Podcast Summary

Podcast: Serialously with Annie Elise
Episode: 328: Teen Decapitates Mom’s BF, Mistress Destroys Murder Evidence & Ellen Greenberg Ruled Suicide AGAIN
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Annie Elise
Guest Co-Host: Amy

Episode Overview

In this intensely detailed and emotional episode, Annie Elise covers three disturbing and high-profile cases making headlines: the controversial and contested suicide ruling in the Ellen Greenberg case, a double murder in Walnut Creek, California with a mistress allegedly destroying evidence, and a horrifying Staten Island homicide involving a teen decapitating his mother's boyfriend. Additionally, Annie provides updates on ongoing cases and delivers her signature candid takes, joined this week by fan-favorite co-host Amy.

Key Discussion Points & Cases

1. Updates on Major Ongoing Cases

David D4VD Case Asset Transfers

• [02:49] Annie shares updates on the case involving singer David (“D4VD”).
  • David’s manager previously distanced himself, stating he was not aware of anything suspicious and police said David "was officially not a suspect."
  • Key Detail: Due to the decomposition of Celeste's remains, the cause and manner of death couldn't be determined, meaning technically there isn’t yet a homicide investigation.
  • Annie notes suspicion over David transferring two Houston properties into his mother's name immediately after a California property search.
    • "If you are not guilty of anything…why would you need to start putting your homes in your mom's name?" — Annie Elise [04:09]
  • Annie speculates this points to asset protection in anticipation of possible legal trouble.

Palisades Fire Arrest

• [06:13] Arrest made in the devastating Palisades fire in Los Angeles.
  • Suspect: Jonathan Reindernecti, 29, charged with starting the fire in January 2025; arrested in Florida after relocating post-fire.
  • Motivation unclear but suggested fascination with fire and dystopian imagery.
  • Next court appearance set for October 17th.

Ellen Greenberg Suicide Ruling Reaffirmed

• [08:11] Annie expresses strong frustration over the official reassertion that Ellen Greenberg's death was a suicide.
  • Recaps case background: Ellen was found with 20 stab wounds (including to the back of her head and one potentially paralyzing wound).
  • Annie references widespread public disbelief in the suicide finding, including intense scrutiny of Ellen's fiancé, Sam.
  • Docuseries “Death In Apartment 603” and the recently re-released podcast deep dive with Ellen's parents are highlighted as resources.
  • New development: As of October 10, 2025, the Philadelphia medical examiner once again ruled suicide, despite unsettled forensic questions and community skepticism.
  • Original ME, Osborne, had reversed his own determination to “homicide,” but is no longer the examiner.
  • Current Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon’s rationale:
    • "While the distribution of injuries is admittedly unusual, the fact remains that Ellen would be capable of inflicting these injuries herself." — Annie quoting Simon [09:52]
  • Annie and Amy bemoan the likelihood of ever seeing the case reclassified.

2. Case 1: Mistress Destroys Murder Evidence in Walnut Creek, CA

[13:21]

The Case

• Perpetrator: Howard Wang, 43
• Victims: Wife Linlin Guo and mother-in-law Baemon Chang
• Date: September 18, 2025, ~11:45pm in Walnut Creek, CA

Sequence of Events

• Police responded to reports of gunfire and found both women dead from throat wounds; Howard claims an intruder killed them and he fired in self-defense.
• Investigation quickly uncovers evidence contradicting Howard's claims; scene appeared staged.
• Howard was arrested and charged with double homicide with “special circumstance” (multiple victims).

Mistress Involvement

• Yan Wang, 45, alleged girlfriend, later enters the scene.
• Allegedly broke into the house after the murders but before 911 calls to help Howard cover up evidence: destroying cell phones, tampering with evidence, and attempting to stage the crime scene.
• Now faces charges as an accessory to murder, burglary, and evidence destruction.

Courtroom Drama

• Yan reportedly got into a physical altercation in court with a victim’s family member.
• Howard also accused of making threats, dissuading a witness (his late wife), and preventing prior crime reporting, suggesting ongoing domestic abuse.
• Both are awaiting further court proceedings; prosecutors indicate more evidence and possible revelations coming.

Notable Quotes

• “That’s a very dedicated girlfriend. I can’t imagine ever being in a romantic relationship to where I would go to a murder scene and agree to destroy evidence.” — Amy [15:19]
• “Do you know what the mistress and wife were friends on Facebook. Ooh, that's juicy.” — Annie & Amy [18:45]

3. Case 2: Teen Decapitates Mom’s Boyfriend in Staten Island, NY

[30:35]

The Case

• Perpetrator: Damien Herstal, 19
• Victim: Mother’s boyfriend, Anthony Castellaspro, 45
• Date: October 6, 2025, West Brighton, Staten Island

Sequence of Events

• After a morning argument with his mother, Damien is told by Anthony to “take a walk,” which he does briefly.
• Upon return, mother is absent; Damien gets into an altercation with Anthony and kills him with a meat tenderizer.
• Admits he “wanted to know what it was like to kill someone.”
• Attempts to decapitate Anthony with a kitchen knife, then a handsaw, then uses a hammer to try to remove the brain for disposal (intending to “liquefy it in a blender and flush down the toilet”).
• Damien’s sister returns home and discovers the gruesome crime scene:
  • Body in bathtub, spoon in eye socket, knife lodged in neck.
  • She calls 911; mother rushes home.
• Police take Damien into custody; he appears calm and gives a detailed statement.
• Damien has a documented history of severe mental illness (schizophrenia, self-harm, multiple hospitalizations). House had prior police visits for domestic violence.
• Following arrest, Damien collapsed due to a blood infection; first court appearance was from a hospital bed.
• Defense is seeking a full psychiatric evaluation and possible insanity defense.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Damien allegedly admitted that he bludgeoned Anthony over the head with a meat tenderizer because he, quote, wanted to know what it was like to kill someone.” — Amy [32:20]
• “It is so brutal…barbaric’s not even a strong enough word, but to decapitate, to use the meat tenderizer, to then have the spoon in the eye socket…it is so brutal and almost kind of detached in a way.” — Annie Elise [36:35]
• “I’m glad he didn’t hurt his sister, though…But now think of that poor sister.” — Amy [37:37]

4. Case 3: Teen Burns and Attempts to Hide Body of His Own Mother (Clinton, IN)

[21:27]

The Case

• Perpetrator: Nicholas Thomas Yates, 20
• Victim: Cheryl Yates, 49 (his mother)
• Timeline: Early October 2025

Sequence of Events

• Cheryl reported missing by her son Nicholas, who claims she left home with all her belongings.
• Investigation finds all her personal items (purse, medication, car) still at home—contradicting Nicholas’s story.
• Cheryl’s supervisor reports she left work saying, “I’m going to kill him,” referencing her son’s financial irresponsibility.
• Police, armed with a search warrant, discover a still-smoldering burn pit with ashes and what appear to be human vertebrae behind the home.
• Nicholas confesses: after a heated argument (and potentially hitting her in the throat), he claims he panicked, put her body in a box, and burned it.
• Nicholas had filed a missing person report, attempting to cover up the killing.
• He is arrested; currently held without bond, pleads not guilty.
• Next court date set for January 7, 2026; trial scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It’s giving Scott Peterson, it’s giving Drew Peterson, it’s giving cliche loser who has watched a true crime documentary.” — Annie Elise [29:32]
• “Just don’t murder people. Maybe that’s the way to go. Seems simple enough, right?” — Annie Elise [30:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I have not seen a single person say that they believe that [Ellen Greenberg’s death] was a suicide. I have seen countless people say there’s no way in hell this girl stabbed herself in the back of the head 20 times.” — Annie Elise [08:40]
• “The allegations against [Yan] are accessory after the fact in a double murder case, which means she had knowledge of the crime… and concealed it from law enforcement knowingly.” — Annie Elise [16:18]
• “How do you think you’re just going to get away with that? It’s beyond me.” — Annie Elise, on Nicholas Yates’s attempt to cover up his mother’s murder [27:51]
• “Be nice, don’t kill people, and don’t help your skeezy boyfriend cover it up.” — Annie Elise [18:09]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00 – 11:50] — Case updates: David D4VD, Palisades fire, Ellen Greenberg.
• [13:21 – 19:40] — Double murder in Walnut Creek, CA: Mistress’s involvement, evidence destruction, courtroom altercation.
• [21:27 – 30:32] — Case of Nicholas Yates: matricide, burn pit, failed cover-up.
• [30:35 – 37:41] — Staten Island teen decapitates mother’s boyfriend: crime details, mental health history, legal aftermath.
• [36:35] — Annie’s commentary on the brutality and mental health angle of Damien’s case.

Episode Tone & Closing Thoughts

As always, Annie’s delivery is conversational, irreverent, and frank, balancing compassion for victims’ families with blunt incredulity for the perpetrators. She and Amy pepper the show with gallows humor and relatable asides, offering comfort and connection for true crime fans navigating emotionally difficult stories.

Closing Annie-isms:

“Be nice. Don’t kill people, don’t cover up people’s murders, don’t date any murderers, and don’t join any cults. Bye.” [39:44]

Additional Resources & Calls-to-Action

• Ellen Greenberg Deep Dive: Re-listen to last month’s re-released deep dive episode featuring Ellen’s parents for more background.
• Tour & Merch: Remaining live tour dates in Tacoma, Portland, and San Francisco; fall merch shop is open until Oct 26 at annieelise.com.
• New Podcast Feed: Annie’s “10 to Life” podcast is now available for binge-listening on all major apps.