTube, responding to listener feedback. Annie maintains her trademark conversational style, engaging listeners with detailed narratives of each case.
1. Abandoned Baby at Florida Casino
Timeline and Events:
- Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida.
- Incident: Christmas Eve.
- Key Individuals:
- Ruby Verduzco: The mother who abandoned her baby.
- Unidentified Men: Three men seen dropping off the baby.
- Baby's Father: Initially claimed to be in Oklahoma, later realigned to Orlando.
Details:
Annie recounts the unsettling case where Ruby Verduzco left her infant at a Florida casino. Upon arrival at approximately [00:02], Annie explains, "A baby was abandoned inside a Hard Rock casino," setting the stage for a perplexing situation. The baby, observed in a soiled diaper, remained unattended for about 30 minutes until the police intervened.
Notable Quotes:
- Ruby Verduzco at [09:15]: "I had a fight with the baby's dad, so I left her with my friends."
Annie's Analysis:
Annie critiques Ruby's inability to provide details about the "friends" she left her child with, labeling the situation as "very shady" and raising suspicions about potential trafficking, though she refrains from definitive conclusions. She highlights the father's initial claim of being far away, which later contradicts his actual location in Orlando, adding layers of complexity and doubt to the case.
Outcome:
Ruby was arrested and charged with two counts of felony child neglect. The baby was taken into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Annie raises critical questions about the circumstances leading to the abandonment, emphasizing the "complete disregard" for the child's welfare.
2. Discovery of Human Remains Near Mexico-US Border
Location: Chihuahua, Mexico, near El Paso.
Incident:
Authorities uncovered 12 human remains in 11 secret graves near the US-Mexico border, reminiscent of a "horror movie" scenario. Annie draws parallels to a previous case involving 20 skulls found in New Mexico, pointing to a disturbing pattern of violence in the region.
Details:
Discovered on December 18th, the remains remain unidentified, with ongoing forensic investigations aimed at determining the cause of death and the identities of the victims. The staggering statistic of approximately 120,000 missing persons in Mexico underscores the severity and scale of the issue.
Annie's Commentary:
Expressing horror, Annie states, "Anytime there's a hidden gravesite or mass remains being found, it literally sends a chill down my spine," and urges listeners to consider the broader implications of such findings on community safety and law enforcement efficacy.
Status:
The investigation remains active, with authorities seeking leads on how the remains were disposed of and potential suspects involved.
3. Florida Pizza Delivery Woman Stabs Customer Over Tip
Location: Riviera Motel, Kissimmee, Florida.
Key Individuals:
- Brianna Alvalo: 22-year-old pizza delivery driver.
- Melinda Irizarry: The victim.
Incident:
Brianna Alvalo allegedly returned to Melinda Irizarry's motel room and stabbed her 14 times following a dispute over a poor tip. The altercation stemmed from a $33 pizza order where Melinda provided a $50 bill, expecting $17 in change, but only received $2.
Notable Quotes:
- Melinda Irizarry at [12:33]: "My pizza came cold. My wings came cold. I personally am not going to tip anybody who is bringing my pizza late at an awkward time."
- Melinda Irizarry at [15:13]: "I put my hands up. I said, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I have my child. We don't got nothing in there. What's going on?"
Annie's Analysis:
Annie expresses disbelief over the extreme reaction to a bad tip, highlighting the absurdity of stabbings over mere monetary disputes. She emphasizes the severity of the assault, noting the multiple stab wounds and the additional trauma of Melinda discovering her pregnancy while at the hospital.
Outcome:
Brianna was arrested and faces charges including attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The accompanying man remains unidentified. Melinda is recovering in stable condition, having suffered significant injuries and psychological trauma.
Community and Corporate Response:
Marco's Pizza, Brianna's employer, issued a statement pledging full cooperation with authorities, reiterating their commitment to customer safety and well-being.
4. Texas Woman Kills Husband and Flees on Kayak
Location: Texas, USA.
Key Individuals:
- Faith Paige Goins: Accused murderer.
- Tomas Calvera Jr.: Victim and Faith's common-law husband.
