Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 246 Summary Title: Tinder Serial Killer, Valentine’s Day Murder, Bridgeport Cannibal Released, & Deadly Black Widow
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Hosted by: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Welcome to Episode 246 of Serialously with Annie Elise, where host Annie Elise delves deep into a series of gripping true crime cases. This episode covers a range of disturbing incidents, from cold case breakthroughs to chilling spree crimes. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Breakthrough in a Cold Case: Missing Mother and Baby

Annie opens the episode with a significant update on a 2017 cold case involving the disappearance of Kir Johnson and her eight-month-old daughter, Chloe, in Virginia. After eight years, an arrest has been made:

• Arrest Details: On Valentine's Day, Carlos Johnson, ex-boyfriend and Chloe’s biological father, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

• Evidence Highlight: Carlos had suspicious Google searches months before the disappearance, including queries about accidental baby death and rat poison dosage.

• Host’s Insight: Annie expresses relief that justice might finally be served, hoping Carlos's arrest will provide closure for the families involved.

Notable Quote:
At [08:32], co-host Elise remarks, “But I'm glad the police finally made an arrest and they can start the legal process on putting him away now.”

2. Amazon Driver Hit and Run in Baltimore

Next, Annie discusses a disturbing incident involving an Amazon delivery driver:

• Incident Overview: On February 18, a woman was brutally run over twice by an Amazon delivery van in a crowded Baltimore neighborhood, captured entirely on camera.

• Driver’s Response: The driver, after realizing the severity of the situation, fled the scene instead of providing assistance.

• Amazon’s Statement: The company has suspended the driver from deliveries and is collaborating with law enforcement for further investigation.

• Host’s Reflection: Annie criticizes the driver’s actions, emphasizing the sheer recklessness and lack of remorse displayed.

3. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Taylor Meyer’s Crime of Passion

Annie recounts a harrowing case of domestic violence escalating to murder:

• Case Summary: Taylor Meyer, 34, was arrested for brutally stabbing his wife, Deborah Meyer, 36, 40 times on Valentine’s Day. Despite a meticulously planned romantic evening, the night turned deadly following accusations of infidelity.

• Host’s Analysis: Annie discusses the concept of “crimes of passion,” highlighting the excessive violence as a manifestation of uncontrollable anger and tunnel vision in the heat of the moment.

Notable Quote:
At [20:15], Annie states, “Taylor ended up stabbing his wife at least 40 times, which seems just so awful and just unbelievable and incomprehensible.”

4. Bridgeport Cannibal Released: Tyre Smith’s Conditional Release

The episode shifts to a controversial legal decision involving a convicted cannibal:

• Background: Tyre Smith, dubbed the Bridgeport Cannibal, was convicted in 2011 for the gruesome murder and cannibalism of Angel Gonzalez. Recently, he has been granted conditional release after being deemed clinically stable by a forensic psychiatrist.

• Public Reaction: Annie voices strong opposition to the release, questioning the efficacy of mental health evaluations in such severe cases and expressing distrust in the rehabilitation process for individuals with violent histories.

Notable Quote:
At [25:45], Annie vehemently opines, “I agree you're still probably a danger and it should be punishment, not even like reform.”

5. Tragic Shooting: 15-Year-Old Kills Stepfather to Protect Mother

Annie covers a heartbreaking incident from Cincinnati, Ohio:

• Incident Details: A 15-year-old boy, referred to as B, shot and killed his stepfather, Levante Hyde, after witnessing Levante assault his mother. The victim died from 12 gunshot wounds.

• Motivation: The prosecution claims the act was premeditated, with B taking matters into his own hands to protect his mother from ongoing abuse.

• Host’s Empathy: Annie expresses sadness for both the mother and the boy, contemplating the dire circumstances that led to such a tragic outcome.

Notable Quote:
At [32:10], Annie reflects, “He's 15 years old. He saw his mom being attacked earlier. He should have had more hope and faith in the system protecting his mom.”

6. Deadly Black Widow: Yolanda Marotti’s Murder Spree

Annie explores the case of Yolanda Marotti, a woman with a history of marital killings:

• Case Overview: Yolanda previously stabbed her first husband in 2000, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and serving a relatively short sentence. In a troubling development, she allegedly murdered her second wife, Rebecca, in February 2025.

• Current Status: Authorities have declared Yolanda the prime suspect and are actively searching for her, as she remains at large.

• Host’s Concern: Annie points out the recurring pattern in Yolanda’s relationships, questioning her motivations and the systemic failures that allowed her past offenses to recur.

Notable Quote:
At [39:37], co-host Elise summarizes, “This is solely a case of a toxic relationship gone very, very bad. And that domestic violence touches so many more people than we even realize.”

7. Tinder Scammer Turned Serial Killer: Aurora Phelps’ Reign of Terror

The final segment delves into an alarming blend of scamming and serial killing:

• Criminal Activity: Aurora Phelps, operating under multiple aliases, targeted elderly men on dating apps from July 2021 to December 2022. She drugged, scammed, and ultimately killed at least three victims, with two additional deaths linked to her actions.

• Modus Operandi: Phelps would establish romantic relationships, gain victims’ trust, and once they were incapacitated, she accessed and drained their financial resources, including life savings and retirement accounts.

• Legal Proceedings: Currently in custody in Mexico, Phelps faces 21 counts, with authorities suspecting there may be more victims.

• Host’s Reflection: Annie underscores the sophistication of Phelps’ schemes and the dangers posed by the dark web and online dating platforms.

Notable Quote:
At [38:50], Annie cautions listeners, “if Brad Pitt or a Nigerian prince starts DMing you asking for money… They are in love with you, but they can't FaceTime you… Chances are Brad Pitt's probably not in love with you.”

Conclusion

In this episode of Serialously with Annie Elise, listeners are taken through a rollercoaster of emotional and horrifying true crime stories. From long-awaited arrests in cold cases to the release of a convicted cannibal, each story presents unique challenges and questions about justice, rehabilitation, and human behavior.

Annie closes the episode by teasing upcoming content, including deep dives into high-profile cases and exclusive bonus episodes available on Patreon and Apple Podcasts. She encourages listeners to engage and provide feedback, emphasizing her commitment to delivering content that resonates with her audience.

Final Notable Quote:
At the wrap-up, Annie advises, “Stay safe. Be nice. Don't kill people. Don't join any cults. Just be good.”

Thank you for tuning into Serialously with Annie Elise. Stay tuned for more in-depth explorations of the most compelling true crime stories.