237: Idaho 4 Updates, Madalina Cojocari News, Gabby Petito Doc, Teachers Throw Party for Minors & Female Serial Killer?

Summary

Serialously with Annie Elise
Episode 237: Idaho 4 Updates, Madalina Cojocari News, Gabby Petito Doc, Teachers Throw Party for Minors & Female Serial Killer?
Release Date: January 30, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 237 of Serialously with Annie Elise, host Annie Elise delves into a myriad of gripping true crime stories, providing updates, exploring new angles, and sharing her insightful perspectives. This episode, titled "Idaho 4 Updates, Madalina Cojocari News, Gabby Petito Doc, Teachers Throw Party for Minors & Female Serial Killer?", offers listeners a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the true crime world.

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1. Madalina Cojocari Case Updates

Background:
Madalina Cojocari, an 11-year-old girl, was reported missing in December 2022. The case gained widespread attention due to suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Recent Developments:

• Unsealed Search Warrants (05:53): New documents reveal that items belonging to Madalina, including her mattress, clothing, Halloween costume, and family photos, were found partially burned in a fire pit outside her home. Notably, a carpet from the upstairs spare bedroom was also discovered, raising questions about possible evidence disposal.

• Discord Evidence (08:10): Investigators found a Discord account on Diana and Christopher Cojocari’s seized phones with 37 unread messages. This account might be linked to Madalina and raises concerns about potential sexual exploitation, as stated by Annie Elise:

  “...they believe that they found what could potentially be linked to the sexual exploitation of a minor. [08:53]”

• Payment to a Priest (09:39): Diana Cojocari made payments totaling four grand to a priest in Moldova following Madalina’s disappearance. The nature of these payments remains unclear, intensifying speculation about Madalina’s whereabouts and Diana’s intentions.

Investigative Insights (12:02):
Deputy Chief Jennifer Thompson of Cornelius Police expressed hope that Madalina might still be alive, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation:

“...it gives this case some much-needed hope.”

Conclusion:
The recent unsealing of documents and the possibility that Madalina might still be alive inject renewed urgency into the case. Annie Elise underscores the complexity and lingering mysteries surrounding Madalina's disappearance, urging continued attention and investigation.

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2. Identification of John Doe as Santino Cardella and Potential Serial Killer Link

Case Overview (13:08):
Santino Cardella, a 28-year-old man from Colorado Springs, was missing since April 2022. His remains were identified on January 21, 2025, in Pueblo, Colorado.

Serial Killer Connection (15:44):
Detective Nicole Black posits a possible link between Santino’s case and Deca Simmons, a female serial killer convicted for multiple murders in 2022. Simmons is believed to have murdered four individuals, with suspicions that Santino might be connected to her modus operandi:

“...the investigators believe that Santino is linked to Deca Simmons, who has been connected to multiple brutal murders.” [16:35]

Defense Perspective (17:06):
Annie Elise highlights the speculative nature of this connection, acknowledging that the defense team may attempt to undermine the case against Brian Coburger by associating him with Simmons:

“This is a case we have been following very closely for several years... I just hope that these kids and their families get the justice they deserve.” [47:14]

Conclusion:
While the potential link between Santino Cardella and Deca Simmons adds a chilling layer to the narrative, the investigation remains ongoing. Annie Elise maintains a cautious stance, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence before drawing definitive conclusions.

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3. Teachers Arrested for Hosting Underage Party

Incident Details (19:00):
Elizabeth Hill Broughtigan, principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and Carly Anderson, a third-grade teacher, were arrested for hosting a massive party involving minors on January 19, 2025. The party, held at Elizabeth’s residence, featured over 100 teenagers aged 13 to 17 and adhered to the “White Lie” theme.

Reckless Behavior (21:01):
The duo not only hosted the party but also provided alcohol and engaged in drinking alongside the minors. They took evasive measures to avoid detection, including:

• Turning Off Lights (21:33): To prevent the party from being noticeable.
• Fake 911 Call (21:41): Teens called in a fabricated emergency to divert police attention:

  “...the call claimed that someone at a local skate park was holding people at gunpoint...” [21:47]

Consequences (24:08):
Both teachers were released on low bail amounts ($3,000 and $3,500 respectively). Their professional careers are likely irrevocably damaged, with Annie Elise expressing profound disgust:

“...it just is so beyond weird. Especially when there's not really a motive at play.” [24:25]

Conclusion:
This incident underscores a blatant abuse of authority and trust by educators, highlighting the severe repercussions of their irresponsible actions. Annie Elise condemns their behavior, emphasizing the betrayal of student trust and the potential dangers posed to the minors involved.

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4. Landlord Shoots Tenant Over Thermostat Dispute

Case Summary (24:46):
Adam Anson, a 37-year-old landlord from Westchester, Florida, was arrested for the murder of his 57-year-old tenant, Carlos Gonzalez. The altercation stemmed from a disagreement over changing the thermostat settings.

Incident Breakdown (25:05):

• Confrontation (25:07): Anson approached Carlos’s apartment, loudly demanding entry to adjust the thermostat.
• Violent Assault (25:43): Upon gaining access, Anson punched Carlos and subsequently shot him multiple times in the head before leaving the scene to change the thermostat.
• Aftermath (26:02): Anson returned to his residence and called the police to report the incident, claiming self-defense despite evidence to the contrary.

Legal Proceedings (26:36):
Anson faces charges of second-degree murder and burglary with armed assault. The case draws attention to extreme reactions over mundane disputes, with Annie Elise questioning the sanity behind such actions:

“I don't get people's reactions... It is so insane and unhinged to me.” [26:54]

Conclusion:
The absurdity and brutality of this case highlight the unpredictable nature of human behavior, even in seemingly trivial situations. Annie Elise emphasizes the need for rational conflict resolution to prevent such tragic outcomes.

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5. Gabby Petito Netflix Documentary Announcement

Docu-Series Details (29:41):
Netflix announced the release of "American Gabby Petito," a three-part docu-series set to premiere on February 17, 2025. The series explores the tragic story of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman whose disappearance and subsequent death captivated national attention.

Case Recap (29:57):
In 2021, Gabby Petito vanished during a cross-country trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Her body was later discovered in Grand Teton National Park, having been strangled. The case garnered immense media coverage, partly due to Gabby's substantial social media presence.

Series Highlights (31:38):

• Content: The series promises exclusive interviews, unseen footage, and an in-depth look into Gabby and Brian's relationship, their “van life,” and the infamous body cam footage from the final days.
• Host’s Perspective (32:15):

  “...Brian I think got off a little too scot free and had he not, I think that the situation would have been handled and ended very differently.” [32:15]

Conclusion:
Annie Elise expresses anticipation for the documentary, acknowledging its potential to shed new light on Gabby Petito’s story and the broader implications surrounding the case. She hopes that the series will provide clarity and closure to those affected.

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6. Natalie from VH1’s "Mob Wives" Reported Missing

Case Overview (34:08):
Natalie D., known for her appearance on VH1’s "Mob Wives" Season 5, was reported missing on January 21, 2025. Her disappearance shares eerie similarities with the Hannah Kobayashi case, prompting speculation about possible foul play.

Discrepancies and Suspicion (35:06):

• Conflicting Locations (35:17): Natalie was last seen in Las Vegas, a significant distance from Philadelphia where her family believed she was. She missed her flight from Vegas back to Florida, further complicating the timeline.
• Communication Issues (36:01): Four days before her disappearance, Natalie requested money for a plane ticket via WhatsApp from a friend, Ben, indicating her presence in Vegas unbeknownst to her family.
• Final Interaction (37:28): Natalie’s mother reported a brief, anxious FaceTime call shortly before her disappearance, where Natalie was stressed and evasive.

Police Response (38:00):
The Las Vegas Police initially took a missing persons report but later closed the case after Natalie contacted her mother, stating she was safe but without providing comprehensive details about her whereabouts.

Speculative Concerns (38:28):
Annie Elise raises questions about the plausibility of Natalie’s story and whether there might be underlying issues, such as involvement in illicit activities, that were not disclosed, leaving listeners to ponder the lack of transparency and the reasons behind the unresolved mysteries.

Conclusion:
The Natalie case, with its perplexing elements and subtle inconsistencies, leaves room for doubt and speculation. Annie Elise emphasizes the importance of digging deeper to uncover the truth behind her disappearance, urging the true crime community to remain vigilant and inquisitive.

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7. Brian Coburger and the Idaho Four Case Updates

Trial Preparations (40:39):
Brian Coburger’s defense team has been actively filing motions that could significantly influence the upcoming August 2025 trial. On January 23rd, they challenged the constitutionality of the genetic evidence used against Coburger.

Genetic Genealogy Challenges (41:16):

• Defense Argument (43:27): Coburger’s lawyers contend that the genetic genealogy (IGG) evidence, which linked DNA found on a knife sheath to him by searching databases like 23andMe and Ancestry.com, violates his Fourth Amendment rights:

  “...he believe that all of this evidence should be thrown out as well.” [43:43]

• Potential Evidence Suppression (43:54): The defense claims that the use of IGG led to a cascade of other evidence, such as DNA from trash, phone records, and surveillance footage, which they argue should be excluded due to alleged police misconduct.

Court Proceedings (44:12):
The hearing addressing these motions was partially closed to the public, limiting detailed public insight into the defense’s arguments.

Host’s Analysis (46:54):
Annie Elise discusses the implications of potentially dismissing key evidence, emphasizing the unpredictability of the trial's outcome and the deep doubts it casts over Coburger’s guilt:

“We don't know what's happening here. I know there are a lot of people who are in like the Bryan Coburger is innocent camp...” [47:09]

Conclusion:
The legal maneuvers by Coburger’s defense team introduce significant uncertainty into the case. Annie Elise remains engaged, highlighting the importance of the trial in delivering justice for the Idaho Four and maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented.

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Closing Remarks

In this multifaceted episode, Annie Elise masterfully navigates through complex true crime stories, offering updates and thoughtful commentary that keeps listeners informed and engaged. From unsettling case continuations like Madalina Cojocari’s and Santino Cardella’s to bizarre incidents involving educators and violent disputes over thermostats, the episode underscores the unpredictable and often disturbing nature of true crime.

Annie Elise concludes with a glance toward future content, including deep dives and bonus episodes, ensuring her audience remains connected and eager for more in-depth explorations of captivating cases.

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Notable Quotes:

• On Madalina's Case:

  “Madeleina was last seen on November 21, 2022... Her carelessly just getting off the bus, messing with her hair, excited for Thanksgiving break.” [04:26]

• On the Teachers’ Party:

  “They were turning off all of the outside lights... they even had some of the teenagers call in a fake 911 call.” [21:33]

• On the Idaho Four Trial:

  “I understand why... I think we all just have to wait and see how this trial shakes out.” [47:24]

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This episode of Serialously with Annie Elise serves as a compelling update reel for true crime enthusiasts, seamlessly intertwining current events with deep investigative insights. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the podcast, Episode 237 offers a thorough and engaging recap of some of the most intriguing stories in the true crime landscape.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, true crime besties.

[B]

Welcome back to an all new episode of Serial Asleep. Hey everybody. Welcome back to an all new episode.

[A]

Of Serial Lessly with me, Annie Elise, your true crime bestie, here to break.

[B]

Down everything that is going on in the true crime world this week. And today's episode is Headline Highlights, where.

[A]

If you've been a listener to the.

[B]

Podcast for a while, you know, Headline Highlights comes out on the podcast every Thursday on YouTube every Friday. And we break down everything that's going on in week in the true crime world, whether it's new updates, breaking cases.

[A]

Updates to cases we've been following, whatever it may be.

[B]

So I'm just kind of like here.

[A]

Here to give you the scoop and the skinny on what's going on in.

[B]

The true crime world because I know unfortunately sometimes it's a lot to keep up with. There are a lot of moving parts, right? And today there's no shortage. We have got so much to talk about. We have updates in the Brian Coburger case, the Idaho four, you know, that horrific murder case. We have updates in that we're going to talk about. There's also new information on the Melina.

[A]

Kojakari case and if you're not familiar.

[B]

With that one, it's one that I.

[A]

Did a deep dive on. I will link it in the show notes.

[B]

But but there's now unsealed documents that have come out. And so it's like you're taking a.

[A]

More detailed look into this investigation.

[B]

I'll give you a full recap when we get there. But it's like a missing girl, the parents are super shady. It's a wild one. So there's updates there.

[A]

We also have a John Doe who was identified as a missing person from.

[B]

2022 and talks of a potential link.

[A]

To a woman found guilty of murder and a suspect in three other murder cases. Two elementary school teachers have been arrested.

[B]

For throwing a party for minors, which is like absolutely insane to me. There's also a Florida landlord who shot their tenant over, get this, thermostat disagreement. I know, weird, obviously, right?

[A]

And then also I want to talk.

[B]

With you about the new documentary that.

[A]

Netflix just announced about Gabby Petito.

[B]

So we have got a lot to talk about and I want to just.

[A]

Mention so many of you have been.

[B]

Like in my DMs asking me to give my take on new updates regarding the Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds of it all. I know a lot of you on this podcast and on YouTube are interested, but I also know because it doesn't really fit in our normal true crime conversation. Some people are like, I don't care about this. I don't care about pop culture. It's not on my radar. Like, leave it to other people. So I do have a lot of thoughts.

[A]

Okay. And I listened to the six minute.

[B]

Voice memo that was leaked earlier this week, or not leaked, but released. And I do have a lot of thoughts. So I'm trying to figure out what platform I want to do that on, whether it is the podcast. Maybe it's a live stream. Maybe it's a live stream on Patreon, where we do talk about things more fluidly.

[A]

I'm not really sure.

[B]

So if you have any suggestions or requests, definitely let me know. But I just wanted to bring that up to let you know, you know, it is on my radar and I.

[A]

Have a lot of feelings. I have a lot of opinions about it.

[B]

But anyway, today we're going through headline highlights.

[A]

So let's jump into the first one. And it's the case that I mentioned just a few moments ago, Madalena Kojakari, because search warrants have now been unsealed. Now, Madalina Kojakari was a name that began sweeping the headlines after her mother, Diana, reported her as missing on either.

[B]

December 13th or December 15th of 2022. There are conflicting reports on the exact date, but either way, Madelina was just 11 years old at the time. And there are a lot of things.

[A]

That caused this case to be a big headline. But I would say that the thing that stuck out the most and really turned it into the media sensation that it is today is that Madele had.

[B]

Been missing for an entire three weeks.

[A]

By the time she was reported missing. On top of that, her mother, Diana, only reported her missing after suspicions had.

[B]

Already been raised by her school.

[A]

She had missed so many days in.

[B]

A row that I don't know if.

[A]

It was the truancy officer or who.

[B]

It was that stepped in. I believe it was, but they were like, we need to lay eyes on Madeleina.

[A]

We need to make sure she's okay. Like, what's going on here?

[B]

So there really was suspicious activity right from the get go.

[A]

Madeleina was last seen on November 21.

[B]

2022, on surveillance when she was getting.

[A]

Off the school bus.

[B]

And in this video, it really doesn't.

[A]

Paint any sort of sinister picture.

[B]

It's her carelessly just getting off the bus, messing with her hair, excited for Thanksgiving break. And it's a video that has now been burned into a lot of people's Minds, myself included.

[A]

And when it comes to this case.

[B]

The Internet sleuths were all coming up.

[A]

With theory after theory.

[B]

I mean, from Diana purposefully hiding Madeleina away to sex trafficking, to her mom.

[A]

And stepdad basically exchanging her for money.

[B]

I mean, you name it, the theories were out there.

[A]

And at the end of the day, this case, it's still unsolved. And a number of theories could hold smaller pieces of the truth for all we know. I mean, who knows now at the.

[B]

Time that all of this was really.

[A]

Big in the news? Diana and Christopher, Diana's husband and Madeleina's stepdad were both arrested for failing to.

[B]

Report Madeleina as missing.

[A]

Diana pleaded guilty, and Christopher was found guilty as well. They both have since served their time and have been released, which I have to say, it's so crazy that so.

[B]

Much time has already passed since we first started covering this case.

[A]

So much so that they already are released. But like I said, I have a.

[B]

Few videos already up on my YouTube channel where I cover this case in much more depth, so definitely go check those out for the whole deep dive. But there were allegations of, like, Diana being a mail order bride, about abuse in the house, about him covering for the wife, the wife covering for him. It's really complex, and I go into all of those theories over in the deep dive. But for now, let's get into the more recent updates.

[A]

So, just recently, some of the search warrants in Madeleina's case have finally been.

[B]

Unsealed to the public.

[A]

Now, I want to be clear. This isn't the first time that certain search warrants have been either unsealed or partially unsealed. But this new round of documents that have been released do have some pretty.

[B]

Interesting bits of information that just really.

[A]

Continue to add to the mystery of it all. There have been some previous speculations about whether or not Diana had been burning some of Madelina's things after her disappearance. And these new documents shed light onto some of the things that were recovered in the searches of Madelina's home. And it definitely seems like Diana was keen on getting rid of these things, or at least trying to get rid of them. Madelina's mattress, some of her clothing, her Halloween costume from that year, and even some family photos were all found in a fire pit outside of their house, half burnt, still salvageable enough to identify.

[B]

What they all were, but still attempted.

[A]

To have been disposed of. However, there was one thing found in that fire pit that did not belong to Madeleina. And the warrant reads that A carpet from the home's upstairs spare bedroom was also inside the fire pit. Now, I'll be honest, when it says.

[B]

Carpet, I'm not sure if they mean it was a literal square that was.

[A]

Cut out of the carpet or if.

[B]

Maybe they are referring a smaller area rug or something like that. But either way, it's extremely odd.

[A]

My mind starts going in a million.

[B]

Different directions when I think about it. For example, like, was there maybe blood on the carpet and they were trying.

[A]

To dispose of it?

[B]

Could the upstairs spare bedroom have been.

[A]

Some sort of crime scene where they.

[B]

Needed to get rid of any possible trace of evidence?

[A]

Did the detectives find anything else suspicious in that room?

[B]

I mean, I could go on forever.

[A]

And none of it is good by any means. The warrant also shed some light on what exactly the detectives were looking for.

[B]

When they were checking the house. According to a local news outlet, the.

[A]

Detectives swabbed stains in several different areas.

[B]

Of the house, like one of the.

[A]

Light switches, as well as on the carpet in one of the bedrooms.

[B]

I mean, which bedroom it was.

[A]

It wasn't specified whether it was Madeleina's.

[B]

Room or the spare room. Where that rug or carpet or whatever was in the fire pit came from, we don't know.

[A]

But something that was no secret to the public was that both Diana and Christopher's phones were seized when this case was first happening. And these new documents show two really.

[B]

Crazy things that were found that I really quickly want to dive into.

[A]

The first one was that one of the phones seized in December of 2022.

[B]

Though it doesn't state which phone, it.

[A]

Had a Discord account on it with 37 unread messages. Now, based on the investigation into the account, they believe that the account was Madeleina's, or at the very least, was.

[B]

Supposed to look like Madeleina's. Now, whether or not that was actually.

[A]

Her behind the screen, that's up in the air.

[B]

But a lot of people are saying.

[A]

Okay, well, what's the big deal about this? Well, let me tell you, even though.

[B]

Discord is an app that can be.

[A]

Completely harmless, the investigators also stated that they believe that they found what could potentially be linked to sexual exploitation of a minor.

[B]

Discord is one of those apps where.

[A]

I actually use Discord for our private.

[B]

Group chat, where we're talking about true crime every single day, all different cases, just like almost as a group chat.

[A]

On your phone, but you don't have to give your phone number.

[B]

You just create a screen name, like a chat room. Dating myself back to the AOL days. So the problem with that is that a lot of people, a lot of.

[A]

Young people, I should say, use Discord to send things anonymously, to be anonymous.

[B]

If they meet somebody on a video game or Roblox or whatever it is, they exchange discords. And I think you can actually even.

[A]

Play video games now on Discord.

[B]

I'm not sure, but basically it's kind of. It's not untraceable, but it does give you more of like a layered piece of protection.

[A]

And now they're saying that they think that they found content that could be.

[B]

Linked to the XF sexual exploitation of a minor. Now, the second thing that I want.

[A]

To go over was that the warrants revealed that after searching Diana's phone, she.

[B]

Had apparently paid a priest in Moldova.

[A]

A whopping four grand. In the weeks following Madeleina's disappearance. The payments were split. Some before talking with him on a phone call for 10 minutes and then some after.

[B]

But it almost seemed like a down.

[A]

Payment or a deposit for something. Then the final payment came after, which I have to say is just strange. Not to mention, four grand is an insane amount of money for whatever this 10 minute phone call entailed.

[B]

And to a priest, of all people, it's even more strange. I mean, maybe it was some sort of spiritual forgiveness type of thing. I don't know. There were also a lot of rumors that because of the abuse or what the stepdad was involved with in Madeleina's disappearance, again, all alleged. Just re. Do your own research. Nothing has been proven, but a lot of people were saying that the reason.

[A]

Her mom didn't report her as missing.

[B]

Right away is because she is the.

[A]

One who tried to hide Madeline, that she had someone.

[B]

I don't want.

[A]

What's the word I'm looking for? Like, smuggle her out of the country. And that she paid a fee to get Madeleina to safety away from the stepfather.

[B]

Is that true? Again, I don't know. It's all in the deep dive now. Maybe one of the biggest takeaways from.

[A]

This resurgence in this case is that the Cornelius police, specifically Deputy Chief Jennifer Thompson, told the media that they believe that Madeleina is still alive. Now, it's one thing for a case to fizzle out and for the detectives to believe there's no chance that a.

[B]

Kid is still alive, but for investigators.

[A]

To believe that she is still possibly.

[B]

Alive when we're now coming up on.

[A]

Year three of this thing, I mean, this is huge. It gives this case some much needed hope. Now, there was something else from the.

[B]

Announcement that the deputy gave that I want to touch on because it really does tie back into the theories that I mentioned at the beginning and even some of the theories that I talked about, you know, back in 2023 when I last covered this case. But she's quoted as saying, quote, someone.

[A]

Is still out there that has the bit of information as to what happened.

[B]

To her and where she is.

