Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 330: New CCTV and Photos in D4vd Case, Teen Boy Stages Abduction & “Glamorous” Serial Killer Gets Caught
Release Date: October 23, 2025
Host: Annie Elise
Co-Host: Amy

Episode Overview

This week, Annie Elise and Amy cover a slew of current true crime cases making headlines globally, providing updates on previously discussed cases, and unpacking new developments in several chilling stories. The episode includes:

• Fresh developments in known cases (Emanuel Harrow, Donna Adelson)
• The shocking discovery of a missing woman found after 27 years in Poland
• A staged abduction by a Florida teen boy
• The case of a “glamorous” alleged serial killer in Brazil
• A terrifying attempted home invasion in Virginia
• Major new evidence in the D4vd (David) case, including unreleased CCTV and timeline analysis

True to Annie’s style, the discussion is detailed, conversational, and packed with overlooked facts and personal reactions.

Key Updates on Ongoing Cases

Emanuel Harrow Case

[02:40]

• Shocking development: Jake Caro pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on October 16, 2025.
• Annie: “Nobody thought that he was going to plead guilty unless there was some sort of deal exchanged…”
• Rebecca Caro maintains her innocence with her preliminary hearing set the same day as Jake’s sentencing (Nov 3).
• Emmanuel’s remains still not found; speculation about their location.
• Annie wishes for a harsher sentence but is hopeful justice will be served.

Donna Adelson/Adelen Case

[04:03]

• Donna Adelson sentenced to life for murder-for-hire, with an additional 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation.
• Suggestion that further arrests (possibly her daughter Wendy or husband Harvey) could follow.
• Annie and Amy comment on Donna’s deteriorating appearance:
  • Amy: “Is it just me or does Donna Adelson keep looking worse and worse?” [05:59]
  • Annie: “She is not looking good. She is aging like milk, but we love to see it.” [06:22]

Main Cases Covered

1. 27-Year Disappearance: Mirella in Poland

[06:22–14:56]

• 42-year-old Mirella was found living in captivity by her parents, having disappeared at 15 in 1998.
• Neighbors and police shocked; she was found emaciated, with open wounds, confined to a small room that resembled a time capsule of her teenage years.
• “She was frail, she was emaciated, she was covered in untreated wounds… it was clear that she needed medical attention.” – Annie [07:32]
• Mirella claims she wasn't held against her will, complicating the legal process—possible victim of psychological control or severe neglect.
• Unsettling questions: How was her disappearance unnoticed for so long? Was this simply exploitation, neglect, or something even darker?
• “It almost looks like a House of horrors type situation. But then there's this really weird twist…” – Annie [06:22]
• Authorities are investigating; neighbors are fundraising for Mirella’s recovery.
• Amy and Annie discuss potential Stockholm syndrome, massive institutional failure, and the challenges of reentering society after 27 years.

2. Teen Boy Stages His Own Abduction (Caden Spite, Florida)

[14:57–21:18]

• On September 25, 17-year-old Caden sent a text to his family claiming he was shot and abducted by four Hispanic men.
• Massive law enforcement response, Amber Alert, community-wide search.
• Caden was found alive, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, camping supplies, a tent, and staged evidence (bullet hole in truck, destroyed cellphone, fake crime scene).
• Investigation revealed Caden researched how to stage the incident via ChatGPT, including searches like “how to collect blood without pain."
• Social media and public felt a mix of relief and outrage; questions swirl about motives (media influence? family troubles? desire for attention?).
• Notable exchange:
  • Amy: “What happened to the good old fashioned just walking down the street to your friend's house?”
  • Annie: “I love attention… but I'm not shooting myself in the leg for it.” [20:13]
• Case still evolving; comparisons drawn to the Sherri Papini and Balloon Boy hoaxes.

3. “Glamorous” Serial Killer in Brazil: Ana Paula Fernandez

[21:27–29:38]

• Ana Paula Fernandez, a 27-year-old law student and mother, accused of being a poison-based serial killer.
• Victims include her landlord, a new acquaintance, a murder-for-hire client, and a romantic partner—all alleged to have been poisoned.
• One victim's body kept in Ana’s apartment for days, leading to maggots and odor; another murder involved a hired hit for money.
• Investigators found evidence including the poison (similar to rat poison), tracked her chemical testing on animals, and notes detailing her method—showing premeditation.
• Motives unclear: revenge, money, manipulation, possible financial incentive.
• Police are reopening old cases and exhuming bodies to look for matching chemical evidence.
• Notable quotes:
  • Annie: "She doesn't really fit the stereotypical look or vibe of a serial killer... behind that perfect image was somebody living a very different life." [21:44]
  • Annie: "If anybody got in her way, she was going to poison them and get rid of them? Feels kind of weird, but we've heard crazier things." [29:36]
• Discussion on the stereotypical weapons and methods used by women in murder cases.

4. Attempted Home Invasion in Costumes – Alexandria, Virginia

[33:17–38:49]

• Shayla Whiteside and her mother were terrorized at home by three masked figures (Michael Myers, clown, nun), who pounded on doors and issued threats:
  • Masked person: "It's either you coming out or we coming in." [35:30]
• The would-be intruders tried breaking in through the front and then the back, slashing screens and breaking fences.
• Police called it “very serious,” treating it as burglary and criminal threat rather than a mere prank.
• Shayla’s brother arrived with a firearm, prompting the masked trio to flee in a vehicle.
• The episode raises questions about prank vs. real threat, and self-defense laws.

5. The D4vd Case – New Timeline, CCTV, and Stunning Revelations

[38:49–46:19]

• Private investigator hired by landlord (not family) is reconstructing case using new surveillance and photographic evidence.
• Major findings:
  • They know who moved the Tesla containing Celeste’s body; details and footage have been shared with police.
  • Timeline suggests the black Tesla was unused from February onward; Celeste’s last known photo is January 2.
  • Chilling possibility: "Could she have been in that trunk for months before anybody knew?" [41:08]
  • PI hints at "sadistic" discussion among people around David regarding body disposal.
• Weaknesses in police investigation: failure to seize key digital media and other crucial materials.
• Private investigator aligning car movements in CCTV with public social media activity.
• Annie is critical yet careful not to accuse, but notes the clear pattern and the gravity of the findings:
  • "If they don't have a slam dunk... they're going to just continue to collect evidence until they know they can definitely prove this..." [45:47]
• Amy: “It’s only a matter of time somebody’s going to be arrested…” [46:19]
  • Annie: “I think it's going to be who it is. ... It’s David. David knows the code.” [46:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On psychological captivity:
  "You don't even know what's happening is wrong. It's awful, and it makes me sick." – Annie, [13:47]
• On staged abductions:
  "I love attention as much as the next guy. I'm not shooting myself in the leg for it." – Annie, [20:13]
• On true crime investigations:
  "Google gets you every time. Your little robot friend is going to get you every time." – Annie, re: ChatGPT searches, [20:45]
• On stereotypical female murder methods:
  "Poison… that's so typical and like tracks with a woman, right?" – Amy, [30:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Emanuel Harrow & Donna Adelson Case Updates: [02:40–06:22]
• Mirella Disappearance in Poland: [06:22–14:56]
• Caden Spite Faked Abduction: [14:57–21:18]
• Ana Paula Fernandez, Brazilian Serial Killer: [21:27–30:26]
• Attempted Home Invasion, Alexandria VA: [33:17–38:49]
• D4vd (Celeste) Case – New Evidence: [38:49–46:19]

Tone & Style

The episode is packed with graphic detail and Annie’s trademark investigative, but friendly, conversational energy—often peppered with humor despite the darkness of the topics. Amy adds lively, relatable commentary. The show doesn’t shy away from speculation but warns listeners when details aren’t confirmed, frequently encouraging independent research.

Recap & Takeaways

• The episode probes both new and ongoing true crime stories, spotlighting both the trauma for victims and families, as well as systemic failures and investigative blind spots.
• Listeners are left with big questions: How could such sustained crimes go unnoticed? What motivates criminal hoaxes? How does digital evidence play a new role in investigations?
• Annie promises to keep listeners updated as these cases develop.

For real-time updates, visit AnnieElise.com or listen to Serialously on your preferred platform.