Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 336 Summary

Episode Title: Influencer Found Dead, “Friends” Hold Friend Captive, Melodee Buzzard Update & News Anchor Stabs Mom
Hosts: Annie Elise & Amy Collette
Date: November 13, 2025

Overview

In this true crime–packed episode, Annie Elise, joined by co-host Amy Collette, delivers updates and deep dives into several chilling contemporary cases. With her usual best-friend energy, Annie covers:

• Major new developments in the disappearance of Michael Vaughn,
• Updates in the Melodee Buzzard case,
• The suspicious death of a popular Asian influencer,
• A gripping hostage-torture case in Austin,
• And the arrest of a former news anchor for stabbing her mother.

The conversation weaves insightful discussion, impassioned commentary, and Annie’s signature style: a mix of empathy, outrage, and conversational storytelling.

Major Discussion Points & Case Breakdown

1. Michael Vaughn Case Update (Starts 00:32)

• Context: Michael Vaughn, 5, vanished outside his Fruitland, Idaho home on July 27, 2021.
• New Development: On October 31, the county prosecutor filed charges related to Michael’s disappearance.
  • Stacy Wondra (male, 33) charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and destruction of evidence.
  • Stacy and wife Sarah had been suspects since 2022 after a tip led to their property being searched.
  • New body cam footage shows Stacy video-calling investigators during a 2022 dig, indicating where remains might be, but denying involvement.
  • Stacy claims he saw Sarah (his wife) place Michael’s body there, saying Michael was wrapped in a trash bag.
• Public Reaction: The parents were initially publicly blamed, similar to the Summer Wells case.
• Annie’s Reflection:
  • “It is a good reminder…not to always jump to conclusions about things.” (02:15)
  • “Now this has finally come out. People are kind of like, wow, I can't believe people went so hard at the parents. This is so sad.” (02:05)
• Status: Details about motive and delay in charges still unknown.

2. Melodee Buzzard Update (04:53)

• Background: Melodee, age 9, went missing after a road trip with mom Ashley Buzzard from California to Nebraska. The mom returned without her, wouldn’t cooperate with authorities, and was seen removing missing posters of Melodee.
• Comparison: Case “gives Lori Vallow, Casey Anthony vibes” due to the mother's bizarre and uncooperative behavior.
• Update:
  • On Nov. 7, Ashley Buzzard was arrested—not for Melodee’s disappearance, but for felony false imprisonment involving another unnamed victim.
  • Police haven’t released further details due to the ongoing investigation.
  • “Anytime a parent is unwilling to cooperate with their own missing child, it's a freaking huge waving red flag.” (05:50)
• Annie suggests: a deep dive into Melodee’s case is forthcoming as details evolve.

3. Influencer Found Dead in Malaysia (10:06)

• Case Summary:
  • Victim: Iris Shea, 31, Taiwanese influencer and registered nurse (aka “the nurse goddess”) with over 500k followers.
  • Circumstances: Found dead in a luxury hotel bathtub, Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 22. No immediate signs of foul play; classified as “sudden death.”
  • Suspect: Malaysian rapper Namewee, 42, the last seen with Iris.
• Investigation Turn:
  • Blue pills (suspected ecstasy) found at scene—both drug and toxicology tests ordered.
  • Namewee tested positive for multiple substances (amphetamines, ketamine, THC) but denied use, blamed an error in lab testing.
  • On Nov. 4, authorities reclassified Iris’s death as a murder investigation—specific new evidence not disclosed.
  • Namewee turned himself in Nov. 5; remains detained, not yet charged with murder, pending full autopsy and tox reports.
• Internet Uproar & Questions:
  • Was it accidental overdose or something more sinister?
  • Was it romance, business, or a work-related trip gone wrong?
  • Iris’s family asks for privacy and answers.
• Annie’s Take:
  • “When things get changed from sudden death to murder investigation, it’s never random.” (13:54)
  • “So she had half a million followers. People are demanding answers.” (13:11)

4. Ex–News Anchor Stabs Mother in Wichita (18:02)

• Incident Details: On Halloween morning (Oct 31), police received a call about a “cutting.”
  • Victim: Anita Avers, 80, found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds; died at hospital.
  • Suspect: Angeline “Angie” Mock (47), Anita’s daughter and former St. Louis TV news anchor (2011‒2015).
  • Angie, “covered in blood… plagued with cuts,” approached a neighbor for help, called 911 herself.
  • Claimed to dispatcher she stabbed her mother “to save herself.”
• Community Reaction:
  • Friends describe Anita as “kind and private.”
  • No prior reports of domestic trouble or forced entry.
• Current Status: Angie charged with premeditated first-degree murder; $1M bond.
• Legal Questions:
  • Motive and what “save herself” meant remain unclear.
  • Next court appearance: Nov. 14.
• Amy & Annie’s Reflection:
  • Annie: “Self-defense, protecting yourself from an 80-year-old woman. Maybe, probably not.” (21:21)
  • Amy: “It’s just so strange. There’s no record of disputes, no open motive.” (22:00)

