Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – "One Deadly Twist – St. Albans, Vermont"
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: April 17, 2026
Setting: St. Albans, Vermont
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode, comedians James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman take listeners to St. Albans, Vermont, for a story that twists unexpectedly from small-town quirks and relatable relationship woes into a random and brutal murder in broad daylight. Through their signature blend of detailed true-crime storytelling and sharp comedic commentary, the hosts dissect the events leading up to, through, and following a senseless killing that shocks even seasoned fans of bizarre crime tales.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. About St. Albans, Vermont (03:59–14:12)
- Town Geography & History
- St. Albans is divided into “town” and “city,” the latter being a 'nickel' in the middle of the 'dollar' that is the town. (05:03)
- Railroad City of Vermont; site of the northernmost Civil War engagement, the St. Albans raid.
- Noted for maple syrup, butter, cheese, Victorian houses, and a now-defunct semi-pro soccer team.
- Town Reviews
- Mixed reviews — “A very quite [quiet] town… well known for maple syrup”; apparent drug issues and need for larger police presence.
- “Drug deals take place out in the open with little discretion.” (09:40, James)
- Host comedic riff on local complaints, particularly one about “the all-caps worst school ever,” parking drama, and school drop-off chaos. (10:10–11:10)
- Events & Attractions
- Vermont Maple Festival, chainsaw art, poetry contest about maple syrup, and quirky local performers (“Rockin Ron, the Friendly Pirate”, and fire-eating, juggling Jason Tardy Productions). (11:47–14:12)
- Commentary: “Who the fuck is judging [the syrup poetry]?” — James (11:56)
2. Case Introduction: Matthew Webster’s Downward Spiral (14:24–17:25)
- Who is Matt Webster?
- Born 1983, lifelong resident, history of mental illness, chronic drug and alcohol issues.
- “He abused prescription medication including Oxycodone and Methadone. Also Klonopin…” (16:11, James)
- Notably self-destructive but, the hosts riff, still manages to have a wife and a girlfriend — “This guy’s getting laid. If you can’t find a woman, don’t blame women. This guy’s getting laid.” (21:00, James)
- Personal Struggles
- Matt’s wife, Danielle, reports a family history of suicidality, frequent threats, and dangerous behaviors (leaving guns out, unstable mental state).
- Past car accident, minor criminal record.
3. Relationship Drama Escalates (20:24–25:00)
- The Affair
- Matt is caught up in a year-long affair; his wife Danielle knows about it for nine months.
- “He had made assurances to Danielle that he would end his relationship…but guess what? He didn’t.” (21:44, James)
- Day of the Incident (Sept 25, 2013)
- Danielle discovers Matt is again visiting his girlfriend. She confronts him by phone and then in person.
- Heated exchanges, multiple car relocations to avoid face-to-face confrontations.
- Comic Comparison
- “Trying to break up with one woman while another yells at you and calls you on the phone…would be a horrible vice grip…but it’s 100% his fault.” (24:09, James)
4. Road Rage and Tragedy (32:21–44:03)
Setting:
- A fight at a gas station, Matt flees, Danielle follows.
- Matt, in a fragile, suicidal state, races off, runs a red light (with wife in hot pursuit), nearly causing a collision.
The Victim:
- Anna Alger
- “They went to the same high school…they didn’t know each other…She’s a nurse’s aide, lives locally, and a mother.” (34:02–34:32, James)
- Anna, driving with her fiancé, is almost hit by Matt at the intersection.
The Incident (Main Event: ~36:42–41:58)
- Anna, enraged, follows Matt and blocks him at the side of the road (in front of Domino’s Pizza).
- She confronts him, yelling:
- Quote: “What kind of a piece of shit do you think you are?” — Anna Alger (38:00)
- Anna and Matt are a mere 6 feet apart.
- Matt, in a mental crisis, empties his 9mm — 11 shots — into Anna, killing her instantly (“hit…seven or eight times in the head and neck.” (40:08, James))
- “He just raises his pistol and fires eleven shots into her face.” (38:59, James)
- Attempts to shoot Anna’s fiancé, gun jams.
- Danielle arrives, disarms Matt as he attempts to shoot himself (gun also jams).
- Anna’s fiancé calls for help, Anna is already dead.
