Small Town Murder Episode #556: "Incurably Crazy Killer - Lewiston, Idaho"

Hosts:

• James Pietragallo
• Jimmie Whisman (Bill Lee)

Release Date:
December 28, 2024

Introduction

In Episode #556 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the unsettling events surrounding a gruesome murder in Lewiston, Idaho. Blending in-depth research with their signature comedic flair, James and Jimmy navigate the complexities of a troubled individual and the impact of his actions on a small community.

Setting the Scene: Lewiston, Idaho

The episode begins with James introducing Lewiston, Idaho—a town with a population of approximately 33,964 residents. Situated in the northern Panhandle near the Washington border, Lewiston is characterized by its blend of quaint old buildings and newer hip stores, earning nicknames like "El Town" and "River City." James humorously remarks on the town's size and location, stating, "[06:28]... it's practically Canada, you know what I mean?"

Notable Quotes:

• James (06:28): "Idaho's huge. Idaho's a big goddamn state."
• Jimmie (06:41): "They don't want to be called Eltown."

Introducing the Main Characters

The focus shifts to Brian K. Elliott, a 43-year-old Lewiston native working at Paulucci's shoe and clothing store, and John Mark Cope, a troubled individual residing in the apartments above the store. Brian is portrayed as a reliable employee who goes out of his way to befriend Cope, despite Cope's notoriously difficult behavior.

Character Insights:

• Brian K. Elliott: Described as friendly, hardworking, and someone who "eats like a horse" yet remains lean.
• John Mark Cope: A problematic figure with a history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder. Cope's volatile nature makes him a challenging presence in the community.

Notable Quotes:

• James (16:34): "He's a real friendly guy. Makes friends with people, asks them about their personal life."
• Jimmie (22:21): "What's he do? Oh, God, he's a mess and a bit of a menace."

The Murder Incident

On June 29, 2002, John Mark Cope brutally murders his landlord, Brian Elliott. The confrontation occurs when Cope, under the influence of alcohol and Benadryl, becomes psychotic and perceives Brian as the "mark of the beast." In a frenzied attack, Cope decapitates Brian with a knife, mutilates the severed head, and flees the scene, leaving behind a horrifying tableau.

Event Timeline:

• 2:00 PM: Brian informs coworkers he must check on something upstairs.
• 3:00 PM: John Mark Cope is found in the emergency room, covered in blood, and later identified as the assailant.
• 4:00 PM: Two hours post-incident, Brian is discovered dead at the top of the stairs leading to the apartments.

Notable Quotes:

• James (35:59): "He would not give his name. He would only give his name as Dump Truck."
• Jimmie (41:05): "He saw the man's head. He's accused of the mark of the beast."

Investigation and Trial

The local police quickly connect the dots between the injured man at the hospital and the subsequent murder of Brian. John Mark Cope is apprehended and faces charges of first-degree murder. However, Idaho law does not recognize an insanity defense, complicating his legal standing.

Legal Proceedings:

• Competency Evaluation: Cope is declared incompetent to stand trial due to his severe mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder.
• Plea Bargain: To avoid the death penalty, Cope pleads guilty to second-degree murder, resulting in a fixed life sentence.
• Courtroom Dynamics: The defense challenges the competency evaluation, but Idaho law ultimately upholds the prosecutor's position, citing Cope's persistent inability to manage his mental illness.

Notable Quotes:

• James (57:03): "He suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder. Together, those are a bad combination."
• Jimmie (61:56): "We got two of those."

Insanity Defense and Idaho Law

The hosts discuss the absence of an insanity defense in Idaho, one of only four states without this legal provision. They critique the state's stance, highlighting the challenges it poses for individuals with severe mental illnesses who commit crimes.

Key Points:

• Idaho law does not allow defendants to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
• The Supreme Court of Idaho upheld this statute, stating it does not violate due process.
• The decision was influenced by cases like Barrington Eugene Searcy in 1990, emphasizing judicial discretion over defendants' mental health claims.

Notable Quotes:

• James (59:03): "There is no insanity defense in Idaho... That's crazy. Not in Idaho."
• Jimmie (60:31): "Feels to me like that's about money, right?"

Aftermath and Community Reaction

Cope's actions leave the Lewiston community in shock. Friends, family, and local residents express disbelief and anger, with some blaming the landlord for enabling Cope's unstable behavior by allowing him to stay despite his history. Online reactions further showcase the community's fragmented sentiments, ranging from criticism of Cope's landlord to debates over the role of medications like Benadryl in mental health crises.

Community Insight:

• Family of Brian Elliott: Express profound grief and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the brutality of the crime.
• Public Opinion: Mixed reactions on social media, with some blaming systemic failures and others focusing on the immediate circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

• James (76:27): "This has nothing to do with anything... Maybe if he wasn't such a piece of crap landlord then."
• Jimmie (78:06): "It's not true, you idiots."

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with James and Jimmy reflecting on the broader implications of mental health management and legal systems in small towns. They emphasize the need for better support structures to prevent similar tragedies and highlight the devastating impact of neglecting mental health issues within communities.

Final Thoughts:

• The interplay between mental health and criminal justice remains a critical concern.
• Small towns like Lewiston must balance compassion with safety, ensuring individuals receive the help they need while protecting the community.

Notable Quotes:

• James (78:55): "It's impossible. We'll never have one again anyway."
• Jimmie (80:12): "Ancient Nutrition is pretty darn good at helping you look and feel younger and more healthy."

Closing Remarks

James and Jimmy wrap up the episode by promoting their upcoming content, including a two-part discussion on an exceptionally dangerous individual and a segment on remote viewing's effectiveness. They encourage listeners to engage with their other shows and support them through Patreon for exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• James (79:20): "Shut up and give me murder.com is the website. Tickets are available for 2025 full tour..."
• Jimmy (80:12): "Ancient Nutrition collagen supplements... Holy shit."

Key Takeaways

• Mental Health and Crime: The intersection of severe mental illness and criminal behavior poses significant challenges for legal systems, especially in states without an insanity defense.
• Community Impact: Tragic events in small towns reveal underlying systemic issues, including inadequate mental health support and the stigmatization of individuals struggling with mental health.
• Legal Limitations: Idaho's refusal to recognize an insanity defense highlights the broader debate on how society addresses and prosecutes crimes committed by individuals with mental health disorders.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James (06:28): "Idaho's huge. Idaho's a big goddamn state."
• Jimmie (22:21): "What's he do? Oh, God, he's a mess and a bit of a menace."
• James (35:59): "He would not give his name. He would only give his name as Dump Truck."
• James (57:03): "He suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder. Together, those are a bad combination."
• Jimmie (61:56): "We got two of those."
• James (59:03): "There is no insanity defense in Idaho... That's crazy. Not in Idaho."
• Jimmie (60:31): "Feels to me like that's about money, right?"
• James (76:27): "This has nothing to do with anything... Maybe if he wasn't such a piece of crap landlord then."
• Jimmie (78:06): "It's not true, you idiots."

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