Snapped: Women Who Murder - Episode: Patty James

Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder," hosted by Oxygen, listeners delve into the tragic and sinister story of Patty James. Over the course of this episode, the podcast unravels the complex dynamics of Patty's relationship with her husband, Bernie James, leading up to his mysterious murder. Through detailed narration, interviews, and insightful analysis, the episode paints a chilling portrait of manipulation, deceit, and ultimately, criminality.

Background: Bernie and Patty James

Bernie James, born on July 1, 1949, was a beloved father and dedicated park ranger in Wilton Manors, Florida. Raised in a large family in the Maryland suburbs, Bernie served two tours in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War before returning to Maryland to join the fire department. It was through his work as a paramedic that he met his future wife, Lisa Jean Paul. Their love story was swift, marrying within a year and welcoming three children: Michael, Irene, and Nicholas.

Tragedy struck the family just before Christmas in 1980 when Lisa suffered a fatal aneurysm. Struggling to raise three young children on his own, Bernie yearned for companionship. In 1982, he met Patty James through his work dispatch role. Patty, battling severe self-confidence issues stemming from a facial scar due to a childhood tumor, sought love and stability. Despite her insecurities, Patty and Bernie formed a bond that led to their marriage in 1982, with Patty adopting Bernie's children and moving the family to Florida for a fresh start.

Notable Quote:

"She had two prior marriages. Previously, she had been married to Richard Menken, who was a Fort Lauderdale police officer."
— Narrator [10:06]

The Murder of Bernie James

On the night of March 24, 1987, tragedy unfolded when Bernie James was found dead in his vehicle outside the family home. Patty discovered him unresponsive, slumped over with blunt force trauma to the head and signs of strangulation. The initial reports suggested a possible robbery gone wrong, but inconsistencies quickly emerged.

Notable Quote:

"There was blood inside the car by the center console. There was clear trauma to the right side of the victim's head. The victim also had ligature marks around his neck."
— Detective [05:03]

Investigation Unfolds

Detectives launched an investigation, scrutinizing the scene for clues. The lack of cash in the vehicle and the manner in which Bernie was found suggested that the murder was personal rather than a random act of violence. Patty's initial account of the events raised suspicions, particularly her assertion that Bernie was dealing with an electrical problem and performing an oil change when he was murdered.

Notable Quote:

"The lack of excessive blood within the vehicle. The scene was set up with the oil cans when the car didn't need oil. The fact that the wallet was rifled through within a couple of feet of the vehicle. When you look at all the physical evidence, it is absolutely inconsistent with the report to 911 and to the police."
— Detective [21:43]

Patty's Suspicious Behavior

As investigators delved deeper into Patty's background, alarming patterns of manipulation and deceit surfaced. Patty had a history of frivolous lawsuits and scams, often involving her children to garner sympathy and financial gain. Her efforts to isolate the children from the outside world further highlighted her controlling nature.

Notable Quote:

"She was using me in a lot of her scams and cons. I was the focus for her scams because I was the easiest to manipulate."
— Bernie's Child [39:43]

Tim Ott's Involvement and Confession

A breakthrough came when Tim Ott, a man Patty introduced as a friend and co-conspirator, confessed to orchestrating Bernie's murder. Tim revealed that Patty, under the guise of different personas, had manipulated him into believing that Bernie was abusive and a child molester. Together, they devised and executed the murder plot, aiming to eliminate Bernie permanently.

Notable Quote:

"They discussed several different ways on how to kill Bernie. They were going to grind up apple seeds and apricot seeds, along with some Valium."
— Detective [33:46]

Motive and Manipulation

The investigation uncovered a layered motive behind Patty's actions. Financial gain played a significant role, as Patty had Bernie take out a life insurance policy naming her as the sole beneficiary. Additionally, Patty's inability to handle rejection, evidenced by her prior divorces, likely contributed to her drastic actions when Bernie considered leaving her.

Notable Quote:

"Before my father died, she had him take out a life insurance policy on himself and had all three of his children declared non-beneficiaries. So Patty was the only beneficiary to his policy."
— Bernie's Child [42:58]

Trial and Conviction

Patty James faced trial for the first-degree murder of Bernie James. The prosecution painted her as a manipulative individual who meticulously planned and executed the murder. Despite attempts by the defense to shift blame to Tim Ott, Patty was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Tim Ott received a 20-year sentence but was later released.

Notable Quote:

"If the word evil could be applied to a person, it would definitely be applied to Patty. She has no conscience, no compassion, no remorse. She truly doesn't care about anyone else but herself."
— Bernie's Child [46:19]

Outcome:

• Patty James: Convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison. Passed away in 2018 after serving 30 years.
• Tim Ott: Sentenced to 20 years in prison, later released.

Conclusion

The episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" on Patty James serves as a haunting reminder of how outward appearances can mask deep-seated malice. Patty's calculated manipulation, deceit, and eventual orchestration of her husband's murder underscore her role as a formidable and malevolent figure. Through meticulous investigation and the unveiling of her dark motives, the episode provides a comprehensive look into the tragic demise of Bernie James and the legacy of manipulation left behind by Patty.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulation and Deceit: Patty James exemplified extreme manipulation, using her children and fabricated personas to deceive those around her.
• Financial Motive: The life insurance policy was a significant motivator behind the murder, highlighting the role of financial gain in criminal acts.
• Impact on Family: Bernie's children suffered years of abuse and manipulation, leading to lasting trauma and loss of trust.

Notable Final Quote:

"If I could talk to my father right now, I would say, you know, I wish you had never married Patty. I wish you'd never met her. I wish we'd been closer. Cause I do miss you. I miss you tremendously."
— Bernie's Child [46:43]

This detailed exploration of Patty James' life and crimes offers listeners a profound understanding of the complexities and darkness that can reside within seemingly stable family structures. "Snapped: Women Who Murder" continues to shed light on such harrowing true crime stories, providing both education and cautionary tales for its audience.