Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder - "Murder Soup - Cadiz, Kentucky"

Release Date: July 4, 2025
Hosts: James Petregallo and Jimmy Whisman

Introduction

In the episode titled "Murder Soup - Cadiz, Kentucky," hosts James Petregallo and Jimmy Whisman delve deep into a harrowing murder case that shook the quiet town of Cadiz, Kentucky. Combining meticulous research with their signature comedic flair, the duo unpacks the tragic events, explores the intricate family dynamics, and examines the ensuing investigation that captivated the community.

Background: The Champion Family

The Foundation of Cadiz's Tragedy revolves around the Champion family:

• Lindsay Champion (Born 1952): A dedicated employee at the Farm Credit Services, Lindsay was a respected member of the community, earning accolades like the "Friend of Agriculture Award" in 2013. Upon retirement, he devoted his time to farming and church activities.

• Joy Allen Champion (Born 1954): Lindsay’s wife, Joy, was a beloved elementary school teacher who served the community for over three decades. She was also actively involved in the KD's Church of Christ alongside Lindsay.

• Ryan Champion: The adopted son of Lindsay and Joy, Ryan struggled with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, particularly towards his sister, Emily. His turbulent relationship with success and identity set the stage for the ensuing tragedy.

• Emily Catherine Champion: An accomplished equine veterinarian, Emily embodied the family's pride. Her dedication and success contrasted sharply with Ryan's struggles, fostering underlying tensions within the household.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [05:09]: "Median home cost here, though. This is real low. $106,000."

The Catalyst: Family Dynamics and Ryan's Struggles

Ryan Champion's sense of failure compared to Emily's achievements created a simmering environment of resentment:

• Adoption and Identity: Being adopted, Ryan grappled with his identity, exacerbating his feelings of being an outsider within his own family.

• Sibling Rivalry: While Emily thrived academically and professionally, Ryan drifted through various jobs without finding his footing, leading to deep-seated jealousy.

• Emotional Turmoil: Ryan's enrollment in the army at 25 was a late attempt to find purpose, but his service did little to alleviate his internal conflicts.

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [19:48]: "He feels, he feels like his whole family does well and then he's garbage, basically, is what he feels like."

The Murder: A Night of Horror

On October 24, 2014, a seemingly ordinary family weekend turned into a nightmare:

• Sunday Dinner Plans: The Champions planned a quiet Sunday dinner with Joy preparing soup in a slow cooker, symbolizing the family's warmth and unity.

• Unexpected Intrusion: Lisa Champion, Lindsay's sister, received a distressing 911 call from her nephew Ryan, finding him bound with duct tape and holding a gun [27:52].

• Crime Scene Chaos: Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a gruesome scene:

  • Lindsay Champion: Found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head.
  • Joy Champion: Multiple gunshot wounds to the head, found in the basement.
  • Emily Champion: Shot near the dining room table.
  • Vito Reservato: A 22-year-old acquaintance of Ryan, brought into the house, also killed.

• Suspicious Elements: The pervasive smell of soup lingered throughout the crime scene, an eerie contrast to the brutality [30:03].

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [29:14]: "He said about Emily, the way her body was found was particularly disturbing. I'll never ever forget that."

Investigation: Unraveling the Truth

Sheriff Ray Burnham described the Cadiz crime scene as "probably the worst" he'd encountered in two decades [29:10]. The investigation revealed shocking details:

• Ryan's Account: Ryan claimed that Vito, a new acquaintance, forcibly entered their home, leading to a violent confrontation where he felt compelled to defend his family.

• Discrepancies in Ryan's Story: Police found inconsistencies between Ryan's testimony and physical evidence:

  • Gunshot Patterns: The number of gunshots and the manner of reloading suggested a different sequence of events than Ryan described.
  • Vito's Motive: Vito was allegedly desperate for money and had been approached by Ryan years prior to hire him for murder.

• Involvement of Ann Plotkin: Surveillance footage and phone records linked Ann Plotkin, Ryan's longtime girlfriend, as a facilitator between Ryan and Vito, implicating her in the conspiracy [53:03].

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [51:05]: "The physical evidence at the scene doesn't really match up with all this. It doesn't match up with what he said."

Resolution: Charges and Sentencing

The culmination of the investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Ryan Champion:

• Arrest and Charges: On Halloween night, Ryan was charged with four counts of capital murder and one count of kidnapping [55:16].

• Legal Proceedings: Despite initial pleas of innocence and a tumultuous relationship with his attorney, Ryan eventually pleaded guilty to all charges by early 2017, mirroring cases like Bryan Kohberger's [61:44].

• Sentencing: Ryan was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never reintegrate into society [64:47].

• Ann Plotkin's Fate: Ann was arrested for complicity in the murders and served four years before passing away shortly after her parole was denied [67:04].

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [66:09]: "And he gets no air, he gets no oxygen. No one ever. Doesn't get to put on a show. Doesn't get to do anything. It's perfect."

Community and Aftermath

The Cadiz community grappled with the immense loss and betrayal:

• Memorials and Tributes: Emily's peers established a scholarship in her memory, honoring her dedication to veterinary medicine [67:56].

• Family's Reflections: Joyce's sister and other family members expressed profound grief, anger, and a quest for closure, highlighting the emotional scars left by the tragedy [61:06].

Notable Quote:

James Petregallo [64:08]: "You care about only yourself. You have no heart, no compassion, no soul. You are an empty shell."

Conclusion

"Murder Soup - Cadiz, Kentucky" serves as a chilling exploration of how deep-seated personal struggles and familial tensions can culminate in unimaginable tragedy. Through comprehensive analysis and poignant storytelling, James Petregallo and Jimmy Whisman shed light on the complexities of the case, offering listeners both insight and reflection on the darker aspects of human nature.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• James Petregallo [29:14]: "He said about Emily, the way her body was found was particularly disturbing. I'll never ever forget that."

• James Petregallo [51:05]: "The physical evidence at the scene doesn't really match up with all this. It doesn't match up with what he said."

• James Petregallo [66:09]: "And he gets no air, he gets no oxygen. No one ever. Doesn't get to put on a show. Doesn't get to do anything. It's perfect."

Final Thoughts

This episode not only recounts the tragic events in Cadiz but also invites listeners to ponder the profound impacts of family dynamics, mental health, and societal pressures. James and Jimmy's balanced approach ensures a respectful yet engaging narrative, making "Murder Soup - Cadiz, Kentucky" a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts.