Small Town Murder: Episode #550 - Kinky Killer Couple - Dover, New Hampshire

Release Date: December 7, 2024

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman

Introduction

In Episode #550 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the chilling case of a young woman’s disappearance and subsequent murder in Dover, New Hampshire. Combining meticulous research with their signature comedic flair, James and Jimmie unpack the complex dynamics of a seemingly ordinary small town harboring dark secrets.

Dover, New Hampshire: The Setting [03:12-10:15]

Overview of Dover: Dover, situated in southeastern New Hampshire, boasts a population of approximately 32,599. As a historical mill town, Dover thrived on textile production until economic downturns led to the migration of mills to the southern states. Today, Dover serves as a suburban commuter hub for Boston, with a median household income of $82,387 and median home prices around $416,800.

Community and Culture: The town is lauded for its Victorian-style homes, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor activities such as fishing and canoeing. However, reviews of Dover are mixed, highlighting a picturesque environment juxtaposed with a less welcoming community atmosphere.

Notable Points:

• Dover is recognized as the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ backstory.
• Proximity to Portsmouth offers residents a taste of city life within a short drive.

Notable Quote:

James Pietragallo [09:40]: “Dover is fantastic for exploring outside as there are several great fishing and canoeing sites.”

The Disappearance of Lizzie Marriott [10:15-24:13]

Background: In October 2012, 19-year-old Lizzie Marriott, a vivacious and socially active sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Known for her love of marine biology and involvement in community activities, Lizzie was living with her aunt and uncle near campus while her parents resided in Massachusetts.

The Night of Disappearance: On October 9, 2012, Lizzie attended a Tuesday night lab class but later sent a text at 8:55 PM stating she was visiting a friend named Kat McDonough, a coworker from Target. Lizzie promised to return by midnight. When she failed to return, her family reported her missing. Police discovered Lizzie's car on campus but found no immediate evidence of her whereabouts.

Notable Quote:

Jimmie Whisman [19:17]: “He knew Lizzie was always happy and found the best in everyone.”

Seth Maziglia and Kat McDonough: The Suspects [24:13-40:39]

Profiles:

• Seth Maziglia (29): An actor, writer, and fight choreographer with a background in theater. Seth’s online presence is heavily tied to BDSM and bondage communities under aliases like "Dark Kaiser."
• Kat McDonough (19): A former honor student who dropped out of high school and became involved with Seth. Kat’s theater involvement and relationship with Seth marked a significant shift in her behavior and lifestyle.

Relationship Dynamics: Seth and Kat’s relationship was characterized by extreme BDSM practices, including dominance and submission. Their involvement in fetish communities raised red flags about their influence on Lizzie.

Key Developments:

• Lizzie’s sudden disappearance led police to question Seth and Kat.
• Initially, both denied involvement, presenting alibis that later fell apart under scrutiny.
• Text messages revealed disturbing communications between Kat and Seth, indicating a desire to involve others in their BDSM lifestyle.

Notable Quotes:

James Pietragallo [36:15]: “This is BDSM fucking. Oh, Ropes and bondage and shit.”

Jimmie Whisman [37:22]: “Dark Kaiser. Dark enough.”

The Crime Unveiled [40:39-78:22]

The Night of Murder: On the evening of Lizzie’s disappearance, Seth and Kat hosted a gathering with Lizzie and another individual. During a game of strip poker, tensions escalated when Seth initiated non-consensual acts. Lizzie reportedly had a seizure, leading Seth to strangle her with a rope. In a state of panic, Seth and Kat attempted to dispose of her body by throwing it into the ocean, while also destroying evidence such as clothing and ties used in the murder.

Investigation and Trial:

• Evidence: Recovery of Lizzie's car and items linked to the crime scene.
• Testimonies: Roberta Gerken, a friend, described finding Lizzie's body. Kat eventually testified, detailing the events leading to Lizzie's death.
• Legal Proceedings: Seth was charged with first-degree murder, rape, and conspiracy. Kat faced charges for hindering the investigation but received a plea deal for a reduced sentence.

Notable Quotes:

Kat McDonough [68:57]: “He moved up behind her and pulled the rope over her neck and strangled her.”

James Pietragallo [74:37]: “She's dead. He murdered her over a year and a half ago.”

Conclusion and Aftermath [78:22-82:11]

Verdict and Sentencing: Seth Maziglia was found guilty of first-degree murder and rape, resulting in a life sentence without parole. Kat McDonough, having taken a plea deal, received a lighter sentence for her role in hindering the investigation.

Impact on the Community: The case left a lasting scar on Dover, highlighting the hidden dangers within seemingly tranquil small towns. Lizzie Marriott’s family established the Lizzie Marriott Intrepid Ocean Explorer Fund in her memory, aiming to honor her passion for marine biology.

Notable Quote:

Lizzie’s Father [74:45]: “I cannot comprehend that level of evilness and disregard for humanity.”

Final Thoughts: James and Jimmie reflect on the tragic loss of Lizzie Marriott, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing abusive relationships. The episode serves as a sobering reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of small-town life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James Pietragallo [15:23]: “She was very social and everybody liked her.”

• Jimmie Whisman [19:43]: “She probably stayed late and, you know, can I just crash at your house? And that's probably what happened.”

• James Pietragallo [25:10]: “He’s a twisted individual who brought only darkness and pain into this world.”

• Jimmie Whisman [39:05]: “Feels like shit. He would write and then hide it.”

• James Pietragallo [66:55]: “He is a cold motherfucker.”

Takeaways and Reflections

Small Town Murder Episode #550 meticulously unravels the heinous crime committed by Seth Maziglia and Kat McDonough, showcasing how abusive dynamics and obsession can culminate in tragedy. The hosts effectively balance the gravity of the subject matter with their comedic insights, providing listeners with both a compelling narrative and critical reflections on human behavior and societal perceptions of small-town safety.

Key Insights:

• Abusive Relationships: Understanding the signs and recognizing the manipulation and control inherent in abusive relationships.

• Community Impact: The ripple effects a single heinous act can have on a close-knit community.

• Legal Nuances: The complexities of prosecuting cases without a body and the ethical considerations in plea deals.

Conclusion: This episode serves as a poignant exploration of darkness within the facade of normalcy, urging listeners to remain vigilant and compassionate in their communities.

For those intrigued by the depths of small-town mysteries and the intricate human behaviors that drive them, Small Town Murder continues to offer insightful and engaging storytelling with every episode.