[A]

I think Diana possibly has that information. Diana was officially named a suspect in Madeleina's case in July of 2024, even.

[B]

Though people were more than suspicious of her long before then.

[A]

And even though no other charges have ever been made against her, the investigators have made it very clear that this is not a cold case and that nothing is off the table yet. As much as I can hope and.

[B]

Pray that we will one day have.

[A]

The answers to this case, that makes.

[B]

It all finally come together and, you know, make some sense. I can't help but worry that it.

[A]

Might be another JonBenet sort of case where we still will be questioning what the heck happened 15 years from now. Or maybe there will be a huge break in the case and one day we'll be getting an insane Netflix tell.

[B]

All by Madeleina herself. I don't know, it really could go either way.

[A]

There are just so many elements to this case that don't sit entirely right with me.

[B]

And if you've been following it, you probably know what I'm talking about. There's, you know, allegations of drug use, of course, the exploitation, the physical harm inside the home, the fact that there was so many delays in reporting her missing and then cover ups and then this fire pit of her personal belongings and seemingly evidence outside of the home, like it doesn't make sense. But then saying that she's still alive or they believe she's still alive, I don't really know where to go from here. So we are following this case again very closely and I will keep you updated.

[A]

Now moving into our next segment, John Doe has been identified as missing 28 year old and also potentially linked to.

[B]

Possible female serial killer.

[A]

Now, I want to say from the start that this next case is one.

[B]

That definitely caught my attention because it's.

[A]

A frustrating one because even though it.

[B]

Seems like we know a whole lot, it's also like we know absolutely nothing.

[A]

Regardless, I'm curious to see where all.

[B]

Of this will go. So let's just get into it. On January 21st, 1st, a John Doe.

[A]

Was confirmed as being the remains of a 28 year old man named Santino Cardella. Santino had been reported missing all the.

[B]

Way back in April of 2022.

[A]

Santino, known as Tino by his close family and friends, was from Colorado Springs and he was described as living a transient lifestyle. Not much is known about his actual disappearance like who reported him missing or when he was exactly last seen. But right away the Colorado Springs Police Department made it known that they were looking into a potential foul play situation being involved in this. But again, the exact details as to why are still unknown.

[B]

And that was almost three years ago.

[A]

So even when I was trying to.

[B]

Look up articles on this case from 2022 and 2023, there really wasn't much to work with.

[A]

I don't know if that was due.

[B]

To lack of information or lack of.

[A]

Update, or maybe the investigators have kept.

[B]

It under wraps hoping they were close to a resolution.

[A]

I'm not sure.

[B]

But In October of 2024, the Colorado.

[A]

Spring police were tipped off about a property that the tipster felt might have.

[B]

Santino's remains on it.

[A]

It was in Pueblo, Colorado, which is.

[B]

About a 45 minute drive away from Colorado Springs.

[A]

So the investigators launched a full blown.

[B]

Search, serving a search warrant for six.

[A]

Different parcels of land. And sure enough, there were remains found on the property. Again, not a whole lot of details have been shared about this specific tip.

[B]

Or even the area where the remains were found. We don't know whose property it was or what the exact details of the tip were.

[A]

And in fact, the remains weren't even.

[B]

Identified as being Santino's until the 21st.

[A]

Which was how the remains were listed as a John Doe for so many months. And remember, this is someone who had been missing for over two years when.

[B]

The body was finally found. So his remains were just that, remains. It wasn't like his family could come.

[A]

In and just easily verify his body.

[B]

Based on what he looked like or what he had been wearing.

[A]

And even though they were able to.

[B]

Later identify his body, we don't know as of right now what his cause of death or manner of death was.

[A]

We don't even know for sure at this point if they are aware of.

[B]

Those things yet or if they will.

[A]

Ever be able to tell. Sometimes as time passes, depending on how.

[B]

The person died, it could be really.

[A]

Difficult to pinpoint an exact cause of death. But like I said, his disappearance was always handled as if foul play was possibly involved.

[B]

So I'm sure that it is still.

[A]

Something that they're heavily looking into. So now let's get into how exactly his death might be linked to a potential female serial killer, because that's a.

[B]

Really huge part about this discovery.

[A]

Colorado Springs Detective Nicole Black was the first person to bring up this potential.

[B]

Link back in 2022, long before Santino's body was ever found.

[A]

In April of 2022, the same month.

[B]

That Santino went missing, a woman named Deca Simmons was arrested and charged with the murder of 48 year old Daximo Seja. Now, this murder, it was pretty gruesome. Deca shot him, dismembered his body, and then stored the remains in a freezer.

[A]

Before dumping them in a bag somewhere. She was caught up in that case.

[B]

Primarily through her DNA, and was eventually found guilty.

[A]

And she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. So where does this whole potential serial.

[B]

Killer thing come in?

[A]

Well, even after deca was arrested and found guilty, the investigators in three other cases announced that she was the main.

[B]

Suspect for at least three other murders.

[A]

Though those investigations are still ongoing, the exact reasons Detective Black linked Santino's case with deca's aren't fully known. But I would have to guess that it has to do with time, location.

[B]

And things like that being factors.

[A]

And it's important to note that Detective Black is the only one who has been talking openly about the potential link. Even in the most recent updates, the Colorado Springs police have declined to comment on whether or not they believe the cases are linked due to it being.

[B]

An ongoing investigation, which. Here are my thoughts.

[A]

One, the claim could be completely bogus.

[B]

We really don't know because we don't.

[A]

Know all the details. There could be a slew of evidence.

[B]

Or the detectives could have simply thought that it fit because of the timing.

[A]

And the location being right. Two, maybe the detective was onto something. But the investigators don't want to share.

[B]

That information just yet because it could potentially put Santino in a pretty bad light.

[A]

See, when Decca killed her first victim, the motive that was discussed in court was that she caught him talking to a minor. And as the prosecution worded it, Decca had an unrestrained hatred for anybody who would molest a child. Now, of course, Santino was never charged.

[B]

With anything like that.

[A]

I want to make that extremely clear. But it does turn out that he did have a pretty lengthy history with.

[B]

Law enforcement, ranging from 2013 all the way to 2021.

[A]

Some of those cases involved one where he pleaded guilty to felony menacing and an assault charge that was also later dropped. So maybe Decca considered herself some sort.

[B]

Of, I don't know, vigilante.

[A]

Those three other murder victims whose cases she's also a suspect in, could have.

[B]

Also had, you know, a similar colorful background. And maybe that was the link that.

[A]

Put them all together. Both law enforcement as well as Santino's family declined to comment or deny anything because the investigation is still ongoing.

[B]

So who really knows? All I know is that I was not at all expecting how deep and.

[A]

Dark this case potentially could be when.

[B]

I clicked on an article about a.

[A]

John Doe being identified.

[B]

And now the fact that he could be linked to a female serial killer and all of these things, it just is so beyond weird. Especially when there's not really a motive at play. I don't know. So I'm curious to know what you guys think. Let me know. But it's one that I'm going to follow up on because again, it's just, it's piqued my curiosity.

[A]

Now, moving into this next case. This is one that I don't know.

[B]

If you could say it was like ripped out a Gossip Girl or like one of these like bougie boarding school type shows, reality or otherwise, but teachers have now been arrested for throwing an underage rager party.

[A]

And let me just tell you, all.

[B]

The schools I went to, no teacher was ever throwing us any party. I did have some inappropriate teachers, I will say that none of them who would throw us a party. But I did have one teacher, I'm not going to say his name, who let me literally change my grade. It was in sixth grade. It was like the software where they type in the grades and like it populates your grade. And like we were watching a movie in class one day and he literally let me change my scores. And when I think back on it now, I think about how creepy that is and how weird it is. Like, why would you like favor a young girl in sixth grade and let her do that? And that, that's a whole other host of issues we have to talk about. But never did I have anybody throwing me a party. Now I also have to say, as.

[A]

Bizarre as this case is, it also.

[B]

Is one of those where it's like the world's dumbest criminal TV shows because it is so wild. So on January 24, 47 year old.

[A]

Elizabeth Hill Broughtigan, who was the principal.

[B]

Of Roosevelt Elementary School in Cocoa Beach, Florida, along with 45 year old third.

[A]

Grade teacher Carly Anderson were both arrested.

[B]

For throwing a gigantic party that was.

[A]

Filled to the brim with minors.

[B]

You heard that correctly, minors.

[A]

Now their charges differed a little bit since one of them actually hosted the.

[B]

Party at their house and the other one was just there to, you know, get drunk and provide, I don't know, moral support, I guess, who knows?

[A]

But the charges ranged from child neglect.

[B]

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

[A]

Hosting an open house party, and delinquency of a minor. The party was held on Sunday the 19th, and I'm assuming since the school.

[B]

Had MLK day off, that Monday, that's why it was being held, and it.

[A]

Was held at Elizabeth's house. Now, maybe the most insane part of.

[B]

All of it is that this wasn't.

[A]

Just some small, trusted group of kids. There were apparently 100 kids at this.

[B]

House at one point. Their ages ranged from 13 years old.

[A]

To 17 years old. And this party even had a theme, which.

[B]

It's like the audacity and irony of it all is just so stupid to me. But the theme was called White Lie. It was the White Lie party.

[A]

Now, those parties are typically reserved for.

[B]

Colleges, for frats, for sororities, not literal 13 year olds.

[A]

The whole premise is to show up.

[B]

To the party wearing a white T shirt with like a blatant lie about.

[A]

Yourself written in Sharpie on the T shirt.

[B]

And just the fact that there was a theme, it shows how much thought.

[A]

And preparation was put into this party. And as if this isn't already insane enough, the teachers not only hosted the.

[B]

Party, but they provided the alcohol and.

[A]

They were even getting drunk with the kids. They were apparently taking all the precautions to not get caught, too.

[B]

They were turning off all of the outside lights at the house so that I guess they wouldn't look, you know, super conspicuous. They even had some of the teenagers.

[A]

Call in a fake 911 call to try to get cops further away from the house. The call claimed that someone at a.

[B]

Local skate park was holding people at gunpoint and that people were even shooting their weapons, which, like, hello, that is.

[A]

Such a serious thing to call in. I can't believe that two adults, let alone adults who are well in their 50s or on their way to 50 and both teaching in administrative positions, would.

[B]

Recommend doing something like that. I mean, I keep saying it's insane, I know, but honestly, it's the only way I know how to describe it.

[A]

So obviously the party got busted, but.

[B]

Not before doing its fair share of damage to everybody involved.

[A]

One kid got a DUI at a.

[B]

Nearby traffic stop stop.

[A]

Another kid was found on the front lawn and needed medical attention because they were so drunk and so blacked out.

[B]

And out of it. And I don't think that I even need to go on a whole rant.

[A]

Of just how irresponsible this all was on the teacher's part and how scary.

[B]

It was for the parents and the family members of the kids to, like, learn about what was happening. But it is horrifying.

[A]

Take a listen.

[C]

They're the most precious things to your children and, and you're, you're trying to raise them well, and then they have this influence in their life. It's, you know, it's, it just breaks my heart. These kids, they trust teachers, they trust the administrators. And when you have someone betray that trust and, and lead these kids down a path like that, it's just, it's sad and, and scary all at the same time.

[A]

Like, did they not think these kinds.

[B]

Of things could happen?

[A]

Clearly they didn't even have rules about not driving or, you know, we're watching.

[B]

To make sure everyone was safe and doing okay.

[A]

They were probably too busy playing beer pong themselves to even care.

[B]

And one of the things I want to know too, is if the teachers.

[A]

Also wore the white lie T shirts.

[B]

Because I just would be curious to see, like, how much are they trying to relate to these students. And like, it just feels so gross to me now.

[A]

The one thing we don't know so far is the connection between the teachers.

[B]

And the kids, because both were working at the elementary school, and like I said, the kids were at least 13 years or older, which is awful, 100%, don't get me wrong. But my reason for bringing that up is, like, maybe one of them or.

[A]

Even both of them had kids at the party.

[B]

Maybe that was the connection.

[A]

I mean, I would think that you would have to have a close connection to someone who wanted the party thrown to agree to something as stupid as that.

[B]

But who knows? Like, could it have been like, oh, my niece wants to have a party.

[A]

She goes to the school I teach.

[B]

At, or I'm the principal at, let all of her friends come over, will host the party. But it still is so irresponsible and reckless and stupid.

[A]

So, so far, they've both been released.

[B]

On a scarily low bail. Carly's being just $3,000 and Elizabeth being 3,500.

[A]

Their teaching careers are no doubt completely over, as they should be.

[B]

And I can't help but wonder if.

[A]

They really thought the risk was worth the night of partying with a bunch of teenagers. Like, make it make sense.

[B]

Who wants to party with a bunch of teenagers anyway? Who wants to go to town with.

[A]

A guy in a rowboat?

[B]

As that's a quote, my sister and I say to each other all the time.

[A]

It's from Romeo and Michelle, but like.

[B]

Who wants to party with a bunch of teenagers anyway, right? Unless you're a creep, unlike a groomer, but it's disgusting. Now, speaking of like, people who I.

[A]

Just cannot make sense of and I.

[B]

Just like, don't understand humanity, this next.

[A]

Case is about a landlord who shot their tenant over a thermostat dispute. Literally.

[B]

That's what happened.

[A]

Once again, a crazy case out of Florida. This specific case happened in Westchester, which is about 10 miles from downtown Miami. So on Saturday, January 25, 37 year old Adam Anson was arrested and charged.

[B]

With the murder of his rental tenant.

[A]

57 year old Carlos Gonzalez. The arrest report stated that Adam went to Carlos's apartment, which is a building next to his house on the same property, and he was holding a gun and banging on the windows, telling Carlos to let him in. Now, the reason for this was apparently because Adam wanted to come inside the apartment and change the thermostat.

[B]

I'm gonna just go out on a.

[A]

Limb and guess that the utility bill.

[B]

Came in and it was higher than Adam would have liked for it to have been. I don't know. I mean, I know that sounds like I'm making a joke out of it, but genuinely, that is my only reasonable guess.

[A]

The arrest report said that Carlos opened.

[B]

The door and let Adam come in.

[A]

But Adam was still mad at whatever.

[B]

It was that originally set him off.

[A]

So he began punching Carlos completely unprovoked, and then dragged him outside to the backyard and shot him multiple times in the head.

[B]

Which, that literally sounds made up, but that is real. That's what the arrest report says.

[A]

And what sounds even more made up is the fact that Adam left Carlos's.

[B]

Body in the backyard, went back inside.

[A]

The apartment, changed the thermostat, then decided to go ahead and call the police.

[B]

On himself, which I don't know if it was because of a discrepancy on the utility bill.

[A]

That bill must have been in like the tens of thousands of dollars. Not even that that amount would justify killing somebody.

[B]

But like, what is going on here?

[A]

This may go down in history. As with the most insane reaction I.

[B]

Have ever heard heard of.

[A]

During the initial 911 call, Adam tried to say that Carlos had come after him first and that he only shot him in self defense. But I guess this has since been debunked.

[B]

Now, whether that was through evidence or if Adam eventually confessed, I'm not 100% sure.

[A]

Adam is currently facing charges of second.

[B]

Degree murder and burglary with armed assault or battery.

[A]

And unfortunately, Carlos was unable to survive his injuries and he was pronounced dead.

[B]

At the local hospital.

[A]

It's just wild.

[B]

I don't get people's reactions. Sometimes we hear some of the most bizarre things, right? And like this over a thermostat, I don't even know. I'm like, I know I'm staring blankly. I don't even know what to make of this. It is so insane and unhinged to me.

[A]

Now we're going to take a really.

[B]

Really quick micro nano break to hear from our sponsor. Thank you for understanding sponsors are essential.

[A]

To keeping this podcast free.

[B]

And then we are going to be back to talk all things Bryan Kohberger, the Idaho four case, Gabby Petito, the documentary and more. So we'll be right back. All right, let's talk New Year's goals.

[A]

Whether it is eating healthier, feeling better, or just being more mindful about what.

[B]

You'Re putting into your body, everybody makes a goal. Now, for me, one thing that I'm focusing on is making better food choices. Yet I don't want to sacrifice the foods that I love because I love myself. Carbs, I do, through and through. But I'm tired of like ordering on door dash, on postmates and like, just having like ultra unhealthy stuff.

[A]

So in enters Herobred.

[B]

I have talked to you guys about.

[A]

Herobred before because Herobred has completely changed the game for me. Their sliced bread, their bagels, their tortillas.

[B]

Their Hawaiian dinner rolls, they're all next level.

[A]

My kids love them. I love them.

[B]

It's like this fluffy bread that makes the most perfect avocado Toast, the perfect PB&J, a warm, gooey grilled cheese that you can put with a cozy soup, quick quesadillas that my kids love even.

[A]

Though they're picky eaters. And the best part of all of.

[B]

It is that it's ultra low in.

[A]

Net carbs, has zero grams of sugar.

[B]

And it's packed with fiber.

[A]

So you would never guess that it's actually healthy.

[B]

It tastes just as good as traditional bread, actually, maybe even fluffier and better.

[A]

So I said I've been loving their.

[B]

Tortillas not only for quesadillas for the kids, but also for taco nights. Their bagels are so good in the morning for just quick, easy breakfast before we hit the road. And let me just say while we're.

[A]

On the conversation of that, their 4.

[B]

Gram net car bagel is a total game changer. So with Herobred I can actually stick to my goals without feeling like I'm missing out.

[A]

If you're ready to try it for yourself, HeroBred is offering 10% off your order. Just head to Hero Co and use.

[B]

Code AE at checkout. That's H E R O Co with code AE.

[A]

Trust me, you are going to love it.

[B]

Honestly guys, the bread, you've probably seen it on my Instagram stories. It is so fluffy, so good.

[A]

And the big sleeve of Hawaiian rolls.

[B]

That I get from them. My kids will like literally chief down in one sitting. So you need to check it out and shout out if you don't follow me on Instagram, you should. It's at underscore Annie Elise okay, so let's move into this next case now and I want to talk to you about the Gabby Petito Netflix show that is coming out because it's something much shorter. But I do want to touch on it and I know that it is.

[A]

Absolutely just huge news for everybody involved.

[B]

In the true crime world.

[A]

But just this past Monday on January 27, Netflix announced the official date for the new and upcoming Gabby Petito docu series. And even people who really aren't into.

[B]

True crime know of the Gabby Petito case, right?

[A]

But if for some reason you have.

[B]

Been living under a rock and have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, here's the much more sped up version of it. In 2021, 22 year old Gabby Petito went missing while she was on a cross country road trip in her van with her boyfriend, also rumored fiance Brian Laundrie.

[A]

She was found shortly after being reported missing and she was found in the.

[B]

Grand Teton national park and she had been strangled to death.

[A]

A lot came out after her death.

[B]

And it spiraled pretty much into what I would describe as one of the.

[A]

Most well known true crime cases today.

[B]

I mean ranking up there with cases.

[A]

Like Chris Watts, the Idaho 4 JonBenet.

[B]

Those kinds of cases, it's like a household name. Everyone has at least heard of her name, even if they know nothing about the case.

[A]

And a lot of its fame and notoriety had to do with the fact that Gabby had a pretty big following.

[B]

On both Instagram and YouTube.

[A]

She would document their journeys and she would share with the world what seemed.

[B]

To be a really happy, loving couple.

[D]

Hello, hello and good morning. As it is really nice and sunny Today, it's only 10:00 in the morning, but it rained all afternoon yesterday. So me and Brian just got up and got ready, made the bed in the tent, set up I think our plan for today is to just hang out here in the tent, Brian's stretching, doing some morning yoga.

[B]

The series is titled American Gabby Petito and it's set to be released on February 17, 2025.

[A]

Just from the teasers it seems like we're going to be diving into Gabby.

[B]

And Brian's relationship, also their van life.

[A]

And of course the infamous body cam.

[B]

Footage from right before Gabby's death. And it's split into a three part docu series.

[A]

The Netflix press release described what to.

[B]

Expect with the series saying while taking viewers on a journey through Gabby and Brian's final days together, the series will.

[A]

Unveil the tragic reality behind their insta perfect life and it will reveal painful moments where their story might have taken a different turn. The docu series also promises never before.

[B]

Seen footage and exclusive interviews and I.

[A]

For one am very eager to see.

[B]

What this series has to offer or even how it differs from the documentaries that are already out there and have been done about Gabby. But her story is so incredibly powerful and heartbreaking because when we saw that body cam footage, in hindsight it was very clear, at least in my opinion, what the situation was and the fact that they separated them. But like Brian I think got off a little too scot free and had he not, I think that the situation would have been handled and ended very differently. And it's like you can always Monday morning quarterback, I get that right. But it's just so sad. And her parents have been so outspoken about Gabby. They have the Gabby Petito foundation and they really have helped so many other.

[A]

Families and victims ever since Gabby's passing.

[B]

And I just hope the dirty laundry is never can go anywhere without feeling like everybody's eyes are on them and judging them. And I'm talking about Brian Laundrie's parents because I think they are truly some.

[A]

Of the most scum of the earth human beings.

[B]

Roberta and I forget the dad's name but like I call them the Dirty Laundries because I think they are dirty and grimy and disgusting and I just.

[A]

Hope that they can never even go.

[B]

Into a grocery store without feeling the weight of their decisions in protecting their son and people's eyes and judgment staring at them because I think as a.

[A]

Parent and as a human, what they.

[B]

Did to Gabby's family was just horrendous, horrible. So I just went off on a spiral. I know, I'm very sorry about that, but I'm excited to watch this docu series. Let me know if you guys are going to Watch it too. Now this next case is kind of like a throwback of nostalgia for me a little bit. I don't know if any of you.

[A]

Guys ever watched VH1's Mob Wives with.

[B]

Like Drita and Renee. Was it Renee?

[A]

Yeah, I think it was.

[B]

Her name's Renee and like all the mob wives. But this is a case that kind of throws back a little bit to that because one of the mob wives.

[A]

Natalie, was reported missing but then later found. And some people are wondering, was this.

[B]

A Hana Kobayashi 2.0? So like I said, it's definitely a case that caught my eye, especially after all the chaos that we got into with the Hannah Kobayashi case these past few months. Although it's nowhere near as crazy, I'll give you that. But 44 year old Natalie, or Nat.

[A]

D, who is better known for her time on season five of the VH1.

[B]

Show Mob Wives, was reported missing on January 21, 2025.

[E]

What did she say to Ron? She said to him, your girlfriend, I don't know why she wants to hang out with Drita, Renee, Karen, they're all Sea hags. These girls are just old and they're all washed up. I'm not in this ass, Drita's ass, no one's ass. I don't ass, I don't kiss ass. Just not my twist. But this is not about winning Drita over. I like her. I actually think she's, she's a cool chick. I just want to know what is going on in her mind to want to hang out with this bum.

[B]

Now the reason this immediately stuck out to me so much is because it's.

[A]

Extremely reminiscent of the Hannah case, at.

[B]

Least in the very beginning, before all the crazy things started to come out about Hannah.

[A]

So let's get into what all has happened so far. Natalie's friends and family were very quick.

[B]

To talk to the media, reporting that leading up to her disappearance, she had apparently been acting very weird and just.

[A]

All around not normal or like herself. Concerns for Natalie's whereabouts and overall, well.

[B]

Being first started a few weeks ago on January 5, when she never boarded either one of her separate two flights home to Florida.

[A]

From the jump, there was a lot of confusion.

[B]

I mean, her family thought that she was in Philadelphia, that she would be.

[A]

Flying home from there. But then after reporting her missing last Tuesday, the police found records of her staying in a hotel in Las Vegas.

[B]

Which I obviously don't need to say.

[A]

Is a huge jump away from Philly, where her family thought that she was. And a lot of Other, smaller details, like how they discover this and how long Natalie stayed, where she stayed, or exactly what dates she stayed, they haven't been released.

[B]

All we know is pretty much the bare minimum.

[A]

One of her close friends, who is only known in the media right now as Ben, claims that four days before she missed her flight, Natalie messaged him on WhatsApp and she was asking for money for a plane ticket from Vegas back to Florida, and that was the flight that she ended up missing on the fifth. So even though her family had no idea that she was ever even in Vegas, apparently she had made it clear to her friend that that's where she was. It's still not known if she told.

[B]

Him why she was there, who she was with, or anything like that, but it shows that she was at least there for multiple weeks before her family even realized it.

[A]

Now, being in Vegas in and of itself, was confusing, and it was terrifying.

[B]

For her friends and family because it just did not make any sense to them.

[A]

As far as they knew, she didn't.

[B]

Even know anybody who lived in Vegas. So it's not like they could just write it off as her going to stay with a friend and, you know, keep things more low key.

[A]

They claimed that Natalie also wasn't one.

[B]

To really keep things private.

[A]

If she was planning on going somewhere.

[B]

They would know about it.

[A]

Not to mention she had told them that she was coming back from Philly, so she had been lying to them.

[B]

About where she was that whole time.

[A]

Why she told Ben the truth and.

[B]

Not her family, I don't really know.

[A]

Now, it's important to note that Natalie.

[B]

Didn'T completely cut off contact with everyone.

[A]

After she missed her flight on the.

[B]

5Th, which it was more than likely why there was such a big gap.

[A]

In between then and when she was actually reported missing.

[B]

Missing.

[A]

Her mom, Denise, had a really short FaceTime call with her the week before she reported her missing. And Denise said that the call all happened just so fast. She at least saw Natalie's face and heard her talking to know that she was alive.

[B]

But that didn't immediately mean that she.

[A]

Thought that she was both alive and well. Denise said that she was acting, quote, nervous and stressed and what that entailed.

[B]

Exactly, I'm not sure, but you can just tell when your friend or family.

[A]

Member is nervous or distressed. I mean, I know the type. You can tell when their behavior is off. It's easy to tell when they're not acting acting right. She also noted that she couldn't tell.

[B]

If she was alone or not. So Denise was asking her all these.

[A]

Questions like, where are you? Why didn't you come home? That sort of thing. And instead of answering, Natalie immediately hung.

[B]

Up, clearly not wanting to give any solid answers. Although we don't know if that was the exact same time that she was staying at the hotel in Vegas, but.

[A]

We do know that it was at.

[B]

Least that same week.

[A]

Now, after that weird interaction, Denise kept.

[B]

Calling both of her cell phones, but Natalie never answered again.

[A]

It seemed like her phone had either died or had been shut off. And I'm sure that that made Denise feel even more panicked. When asked about how Natalie had been acting in the months leading up to her disappearance, Denise said that she noticed that Natalie had been acting, which she described as distant. Again, we don't know exactly what that.

[B]

Means or really even entails. So did she see her family less, talk to them less? I don't know, but I would assume so.

[A]

On the same day that she was reported missing, the Las Vegas Police Department confirmed that a missing persons report had been taken for Natalie and that a search had begun. But get this, though. Later that day, Natalie apparently called Denise and told her that she was safe, that everything was fine, not to worry. Denise says she claimed that she wasn't.

[B]

Hurt or anything like that, but her.

[A]

Purse, along with her IDs, had been stolen. So not long after Denise came forward, the Las Vegas Police Department issued a statement that was pretty short, but basically said, case is closed.

[B]

They're no longer looking for her.

[A]

All of the things. Now, I guess some of my initial thoughts are, if her purse was stolen and she had no money and no IDs, how'd she get a hotel room? Why was she in Vegas when her family thought she was in Philly? How did she call so quickly after being reported as missing? Why was she acting weird and not telling Denise where she was if the only issue was that somebody stole her purse? All of those questions are ones that.

[B]

I just can't help but continue to wonder about.

[A]

And there's this complicated line, right, between respecting an adult who has voluntarily gone missing, if you will, and worrying for an adult who maybe is in an unsafe situation or maybe is being controlled. The fact that she was found safe doesn't diminish all the other weird things.

[B]

That were weird enough for her friends.

[A]

And family to make notable to the public either.

[B]

So while it seems like maybe this was all just one big misunderstanding and she just kind of wanted to, like.

[A]

Have this chill, unplugged vacation that then got ruined by a petty theft crime.

[B]

It'S all still just really weird. So I'm curious if more information's gonna come out, if this will be the last that we're hearing about it, what the truth really is.

[A]

Part of me also wondered in my mind, and this is 1000% just me.

[B]

Speculating, but even though she's an adult.

[A]

Part of me wondered, was she in.

[B]

Vegas to do some sort of, like.

[A]

Escort work or something like that, and that she was embarrassed or shy about.

[B]

It or wanted to keep it private, and that's why she didn't tell her family? I don't really know. So we'll see. But it was something that caught my eye. So you guys are my best friends, and I just wanted to come on.

[A]

Here and talk with my best friends about it.

[B]

Okay, sue me.

[A]

Sue me.

[B]

All right, now let's talk about Brian Coburger and all of the Idaho 4 updates and what's going on in Idaho as we're all gearing, gearing up, waiting for this trial to happen.

[A]

So recently, there have been some pretty interesting updates when it comes to Brian.

[B]

Coburger's upcoming August 2025 trial.

[A]

His defense team has definitely been putting.

[B]

In overtime these past few weeks, I will say that much.

[A]

And on January 23rd, his defense team went before a judge with new motions, and what they were asking for could.

[B]

Honestly really make or break the case against him.

[A]

His team claimed that the majority of the evidence against him was from, quote, an unconstitutional genetic investigation process. And they were arguing that it directly went against his fourth amendment rights. The evidence that they're referring to specifically came from something that is called investigative.

[B]

Genetic genealogy, or IgG.

