Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 233 Summary

Release Date: January 16, 2025

1. California Wildfires: Devastation and Personal Stories

In this emotionally charged segment, host Annie Elise dives deep into the ongoing wildfires ravaging California, particularly the Los Angeles area. She shares the profound personal impact of these fires, expressing sympathy for those who have lost homes and loved ones.

Annie emphasizes the widespread destruction:

"The economic impact has been estimated to potentially be anywhere from $135 to $150 billion." ([04:30])

She highlights the human cost by sharing stories of victims:

• Rory Sykes: A 32-year-old born blind with cerebral palsy, Rory valiantly attempted to save his mother, Shelly, during the wildfires. Tragically, both lost their lives.

  "He did what would be such an incredibly difficult decision and thing to vocalize. But he told his mom to leave him and save herself." ([08:15])

• Anthony and Justin Mitchell: Anthony, an amputee and wheelchair user, cared for his disabled son Justin. Both perished in the Eaton fire, found together in their home.

  "Anthony's body was found by the bed next to his son." ([12:45])

• Annette Rosely: An 85-year-old who chose to stay with her pets during the Pacific Palisades fire, Annette was found deceased in her car on her property.

  "I think she was trying to evacuate, but it was too late at that point." ([16:20])

Annie candidly addresses the societal perception of wildfire victims, challenging the notion that only celebrities are affected and stressing that many ordinary people face unimaginable losses.

2. True Crime Update: Slenderman Stabber's Conditional Release

Transitioning to true crime news, Annie discusses a significant development in the infamous Slenderman stabbing case. Morgan Geyser, the 22-year-old woman responsible for stabbing her classmate under alleged influence of the fictional entity Slenderman, has been granted conditional release.

She provides a comprehensive overview:

• Case Background: In 2014, at age 12, Morgan and her friend Anissa Weir lured their classmate Peyton to the woods, where Morgan stabbed Peyton 19 times, believing it would earn them favor with Slenderman.

• Legal Proceedings: Initially pleading guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide, Morgan was later found not guilty by reason of mental defect. Anissa received a similar verdict. Morgan was sentenced to 40 years in a psychiatric facility and diagnosed with schizophrenia.

• Conditional Release: After multiple petitions, Morgan's fourth request for release was granted based on significant progress reported by psychologists.

  "Morgan had been taken off of her antipsychotic medications in early 2023 and since then had not had any symptoms." ([28:10])

Annie voices her concerns over the decision:

"How can they say she isn't a danger to society, but also say that if she reaches a low point, she could become even more dangerous?" ([30:25])

She also touches on the emotional toll on Peyton and her family, who fear the implications of Morgan's release.

3. Social Media News: TikTok Ban Developments

Annie shifts focus to the evolving situation surrounding TikTok's potential ban in the United States. With the deadline approaching on January 19, 2025, legislative efforts aim to extend this ban.

Key points include:

• Legislative Actions: Senator Markey introduced the "Extend the TikTok Deadline Act," seeking an additional 270 days for ByteDance to sell TikTok to avert the ban.

  "A ban would dismantle a one of a kind informational and cultural ecosystem, silencing millions in the process." ([35:50])

• Political Support: Congressman Ro Khanna has endorsed the bill, adding pressure to prevent the immediate ban.

• Potential Sale: Project Liberty, backed by billionaire Frank McCourt and investor Kevin O'Leary, has proposed purchasing TikTok for up to $20 billion, excluding the platform's algorithm.

  "We don't need the algorithm, we don't want the algorithm." ([40:05])

• Community Reactions: The possibility of an extension has sparked discussions among TikTok users, with some migrating to alternative platforms like RedNote, fostering a unique cultural exchange.

Annie highlights the uncertainty and mixed emotions within the TikTok community, balancing the platform's benefits against its privacy and mental health concerns.

4. Mysterious Death: The Case of Heather Williams

Delving into a recent mysterious death, Annie covers the tragic story of Heather Williams, a 25-year-old who went missing and was later found deceased.

Details of the case:

• Disappearance: Last seen on January 4, 2025, entering an unfamiliar sedan captured by a Ring camera. Heather had no bags and seemed prepared to stay away from home indefinitely.

• Family's Concern: Heather's past trauma from being struck by a car in 2015 left her with cognitive impairments, making her particularly vulnerable.

• Investigation Updates:

  "Police announced that they did have a person of interest." ([50:30])

Despite identifying the vehicle's driver, Heather's body was discovered in a wooded area, and the investigation remains ongoing with calls for public assistance.

Annie empathizes with Heather's family:

"Our family finds comfort in the love that Heather had for God." ([55:45])

She urges listeners to come forward with any information, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such cases.

5. Resolution After Decades: Arrest in Shannon Anderson's Murder

In a heartening turn of events, Annie reports the arrest of Jonathan Link for the 2001 murder of his girlfriend, Shannon Anderson.

Case overview:

• Initial Incident: Shannon was reported missing on July 30, 2001, with no signs of forced entry or struggle. Her body was found on August 16, showing multiple blunt force traumas.

• Cold Case Breakthrough: Decades of relentless investigation, including new digital forensics and witness interviews, led to Jonathan Link being indicted on two counts of murder on January 13, 2025.

  "After nearly a quarter century, this defendant will be held responsible for the murder of Shannon Anderson." ([1:05:20])

Annie underscores the significance of this arrest as a testament to perseverance in the pursuit of justice, offering hope to families enduring long waits for closure.

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Annie Elise wraps up the episode by previewing an upcoming deep dive into a complex case involving catfishing and love triangles. She also reminds listeners of available ad-free bonus content through Patreon and the Apple Podcast app.

"Be safe, be nice, don't kill anybody, just get a divorce, don't join any cults and just try to be a good human. We're all doing our best, right?" ([1:20:50])

Stay tuned for more engaging and insightful discussions on true crime and current events in future episodes of Serialously with Annie Elise.