#554 - Murky Murder Motives - Fort Pierce, Florida

Sat Dec 14 2024

This week, in Fort Pierce, Florida, a missing attorney has a lot of enemies, but when he's found in a hurricane shelter, burned with acid, it seems like a true mystery. Then a woman, with a major criminal past, comes forward with a horrifying story of...

Transcript

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James Petregallo (2:14)

Hello everybody and welcome back to Small Town Murder Express.

Jimmy Whisman (2:18)

Yeah and Choo Choo.

James Petregallo (2:20)

Oh yay indeed, Jimmy. Yay indeed. My name is James Petregallo. I'm here with my co host.

Jimmy Whisman (2:25)

I'm Jimmy Whisman.

James Petregallo (2:26)

He is on it today. Look at that. Thank you folks so much for joining us. Oh my goodness. All aboard the Murder Train. There it goes, pulling away from the station. We got a wild episode for you as usual on Express. You know, we will stuff a three hour murder story into an hour and it's gonna be wild stuff. So check that out. Definitely. But before that, shutupandgivemerder.com is the website. Get your tickets for 2025, announce it. The announce date when all the cities and dates will come out is December 17th. There's like a pre sale on the 18th. They go on sale totally publicly on December twent. So get in there, get your tickets, get them early because they tend to go fast. As people found out this year we are so excited coming to some places that we have not been in a couple of years and some brand new ones and a couple of brand new places we've never been before. We're gonna try them out. We're gonna take a ferry everybody. There's a hint for you for one of them but hopefully shut upandgivemerder.com is where you get all that. Definitely. Also listen to our other two shows Crime and Sports and your stupid opinions. Listen to people's dumb reviews from all around the Internet. It's amazing stuff. And then also should get Patreon. Patreon.comCrimeInSports is where you get all of the bonus material. It's a lot too. Anybody $5 a month or above, you get a giant back catalog. Hundreds of episodes you've never heard before and no one has unless they subscribe to Patreon. New ones every other week. One Crime in Sports, One Small Town Murder and you my friends, get it all. That's right. This week, what you're going to get for Crime and Sports, we're going to do another episode of Bad Sports Songs which is going to be so fun. We're going to hear athletes trying to rap and sing and we're going at their best, trying as hard as they can. And we'll play them and laugh at them and rewind it. Listen again. Remember Gaza's Fog on the Tyne? It's that for an hour you can't beat it so bad. Then for Small Town Murder we're going to talk about remote viewing, which is when the CIA thought that if you concentrate hard enough you can see into a cave 5,000 miles away. And guess what? Didn't really work very well. But we'll talk all about that and more. Patreon.com Crime and sports and you get a shout out at the end of the show as well then to the regular show anyway, so that said, I think it's time everybody. What do you say? I think it's time to clear the lungs. Let's all arms to the sky. Let's all shout. Shut up and give me murder. Let's do this, everybody. Let's go on A trip, John.

Summary

Summary of Small Town Murder Episode #554 - "Murky Murder Motives - Fort Pierce, Florida"

Release Date: December 21, 2024
Hosts: James Petregallo and Jimmy Whisman

Introduction

In episode #554 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Petregallo and Jimmy Whisman delve into the intricate and dark case surrounding the murder of Ashley Paulo in Fort Pierce, Florida. Combining thorough research with their trademark comedic flair, the duo unpacks the events leading up to the crime, the ensuing investigation, and the subsequent legal battles that unfolded in this seemingly tranquil small town.

Fort Pierce, Florida: A Town with Hidden Struggles

The episode begins with an exploration of Fort Pierce, a city with a population of approximately 46,409. While some reviews paint Fort Pierce as a "hidden gem" with affordable housing and a small-town feel, the hosts highlight a contrasting reality plagued by crime, particularly gun-related incidents. James notes, “[...] the city is the definition of crime, drugs, and gangs” (08:43), underscoring the tumultuous environment in which the central murder took place.

Ashley Paulo: Profile of a Complex Individual

Ashley Paulo, whose full name appears variously as Ronald Ashley or Ashley Ronald, is introduced as a successful tax attorney admitted to the Florida Bar in 1980. Despite his professional achievements, Ashley's personal life was marred by violent behavior and mental health struggles. His daughter described him as a "workaholic" who was "very doting" yet conflicted, stating, "He was something of a workaholic" (14:48). Court records from 1999 reveal a violent past, including restraining orders and psychological evaluations, contrasting sharply with his non-violent public persona.

The Murder at 2J's Gourmet Deli

On August 2, 1999, Ashley Paulo assaulted Julius Melnick at 2J's Gourmet Deli, leading to Melnick sustaining a broken hip from which he later died due to complications. Initially charged with aggravated battery, the case took a dramatic turn when the medical examiner ruled Melnick's death a homicide, resulting in a third-degree murder charge for Paulo. James sarcastically comments, "They don't let old people write the elderly law, and it makes no sense with the rest of the laws" (20:04), highlighting a perceived flaw in the legal statutes.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Despite numerous accusations and a troubling history, Paulo maintained his innocence, attributing his actions to accidental motives. After a prolonged period without further incidents, Paulo resurfaced in 2010, leading to renewed suspicions and investigations. The turning point came when Michelle Lockridge, an employee with a criminal background, implicated her boyfriend Thomas Barnard in Paulo's murder. Through meticulous police work involving surveillance footage and forensic evidence, including acid burns on Paulo's body, the prosecution built a strong case against Barnard.

During the trial, Michelle's credibility was undermined by her extensive criminal history and conflicting testimonies. James mocks the defense's shaky narrative, stating, "You have to refute her story" (64:11). The jury ultimately found Thomas Barnard guilty, sentencing him to life without parole. Ashley's family expressed their relief and sorrow, with his sister proclaiming, "That's a cold-blooded murderer" (68:40).

Related Crimes and Persons of Interest

The episode also touches upon the tragic case of Frederick Matthew Lockridge, a 15-year-old who was convicted for the murder of his 10-year-old sister, Isabella, in 2016. Frederick's multiple confessions reveal a deeply troubled individual, further painting a grim picture of Fort Pierce's societal issues.

Conclusion

Small Town Murder Episode #554 provides a comprehensive and gripping account of Ashley Paulo's murder, set against the backdrop of a city grappling with crime and corruption. Through detailed storytelling and candid commentary, James and Jimmy shed light on the complexities of small-town intrigue, the failings of legal systems, and the profound impact of personal demons on community safety.

Notable Quotes:

James Petregallo on Fort Pierce's Crime:
“The city is the definition of crime, drugs and gangs.” (08:43)
Jimmy Whisman on Legal Flaws:
“They let old people write the elderly law, and it makes no sense with the rest of the laws.” (20:07)
James Petregallo on the Murder Trial:
“You have to refute her story.” (64:11)
Ashley Paulo's Sister on Verdict:
“That's a cold blooded murderer who robbed them of a kind and gentle man.” (68:54)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by the hosts without requiring prior knowledge of the podcast.