[A]

But IgG is the same thing that got the Golden State killer caught all those years later. And to put it in much more simpler terms, it's used whenever DNA is found at a crime scene and when that DNA doesn't match anything in the.

[B]

Standard law enforcement database from previous crimes committed. So instead they start going into the genetic databases like 23andMe, Answerstreamy, you know, you and me, dot com, that sort of thing.

[A]

And in this case, specifically, the IGG was used to find, quote, touch evidence or trace evidence on that knife sheath that was left behind at the crime.

[B]

Scene of the Idaho four murders.

[A]

And it was used to find Brian as a possible suspect in the case.

[F]

I'm trying to understand the legal argument and how this is different from, example, latent fingerprints.

[G]

Well, your honor, I think that things like latent fingerprints and like codis, there's statutes about CODIS in Idaho about what's allowed in codis. This is a different search. This isn't an STR search. That's what happens in codis. This is a different search.

[F]

So I'm going now to, I'm sorry, the constitutionality of using the DNA that was allegedly on the knife sheath. And because I understand your argument is twofold, your client complains that the a search was done of databases of other people to determine whether or not any of them might be related to the person who left the DNA on the knife sheath. That's thing one. Thing two is an objection to the law enforcement searching the DNA by testing it and getting a profile from the knife sheath without a warrant. My question goes to that latter point, understanding the basis for that, because I can't find any case law that would support that idea that somehow a warrant would be needed for DNA left at a crime scene.

[A]

His lawyer argued that the IGG evidence then led to a string of other pieces of evidence which should all be thrown out.

[B]

If the IGG evidence is thrown out. These are things like his DNA being taken from the garbage, his phone records.

[A]

Surveillance of his parents home.

[B]

I mean the list goes on and basically they have a problem with pretty.

[A]

Much everything against him and they're trying.

[B]

To get it all thrown out.

[A]

And that wasn't all that they asked for, though. His defense team argued that once he was identified as a potential suspect, they believe that law enforcement purposefully omitted crucial evidence when getting the search warrant for.

[B]

His apartment, also the one for his.

[A]

Parents house, his car, his cell phone and his DNA.

[B]

Because of that, they want all of that evidence thrown out as well.

[A]

They even went as far as saying that the search warrants were tainted with police misconduct. The two day hearing began last Thursday and were partially closed to the public.

[B]

To the judge's fear of information getting.

[A]

Back to the potential jurors that are.

[B]

Set to be selected in July. Because of that, we don't know a.

[A]

Whole lot of the nitty gritty details.

[B]

Of what exactly his team argued.

[A]

At first the media didn't have any information on what the whole police misconduct.

[B]

Argument was all about, but now it's.

[A]

Being reported that it has to do with the investigator's interview with the surviving roommate. His defense team allegedly claimed that the.

[B]

Roommate told the authorities that she had.

[A]

Been drinking on the night of the murders, but that law enforcement didn't disclose that crucial information to the judge. They claimed that the surviving roommate's exact.

[B]

Statement was I don't know any of it.

[A]

Like half this stuff, I don't know if it was a dream. Or if it's real. Now, even though the hearing was last week, there hasn't been any announcement as far as what the judge ruling is as of this recording. However.

[B]

And maybe I'm reading the room wrong.

[A]

This judge didn't really seem very persuaded.

[B]

By what Brian's defense team was saying.

[A]

Not really at all.

[B]

There were times he was, like, rubbing.

[A]

His face, shaking his head. He even literally was laughing out loud.

[B]

At the absurdity of it all.

[G]

I may not always agree with the Idaho Supreme Court on everything, but I.

[F]

Have to follow what they say.

[E]

I.

[G]

But I have to make a record when I don't agree with that.

[F]

I'm just trying to make sure we're talking about the same thing.

[G]

And I have to distinguish the case as best I can as well. And I think it is different when you have the FBI telling the trash man what to do. I'll move on to something else. I want to talk about now, where Mr. Nye started that Department of Justice interim policy. And he. He read you the first footnote. And I would just direct the court to pages six and seven in that. Brian's car. And the court's question. Good question. Does that mean. Could it mean there's more than one person the answer to that is. Or it could mean it's not Brian because his car's got nothing in it. And There were only 13 minutes to do this. The magistrate didn't get to know that.

[F]

In fact, his DNA is still on the knife sheath, though. That's the problem. Council for probable cause purposes.

[G]

If that's the only thing she's told, I can see why she'd find probable cause. It's these other things that are withheld that create a context around it. I think the purpose of Frank's is to ask this very question. This is a question. What do we want to do with our criminal justice system? Do we want to have one thing with no context around it when there's this other context that really matters?

[F]

Playing the Frank standard, which is even if you add that stuff, does that take away probable cause?

[B]

Council and again, maybe I'm just interpreting what I'm seeing and what I'm hearing, and it's wrong. I don't know. Even though it's pretty scary to imagine.

[A]

All of this evidence against Brian potentially.

[B]

Being thrown out, it is pretty common.

[A]

For these kinds of things to happen pre trial.

[B]

So this isn't anything that we haven't seen before.

[A]

His defense is going to do everything.

[B]

Possible to get as much as possible thrown out.

[A]

And I would imagine that between now.

[B]

And August there will be even more updates like this one. So stay tuned. We don't know what's happening here. I know there are a lot of people who are in like the Bryan Coburger is innocent camp and well, I personally don't quite sit there myself.

[A]

I understand why.

[B]

So I think we all just have to wait and see how this trial shakes out. But it is a case we have.

[A]

Been following very closely for several years.

[B]

And for those of you who are unfamiliar with this case, although I'm sure most of you have heard it about it at least in some capacity by now, I will link the deep dive. But it was the horrific quadruple murder of the four Idaho students in the fall a couple of years ago and it was just, just absolutely barbaric. So whether it's Brian or somebody else responsible, I just hope that these kids and their families get the justice and they, they deserve. And my personal opinion is that Brian is the guy and that they got their guy. But I could be wrong.

[A]

We'll see.

[B]

So that's what we've got this week for headline highlights. Guys, I know it was a longer.

[A]

Episode than usual, but we just had.

[B]

So much to talk about with each other.

[A]

Now as a reminder, I'll be back.

[B]

On the mic on Monday morning with.

[A]

A deep dive into an all new case that's over on the podcast.

[B]

And then later in the week I'll be on YouTube. But if you feel like you need.

[A]

Even more content to binge going into.

[B]

Your weekend because your favorite creators or podcasters aren't uploading or you've just, you know, you've tapped into everything and you've run out of things to listen to. Every single Friday I put out a bonus episode and it's like a mini case deep dive and you can get access to that either on patreon, which is patreon.com Annie Elise or over on Apple podcast.

[A]

And the episode that is coming out.

[B]

This Friday is kind of a wild one where the 911 call blew the whole case wide open.

[A]

But what was so unsettling and unnerving was that the 911 call came from.

[B]

A five year old little girl and it just kind of like again, blew the case wide open. It's incredibly frustrating too because it involves a friend, a family. It's just disgusting. So you can take a listen to that.

[A]

And if you sign up for those.

[B]

Bonus episodes that we release every Friday right now, you'll tap into. I think we have like 75 episodes uploaded. There right now, so you will have like a library of content to binge.

[A]

But if that's not your jam, and.

[B]

If you don't want to do that, that's totally fine too. I will be back with you on the mic Monday for an all new Deep Dive. Alright, thank you guys so much for.

[A]

Tuning in to today's episode of Headline Highlights. And until I talk with you again.

[B]

Be nice, don't kill people, don't join any cults, just get a divorce and.

[A]

Just be good human. All right, bye.