Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder Episode: Mother Daughter Murders - Largo, Maryland
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Hosts: James Petregallo & Jimmie Whisman

Introduction to the Case (00:01 - 05:00)

In this gripping episode of Small Town Murder, hosts James Petregallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into a chilling double homicide case in Largo, Maryland. Two distinct mother-daughter pairs—Dolores and Ebony DeWitt, and Karen and Carissa Lofton—were brutally murdered, shaking the serene suburban community. Despite local police suspecting a serial killer, FBI profilers assert that the crimes are unrelated.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [00:01]: "Terror runs through this comfortable leafy area as two different pairs of mothers and daughters are murdered."

Community Overview and Initial Reactions (05:00 - 15:00)

The episode paints Largo as a predominantly Black, upper-middle-class suburb with a high median household income. Despite its outward tranquility, the murders have instilled fear and confusion among residents.

Key Points:

• Demographics: 86.6% Black, median age 39.8, median household income $88,799.
• Community Sentiment: Neighbors express unease, with increased participation in neighborhood watches and heightened home security measures.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Whisman [10:12]: "Nothing else happens here. This is a really leafy suburban, you know, upper middle class type of place."

Detailed Timeline of the Murders (15:00 - 60:00)

Dolores and Ebony DeWitt Murders (January 2009)

• Background: Dolores DeWitt, a dedicated nurse, lived with her two daughters, Ebony (19) and Courtney (17), after separating from her husband.
• Incident: On March 15, 2009, Courtney returned home to find her mother and sister missing. Shortly after, Sybil Felton reported her Nissan Maxima stolen and later discovered the burned bodies of Dolores and Ebony in the trunk.
• Investigation Findings:
  • Cause of Death: Strangulation.
  • Evidence: Bleach stains indicating attempted evidence cleanup, beech tree leaves not native to the area, and lack of forced entry.
  • Suspected Method: The killer likely used another vehicle to abduct and transport the victims before burning them in Sybil's car.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [35:37]: "The alarm was disengaged at 3:30 in the morning. Something had to disengage it."

Karen and Carissa Lofton Murders (December 2008)

• Background: Karen Lofton, another nurse, lived with her daughter Carissa.
• Incident: On January 26, 2009, both were found dead in their home, shot execution-style.
• Investigation Findings:
  • Cause of Death: Gunshots to the head.
  • Evidence: Presence of six spent shell casings from a Glock 17, no signs of forced entry, suggesting an inside job or someone familiar with their security routines.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [23:45]: "There's nothing broken...Clearly someone went in here to murder her and then took a couple of very specific things."

Introduction of the Suspect: Jason Thomas Scott (60:00 - 145:00)

Background:

• Education & Employment: Jason Thomas Scott, a 27-year-old UPS employee with two master’s degrees in Information Systems Management and Computer Science.
• Criminal Behavior: Engaged in multiple burglaries and home invasions, using his access to UPS databases to scout targets meticulously.

Criminal Activities:

• Modus Operandi:
  • Preparation: Utilized UPS resources to identify homes receiving valuable packages.
  • Execution: Broke into homes during late hours, often with accomplices, using sophisticated tools and techniques to avoid detection and evidence.
  • Evidence Handling: Wore gloves, used ski masks, and carried burglary kits to minimize fingerprints and DNA traces.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [108:37]: "He would identify a target, then spend weeks or even months stalking them."

Arrest and Trial:

• Capture: Arrested in September 2009 after cooperation from his accomplice, Marcus Hunter, who provided evidence linking Scott to the murders.
• Legal Proceedings:
  • Proffer Interview: Scott confessed to numerous crimes, including the DeWitt and Lofton murders, during a proffer interview, expecting protection.
  • Trial: Initially resulted in a mistrial due to prejudice from admitted evidence. Subsequently, a plea deal was reached.
  • Plea Agreement: Scott entered an Alford plea, maintaining innocence while acknowledging criminal responsibility for the DeWitt murders, receiving an 85-year federal sentence.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Whisman [124:44]: "You're a tsunami of crime."

Impact on the Community and Victims' Families (145:00 - 170:00)

The murders and Scott's trial have left lasting scars on Largo’s residents. Families of the victims grapple with trauma and loss, while the community grapples with heightened fears and mistrust.

Key Points:

• Family Trauma: Kirk Jr., father of Ebony, succumbed to alcohol poisoning at 28, a direct consequence of the emotional toll from the murders.
• Community Response: Increased neighborhood vigilance, enhanced security systems, and the establishment of memorials like Butterfly Kisses clothing line in honor of the victims.
• Public Perception: The case serves as a catalyst for law enforcement agencies to refine profiling and investigation techniques, especially regarding organized and technologically adept criminals.

Notable Quote:

Karen and Carissa's Family Member [160:26]: "We wanted justice for the murders, not just the other crimes."

Conclusion and Reflections (170:00 - End)

Hosts reflect on the complexities of the case, highlighting the intersection of meticulous criminal planning and the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending such a sophisticated offender. The Largo murders have become a seminal case study in criminal justice programs, emphasizing the evolution of criminal behavior in the digital age.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [169:02]: "This is a terrifying individual who utilizes intelligence, planning, and technological sophistication to commit heinous crimes."

Final Thoughts

Small Town Murder expertly navigates the labyrinthine details of the Largo, Maryland double homicide case, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events, the perpetrator’s psyche, and the profound impact on the community. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, James Petregallo and Jimmie Whisman shed light on one of the most disturbing criminal cases of recent times.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [157:17]: "He is a very bad man, this guy. He's a serial killer."

Note: For those interested in experiencing the full depth of this case, tune into Small Town Murder’s latest episodes every Thursday.