Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 284 Summary: "Jersey Mike’s Secret Rescue, Mom Sells 6 Year Old & Man Finds Dead Body in Pool"

Release Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Annie Elise | Produced by 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios
Podcast: Serialously

Introduction

In Episode 284, Annie Elise delves into a series of gripping true crime stories, each more shocking than the last. From eerie discoveries in suburban pools to disturbing cases of child trafficking and extreme acts of violence, this episode encapsulates the dark and unpredictable nature of true crime. Below is a detailed summary of each case discussed, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for deeper insight.

1. Dead Body Found in a Long Island Pool

Overview:
An unsettling discovery was made over the Memorial Day weekend in Long Island, New York. A homeowner, who was also a detective on the task force hunting the fugitive Matthew Zoll, found a dead body floating in his backyard pool while removing the heavy-duty pool cover.

Key Details:

• Matthew Zoll was a 23-year-old man who allegedly stabbed and killed his father, Joseph Zoll, in November 2024.
• After the murder, Matthew fled, leading to a massive manhunt involving K9 units, drones, and US Marshals.
• Despite extensive efforts, Matthew remained elusive until his body was discovered in May when the pool cover was removed.
• Irony and Karma: The homeowner-detective was part of the team searching for Matthew, making the discovery deeply ironic. Annie Elise highlights this twist, stating, "I love to see divine intervention at work... karma working overtime."

Notable Quote:

Annie Elise [12:45]: "That is karma working overtime."

Conclusion:
The case underscores the unpredictable turns in criminal investigations and the ironies that sometimes unfold, providing a sense of poetic justice.

2. Jersey Mike’s Secret Rescue

Overview:
A chilling rescue unfolded at a Jersey Mike’s restaurant in Florida when an employee discovered a desperate plea for help inside the women's restroom.

Key Details:

• Eleanor Coffey, a sandwich artist, found a crumpled note stating, "Please help me get home before May 30." The note included a phone number and an address in Navarre.
• Surveillance footage identified the couple involved, leading to the intervention of authorities.
• The male perpetrator, Jordan Williams (also known as Jaden Silver Steal), a 34-year-old professional wrestler, had a history of domestic violence.
• The female victim alleged severe abuse, including physical injuries like a black eye and a possible broken arm.
• Police Action: Jordan was arrested, charged with multiple felonies, and is awaiting court on June 19.

Notable Quote:

Host [29:10]: "She was able to provide photographic evidence of her injuries."

Conclusion:
This case exemplifies the importance of vigilance and taking potential signs of abuse seriously, highlighting how everyday environments can become the setting for life-saving interventions.

3. Exorcism Gone Wrong: Tragedy in Florida

Overview:
A horrifying incident in Florida involved a mother, Rhonda Paulinas, who attempted an exorcism on her six-year-old son, resulting in his death.

Key Details:

• On May 30, deputies performed a welfare check after the boy, Ramil Pierre, missed school for over two weeks.
• Rhonda led the police to her son’s room, where they found him deceased.
• Rhonda claimed she was instructed by God to exorcise demons from her son. She believed that after the exorcism, her son would be "reborn."
• Investigators determined Ramil was likely killed on May 18, challenging Rhonda’s timeline and claims.
• Charges: Rhonda was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Notable Quote:

Annie Elise [45:30]: "It's just, you've got to be, there's got to be mental illness at play..."

Conclusion:
This tragic case raises critical questions about mental health and the dangers of extreme belief systems, especially when they intersect with parental authority over children.

4. Teen Kills Lyft Driver Over Mother's Defense

Overview:
In Panama City, Florida, a 17-year-old named Braden Gomez was arrested for the murder of his Lyft driver, William MacArthur, following an altercation over comments about Braden's mother.

Key Details:

• Incident: Police received a 911 call reporting a shooting at approximately 2:24 AM. The victim was found with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, and his car was abandoned 100 yards away with evidence of a struggle.
• Motivation: Braden claimed that William criticized his drinking habits and made derogatory comments about his mother, leading Braden to lose control and murder him.
• Legal Proceedings: Prosecutors have waived Braden’s juvenile status, and he will be charged as an adult.

Notable Quote:

Host [57:20]: "She very well could have saved her life too."

Conclusion:
This case highlights issues of youth violence, the impact of adult criticism on adolescents, and the tragic consequences of unchecked anger and possibly substance abuse.

5. South African Mother Sells Daughter to Healer

Overview:
A heart-wrenching case from South Africa involves Raquel Kelly Smith, who sold her six-year-old daughter, Jocelyn, to a traditional healer for $1,100.

Key Details:

• Motivation: Raquel, along with her boyfriend and another accomplice, targeted Jocelyn because of her light eyes and skin, traits prized by certain sangomas (traditional healers) for magical purposes.
• Cultural Context: Sangomas are widely respected in South Africa, with nearly 60% of the population utilizing their services. However, a minority engage in malevolent practices, including human trafficking.
• Legal Outcome: Raquel and her accomplices were convicted of human trafficking and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Notable Quote:

Host [1:20:15]: "You are sentenced to life imprisonment. What? Just sick."

Conclusion:
This disturbing case sheds light on the dark underbelly of traditional healing practices and the exploitation inherent in human trafficking, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable children.

6. Man Involves 911 Dispatcher in Stabbing His Father

Overview:
In Oklahoma, a surreal and terrifying incident involved Eric, who used a 911 call to involve a dispatcher in the decision-making process of stabbing his father.

Key Details:

• Incident: Eric called 911, reporting his father being stabbed, but manipulated the dispatcher by asking, "You want the left or the right foot?" while his father could be heard screaming.
• Police Response: The dispatcher maintained composure, keeping Eric on the line for six minutes until police arrived and forcibly entered the home.
• Aftermath: Eric was found with his hands behind his back, confessing to the crime. He exhibited delusional behavior, claiming to be 120 years old and threatening to involve wild animals in further violence.
• Mental Health Concerns: Authorities suspect mental illness or substance abuse played a role, although no definitive information on his condition or substances found was provided.

Notable Quote:

Host [1:35:50]: "It's just unbelievable. Super scary and like just unsettling."

Conclusion:
Eric's actions demonstrate a profound mental health crisis, raising questions about the support systems in place for individuals exhibiting extreme and violent behaviors.

Upcoming Content

Annie Elise teases future episodes, including an in-depth exploration of Sherry Papini’s case, where new allegations and behaviors have surfaced, adding complexity to an already baffling situation. Additionally, a new episode scheduled for midnight will cover a wild love triangle involving betrayal, tracking devices, and ominous letters.

Final Thoughts

Episode 284 of Serialously with Annie Elise offers a compelling exploration of diverse and harrowing true crime stories. Each case not only unveils the dark facets of human behavior but also underscores the critical importance of vigilance, mental health awareness, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

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Disclaimer: The podcast and all events discussed are based on the provided transcript and may not reflect real incidents. Listener discretion is advised.