5. Austin “Friend Captivity”/Torture Case (24:55)

• Case Outline:
  • Woman found handcuffed to metal exercise equipment in a backyard; described being held for months, malnourished, and subjected to violence.
  • Key Quote from victim:
    “Because they decided they didn’t like me anymore.” (26:11)
  • She had been shot several times with a BB gun, handcuffs rusted onto her wrists.
• Suspects: Five housemates (ranging ages 21 to 51); at least two (Michelle Garcia, 51, and Crystal Garcia, 21) suspected to be related; all arrested.
  • Facing charges: Aggravated kidnapping, assault, injury to a disabled person, unlawful restraint; $300k bond each.
• Disturbing Details:
  • Neighbors saw the victim outside, sometimes restrained, but did not intervene.
  • Presence of children in the home; CPS involved in their removal.
  • One suspect said:
    “I fucking hate her.” (direct quote given during police interview)
  • Police still piecing together motivations and exact relationships.
• Annie’s Commentary:
  • “If you see a woman in your neighbor's yard chained to a fence, it's probably not fucking good. And you should probably make a call like, this is crazy to me.” (31:43)
  • Links to previous Serialously coverage of the Mary Collins case (“do not eat before you listen”).
  • Reflection on the darkness hidden within ordinary-seeming suburban neighborhoods, and a strong call to action to speak up.
• Amy’s Response:
  • “It’s like bullying to the most extreme.” (34:04)
  • “That person was outside… the handcuffs were rusted… where was her family?” (34:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On public blame (Michael Vaughn):
  “Right when this all happened, it seemed like everyone in the public was blaming the parents… now this has finally come out. People are kind of like, wow, I can't believe people went so hard at the parents.” (02:08 | Annie Elise)

• On parent cooperation (Melodee Buzzard):
  “Anytime a parent is unwilling to cooperate with their own missing child, it's a freaking huge waving red flag.” (05:51 | Annie Elise)

• On sudden-to-murder reclassification (Influencer Death):
  “When things get changed from sudden death to murder investigation, it’s never random.” (13:54 | Annie Elise)

• On self-defense claims (Wichita stabbing):
  “Self-defense, protecting yourself from an 80-year-old woman. Maybe, maybe. But like, probably not, I don't know.” (21:22 | Annie Elise)

• On evil hiding in plain sight (Austin):
  “You never know what's happening in these neighborhoods, yet if you see something happening, you probably should call. So this woman was rushed to the hospital, and luckily, she did survive, but she's being treated for very serious injuries…” (32:44 | Annie Elise)

• On friends and betrayal (Austin):
  “It's not random. It's people she trusted… it's just sick because it's not random. It's people she trusted.” (32:44 | Annie Elise)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Michael Vaughn update: 00:32 – 04:53
• Melodee Buzzard update: 04:53 – 08:36
• Influencer death (Iris Shea): 10:06 – 16:19
• Wichita news anchor stabbing: 18:02 – 23:48
• Austin captivity case: 24:55 – 34:46

Tone & Presentation

• Conversational: Annie and Amy keep the tone familiar, referencing memes, movies (“Bride Wars”), and personal anecdotes.
• Outraged & Empathetic: Outspoken about injustice, especially in cases of exploitation and betrayal.
• Warning & Education: Emphasize the importance of speaking up (“see something, say something”), especially in situations where vulnerable people are at risk.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t rush to judgment in missing persons cases; early speculation can be deeply unfair.
• Non-cooperation by a caregiver or parent is a huge red flag.
• Online personas can hide tragic realities; sudden deaths of public figures often have tangled, hidden backstories.
• Abuse by friends can be as severe and insidious as by strangers; betrayal is a recurring and devastating factor.
• Community obligation: If something seems wrong, report it. One welfare check can save a life.

Closing

Annie wraps up with reminders about the differences between her two shows, teases upcoming deep dives, and leaves listeners with a call:
“Be nice, don't kill people, don’t do drugs, don’t betray your friends, and just be a good human.” (37:57 | Annie Elise)

For further listening, Annie notes:

• Deep dives available on related cases (e.g., Mary Collins, Madeleina Kojakari)
• Look for new episodes Monday (Serialously), Tuesday (10 to Life), Thursday (Headline Highlights), and every other Friday (bonus episodes).