Incident:
Faith Paige Goins allegedly shot her husband, Tomas Calvera Jr., and set his truck on fire. Following the arson, she attempted to escape the scene by kayaking.
Details:
Authorities were conducting a welfare check after Tomas hadn't been seen for some time, leading them to discover his body in a closet with a gunshot wound to the face. Concurrently, a burning truck was reported, and Faith was later found fleeing the scene via kayak, bearing burn marks and Tomas's ID.
Annie's Commentary:
Annie describes the case as "beyond" comprehension, questioning what could drive someone to such extreme violence against a partner. She highlights the baffling nature of fleeing via kayak, likening the incident to something out of a "Lifetime movie."
Outcome:
Faith has confessed to the police regarding the shooting and arson. She faces charges of murder, arson, and causing serious bodily injury or death. The investigation continues as authorities seek further details about the motive and circumstances surrounding the crime.
5. North Carolina Woman Attacked with Gasoline and Set on Fire
Location: North Carolina, USA.
Key Individuals:
- Ashanti Downey: Victim.
- Unknown Assailant: Perpetrator.
Incident:
Ashanti Downey, a 20-year-old woman, was doused with gasoline and set on fire by an unidentified assailant while walking down the street. The attack occurred around her 21st birthday, January 1, 2025.
Notable Quotes:
- Melinda Irizarry at [24:24]: "Why could you do this to my baby? You didn't have to do this to her."
Annie's Analysis:
Annie draws parallels to the New York City subway arson case, emphasizing the random and senseless nature of the attack. She underscores the severity of Ashanti's injuries, which covered three-quarters of her body with second and third-degree burns, and the extensive recovery process ahead.
Outcome:
Ashanti survived the brutal attack and remains in stable condition at a burn center. Her mother has initiated an online fundraiser to cover medical expenses, highlighting the community's response to such violent acts. The police continue to investigate, with theories ranging from domestic issues to gang-related motives, but the perpetrator remains at large.
6. New York City Subway Arson Leading to Death
Location: Coney Island, New York City, Subway Train.
Key Individuals:
- Sebastian Zepeda: Perpetrator.
- Unnamed Female Victim: Deceased.
Incident:
On December 22nd, an unidentified woman was sleeping in a subway car at the Coney Island Stillwell Avenue station when Sebastian Zepeda boarded the train, set her clothing on fire, and watched her burn to death.
Notable Quotes:
- Melinda Irizarry at [29:45]: "This is a person right here."
Details:
Zepeda, dressed in black with a lighter, ignited a woman's clothing and exacerbated the flames by fanning them with a T-shirt. Despite multiple witnesses present, no intervention occurred until Zepeda was apprehended via body cam and security footage. High school students recognized him and alerted the authorities, leading to his arrest.
Annie's Commentary:
Annie expresses profound horror at the atrocity, questioning the perpetrator's motives and the bystanders' inaction. She condemns the act as "sick in the head" and reflects on the diminishing sense of safety in public spaces like the New York City subway.
Outcome:
Sebastian Zepeda was charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, in addition to arson. Facing the possibility of life without parole, Zepeda initially pleaded not guilty, citing confusion and alcohol use as his defense. However, he later waived his court appearance and awaits arraignment on January 7th. Federal authorities are also seeking to deport him following the conclusion of the criminal case.
Public and Official Response:
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the act, asserting that "this type of depraved behavior has no place in our subways," and reiterated the city's commitment to swift justice. The case has garnered significant attention online due to its brutality and the seemingly random nature of the attack.
Conclusion
Annie Elise wraps up Episode 228 by reflecting on the harrowing stories shared, emphasizing the pervasive nature of violence and the critical importance of community vigilance and support. She encourages listeners to subscribe and follow the podcast on YouTube, highlighting additional bonus content available for eager true crime enthusiasts.
Throughout the episode, Annie maintains a balance between providing detailed accounts of each case and offering insightful commentary, ensuring that listeners are both informed and engaged. Her empathetic approach, coupled with a keen eye for detail, makes for a compelling exploration of these unsettling true crime events.
Note: This summary excludes non-content segments such as advertisements and sponsorship messages to focus solely on the true crime narratives discussed in the episode.