Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 332: Kohberger Hits Back, Woman Escapes Captivity, Melodee Buzzard Missing & Mom Refuses to Talk
Date: October 30, 2025
Host: Annie Elise

Episode Overview

In this episode, Annie Elise delivers a rapid-fire update on some of the week’s most troubling and talked-about true crime headlines. With her signature candid, best-friend-in-your-ear style, Annie examines recent developments in the Idaho murders restitution controversy, a shocking case of long-term captivity in France, the disturbing disappearance of Melodee Buzzard (with her mother refusing to cooperate), a heartbreaking murder in upstate New York, and the tragic case of a woman who killed her husband with her car in Texas. Throughout, Annie offers context, analysis, and her personal reactions, encouraging listeners to stay vigilant and engaged in these developing cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kohberger Restitution: ‘The Audacity of This Creep’

[05:44]

• Annie reacts strongly to convicted Idaho killer Brian Kohberger’s legal team asking for a reduction in restitution to victim families, arguing the families “made enough money off their GoFundMes.”
  • Quote:

    “This piece of garbage, piece of fish, filth, sewer rat is actually now hitting back at the victim's families, saying, 'I don't need to pay restitution because you guys all made enough money off your GoFundMes.' Like, are you kidding me? The freaking audacity of this creep.” (Annie Elise, 05:57)

• Details:
  • Kohberger was ordered to pay almost $290,000 in restitution after pleading guilty, with prosecutors seeking an additional $30,000 for the families’ travel expenses.
  • Kohberger’s attorneys claim families haven’t suffered true economic loss due to successful GoFundMes (one over $73k, another $48k, a third $85k).
  • Defense further claims Kohberger “has no ability to pay, not now, not ever” as he’ll spend life in Idaho’s maximum-security prison.
• Annie calls for any commissary money sent to Kohberger to go directly to victim restitution.
  • Quote:

    “Any money that is being put on his books by his mommy, his daddy, his sister... That money should go directly to the victim's families. He should have to pay for the rest of his life.” (Annie Elise, 08:30)

• Annie suggests Kohberger’s actions are a “sick way” to try to regain control and continue to torment the victims’ families.
• A virtual hearing is scheduled for Nov 5 to decide the restitution issue.

2. Woman Escapes 5 Years of Captivity in France

[13:01]

• Annie covers a major international headline:
  • A woman in her 40s escapes after being held captive for 5 years in Saint-Maixent-l'École, France.
• Details of her escape:
  • She slipped away on Oct 14, barefoot, in shock, and sought help from a neighbor.
  • Authorities found the garage she had been imprisoned in was sealed with concrete blocks. She slept in a deck chair, used a plastic pot for a toilet, was fed “porridge mixed with dish soap,” was emaciated (lost almost 50kg/100lbs), showed signs of hypothermia, and had her skin washed in bleach.
  • Police believe she was drugged; two suspects—a woman in her 60s (a nursing assistant) and her boyfriend, age 82—were arrested and charged with kidnapping, torture, and "acts of barbarity."
• Victim originally lived as a roommate with one of the suspects, then forced to live in a tent, then the garage, as the couple stole her bank and Social Security benefits.
• Annie emphasizes the randomness and horror of such abuse, highlighting how anyone can fall victim.
  • Quote:

    “This can happen to anyone. It doesn't discriminate on age, gender, race, any sort of thing... You just have to really always be extra cautious who your roommates are, who your partner is, who you’re getting involved with.” (Annie Elise, 15:21)

3. Chloe Henry Murdered by Husband in Upstate New York

[17:06]

• Story: 25-year-old Chloe Henry found murdered (shot in head and back) after her family reported her missing.
  • Last seen with her husband, Keith Henry, who’s now under arrest, facing second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
  • Chloe’s family and coworkers remember her as loving and reliable; disappearance was “highly unusual.”
  • Motive remains unknown; Annie promises continued updates.
  • Quote:

    “Although it seems very clear cut from the arrest... the police haven’t shared any sort of motive... So I think a lot more to come and we will certainly keep our eyes on it.” (Annie Elise, 19:54)

4. Leonardo Mendoza Killed—Run Down by His Wife in Texas

[22:07]