- “She’s been shot seven or eight times in the head and neck. This is wild.” (40:11, James)
5. Aftermath: Arrest & Interrogation (47:08–67:40)
- Immediate Aftermath:
- Matt is arrested at the scene (“He willingly emptied out his pockets and laid there on the ground and let them arrest him. He was screaming ‘I’m sorry...’” (43:13, James))
- Multiple witnesses at Domino’s, Domino’s worker, and a passerby corroborate the chaos.
- Police Interrogation
- Matt confesses immediately (“I was going to kill myself…” [47:37]) but is emotional, incoherent, and remorseful.
- Notable comedic moment as Matt, in his chaos, asks the detective:
- Quote: “Are you a doctor?” — Matt (48:02)
- “Yes, that's me. I'm an armed doctor, and I'm here to talk to you.” — James (48:14)
- Matt cycles through remorse (“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry…” (48:49–50:01)), confusion, and insists “I never meant to hurt anybody.” (Assorted, ~51:00)
- Narrative Details
- Matt blames lack of medication, drug withdrawal, and his own “terrible shot” for the events.
- Explains intent was suicide; felt “charged” when Anna approached.
6. Trial and Sentencing (69:01–78:27)
Legal Arguments:
- Defense Tactics:
- Tried to argue mental impairment, momentary crisis, and potential self-defense due to “charging” confrontation.
- Clinical psychologist for defense: Matt was impaired, suicidal, not thinking rationally.
- Prosecution:
- Points out Matt’s deliberate actions (firing 11 times, reloading), lack of prior connection, and total randomness of the murder.
- Court underscores that Anna’s actions were normal, not provocative — “She approached you, but she didn’t provoke you. She had no idea what she was walking into…You alone decided how this would end.” — Judge (76:44)
- Memorable Line:
- “You, sir, may fuck off. 40 years to life.” — Judge (76:44, James retelling verdict)
Victim Impact:
- Anna’s fiancé and daughter provide emotional statements:
- “When Anna died, a piece of me did, too.” — Patrick, fiancé (75:41)
- “Now that you’ve shot my mom, we can’t do the things we said we were going to do…” — Anna’s daughter, age 11 (75:52)
Sentence & Aftermath:
- Matt Webster: Found guilty of second-degree murder, sentenced to 40 years to life.
- All appeals denied. Anna’s family expresses relief at conviction.
- Matt’s remorse is persistent but, as the hosts note, cannot undo the devastation.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “What kind of a piece of shit do you think you are?” — Anna Alger confronts Matt. (38:00)
- “She was ready to give the mayor an earful about that shit. It’s a goddamn memorial for a dead woman.” — James, recounting Anna’s grandmother on a memorial controversy. (69:10)
- “You, sir, may fuck off.” — Judge, as recounted by James in the verdict. (76:44)
- Host Riff: Comparing Matt’s situation with “a man with every problem in the world, and there’s more than one chick willing to fuck him…” and what this means for listeners struggling in the dating world. (21:00)
Structure & Timestamps
| Section | Timestamp |
|-------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Intro, Town Rundown | 01:15–14:12 |
| Case Introduction: Who is Matt Webster | 14:24–17:25 |
| Relationship Drama | 20:24–25:00 |
| Road Rage Incident / Killing | 32:21–44:03 |
| Witness Reactions, Arrest, Interrogation | 47:08–67:40 |
| Trial & Sentencing | 69:01–78:27 |
| Host Reflections/Closing | 79:30–82:00 |
Tone & Style
True to the Small Town Murder formula, the episode weaves thorough research with biting wit and empathy for victims. The hosts maintain a comedic, conversational tone—even in discussing tragedy—but are also clear about where responsibility lies and condemn senseless violence and poor life choices.
In Conclusion
This episode stands out for its unexpected turn—a small-town marital drama erupts into random public murder, all unfolding in real time amid witnesses, with a deeply troubled perpetrator and an innocent, outspoken victim. James and Jimmie’s commentary is equal parts dark, irreverent, and humane: they pull no punches for Matt, mourn Anna authentically, and offer biting observations about fate, poor choices, and human unpredictability in small-town America.
For fans and new listeners alike, this is Small Town Murder at its most unpredictable and compelling.