• Case summary:
  • Police responded to a call about a man (Leonardo Mendoza, 42) fatally struck by a car.
  • According to a witness, a black Chevy Tahoe (belonging to Leonardo's wife, Alina Gonzalez Morales) intentionally hit and killed him after a domestic argument escalated.
  • Surveillance footage shows Alina chasing Leonardo as he runs away; actual impact not shown, but the context is clear.
  • Alina initially lied but later told investigators: “I meant to hit him but didn’t mean to kill him.” (Annie Elise, paraphrased, 25:31)
  • She’s charged with murder, being held without bond; intoxication and intent under review.
• Annie frames the case as an extreme reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and substance abuse:
  • Quote:

    “...That is a huge escalation. For her to follow him and just decide to jump the curb and hit her husband with her car seems very extreme and of course very intentional, right?” (Annie Elise, 23:45)

5. Melodee Buzzard, Age 9, Missing—Mother Refuses to Talk

[28:53]

• Missing child alert in Lompoc, California:
  • Melodee Buzzard, age nine, missing for over two weeks.
  • Her mother, Ashley Buzzard, refuses to say where Melodee is—drawing comparisons to notorious Lori Vallow case.
  • Investigation started after Melodee failed to pick up schoolwork for two months; a road trip to Nebraska was confirmed with mother/daughter on Oct 7, but Ashley returned to CA alone.
  • Since then, Ashley has been described as “completely uncooperative,” dodging law enforcement and child welfare, refusing to produce her daughter even when officially ordered.
  • Surveillance and financial checks ongoing; FBI has joined the case.
  • Quote:

    “Anytime a parent won’t serve up where their child is, that is a massive red flag.” (Annie Elise, 35:18)

• Melodee’s extended family claim isolation and homeschooling were used as tools to cut her off, and the mother’s reported “mental instability and financial struggle” heighten concerns.
• Annie calls on listeners to share Melodee’s story to help bring answers.
• Annie notes the rise in guardians isolating/hiding children under the guise of homeschooling since 2020; warns of the risks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He should have to pay for the rest of his life... He will not feel that way if he doesn't have actual repercussions. Being in prison is not enough of a repercussion, in my opinion, for him.” (Annie Elise on Kohberger, 09:05)
• "[Melodee Buzzard’s case]... is giving Madalina Kojakari... she essentially vanished and her mom didn’t report her missing for months….the school started asking what the hell’s going on? That’s what prompted the investigation.” (Annie Elise, 34:18)
• “Don’t drink and drive, don’t drink and fight, don’t drink in huge copious amounts and... just don’t do it.” (Annie Elise, 27:19)
• “Be nice, don’t kill people, don’t join any cults, and don’t refuse to cooperate if your child goes missing, which, God forbid, hopefully they don’t go missing, but if they do, don’t refuse to cooperate.” (Annie Elise closing, 38:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:44] Kohberger Restitution & Hearing Preview
• [13:01] France Captivity Case: Background, Escape, Allegations
• [17:06] Chloe Henry Case: Timeline, Community Response, Open Questions
• [22:07] Leonardo Mendoza: Hit-and-Run by Spouse, Evidence, Charges
• [28:53] Melodee Buzzard Disappearance: Timeline, Red Flags, Family, and FBI Involvement

Tone & Style

• Annie’s delivery is frank, emotionally engaged, and often irreverently humorous (“this piece of garbage, piece of fish, filth, sewer rat...”—05:57), with the feel of a best friend catching you up on today’s biggest true crime stories.
• She encourages skepticism and vigilance, brings social commentary (on GoFundMe, homeschooling, domestic violence, and the legal system), and frequently reminds her audience to “stay safe.”

Summary – Why This Episode Matters

This episode brings a collection of urgent, chilling, and unresolved cases to the fore, each illustrating different shades of criminal control, familial betrayal, and systemic failings. Annie drives home the point that behind the headlines are real families, and anyone can be caught in the ripple effects of violence or negligence. Her analysis, especially when she connects new cases to infamous comp cases (like Lori Vallow and Madalina Kojakari), gives context and depth, urging listeners to stay alert, compassionate, and informed.

If you have information on Melodee Buzzard’s whereabouts or Chloe Henry’s case, Annie asks listeners to share the episode and contact authorities.

For more deep dives, check out her sister podcast “Tend to Life” for the latest on infamous cases like that of John Wayne Gacy.