Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Amber Andrews

Podcast Title: Snapped: Women Who Murder
Host/Author: Oxygen
Episode Title: Amber Andrews
Release Date: February 9, 2025

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the tragic and complex case of Amber Andrews, whose actions led to the murder of her ex-husband, Brandon Duran. The episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to the crime, the ensuing investigation, and the courtroom drama that followed. Through interviews, police reports, and firsthand accounts, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the motives and machinations behind this heinous act.

The Crime Scene Unveiled

Timestamp [02:11]:
The story unfolds in Garvin County, Oklahoma, a community known for its small-town values. Sheriff Larry Rhodes receives a disturbing tip from Van Emblem, a local man who believes he has witnessed the disposal of a murdered body.

Van Emblem ([02:11] – [02:25]):
"I'm thinking, how terrible of a crime do I have here in Garvin County."

Upon arriving at the scene, Van and the authorities discover gruesome evidence, including dismembered body parts in 5-gallon buckets and a dog kennel covered with a tarp.

Sarah Gibson Tuttle ([02:44] – [03:18]):
"A little south of Oklahoma City, Garvin County is the kind of place where folks take pride in their small-town values."

The Victim: Brandon Duran

Timestamp [07:07] – [09:07]:
Brandon Duran, born in 1980 in San Diego, California, was an adventurous spirit with a passion for motorcycles, influenced heavily by his father, a member of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. After his father's untimely death in 2005, Brandon sought solace in Las Vegas, immersing himself in the local Bandidos chapter.

Brandon's Family Member ([08:12] – [08:38]):
"He got his own custom Fly Rite chopper. It was an amazing, beautiful motorcycle. He had his leather seat with his name stitched on it."

Brandon married Amber Andrews in a rebellious ceremony in Las Vegas on June 6, 2006. Their union produced a son, Brando, born on December 15, 2006. However, marital strains led to their divorce in 2010, with Brandon being granted full custody of Brando due to his responsible nature.

Reconciliation and the Fateful Trip

Timestamp [11:37] – [12:50]:
In the summer of 2012, Amber returned to San Diego, seeking to rekindle her relationship with Brandon. They decided to make a fresh start in San Diego, with Amber requesting that their son Brando visit her family in Oklahoma before starting school.

Amber Andrews ([12:05] – [12:25]):
"I want you back. I just, I want that life that we initially had."

However, this trip would become the backdrop for the tragic events that followed. Amber and Brandon left San Diego on what was supposed to be a week-long visit to Oklahoma, but tragically, Brando never returned.

The Investigation Begins

Timestamp [13:03] – [16:37]:
A week after Amber and Brandon left, Van Emblem approaches the police with suspicions about Justin Hammer, Amber's on-again, off-again boyfriend. Under interrogation, Justin admits to killing Brandon but claims it was in self-defense.

Justin Hammer ([15:14] – [16:37]):
"I can't do this. You're just gonna have to take me home."

He describes a confrontation where Brandon allegedly broke into his home, leading to a heated altercation that resulted in Brandon's death. Justin further claims that Brandon made threats involving the Bandidos Motorcycle Club to take care of him, which fueled his panic and subsequent actions.

Unraveling the Truth

Timestamp [17:02] – [22:32]:
As the investigation progresses, inconsistencies in Justin's story begin to surface. Evidence such as shoe prints matching Justin's sneakers, a gun safe containing a pistol and a damning shopping list for dismemberment tools, and surveillance footage placing Justin at a hardware store purchasing relevant items, all point towards premeditation rather than self-defense.

Van Emblem ([22:32] – [23:10]):
"This crime was not perpetrated by someone who did it on the spur of the moment."

Additionally, forensic analysis of the crime scene reveals that Brandon was killed using two different firearms, further discrediting Justin's self-defense claim.

The Role of Amber Andrews

Timestamp [28:00] – [34:16]:
Investigators shift focus towards Amber Andrews, uncovering her tumultuous relationship with Brandon. Amber's alibi is flimsy, with evidence suggesting she had a significant role in orchestrating the murder. Handwriting analysis links Amber to the shopping list found in Justin's home, and surveillance footage corroborates her potential involvement.

Amber Andrews ([32:36] – [34:16]):
"We got into a fight, and he got on his motorcycle and left."

Text messages and phone records indicate that Amber had communications with Justin around the time of the murder, raising suspicions about a possible conspiracy between the two.

The Trials

Justin Hammer's Conviction

Timestamp [35:10] – [40:55]:
Justin Hammer is tried and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence without parole. Despite his claims of acting alone, the overwhelming evidence against him leads to his conviction, leaving the community grappling with the truth behind the crime.

Van Emblem ([40:55] – [41:11]):
"They found him guilty of murder in the first degree. We really felt like justice was served with that sentence."

Amber Andrews' Trial

Timestamp [42:16] – [45:54]:
Prosecutors bring forward a strong case against Amber Andrews, presenting evidence that portrays her as the mastermind behind Brandon's murder. Although there was initially limited physical evidence, further analysis and corroborative testimonies strengthen the case against her.

Amber Andrews ([45:09] – [45:24]):
"She killed him because he had full custody. She couldn't win anymore through the courts or any other way. So she killed him to get Brando."

Ultimately, Amber is found guilty of first-degree murder, felony desecration of a corpse, and felony conspiracy. She receives a life sentence without the possibility of parole, ensuring that justice is served for Brandon and his family.

Conclusion

Timestamp [46:17] – [48:08]:
The episode concludes by reflecting on the aftermath of the trials. Brandon's son, Brando, is being raised by his family, striving to honor his father's memory. Both Justin Hammer and Amber Andrews are serving their sentences, with no hope for parole.

Brando ([46:35] – [46:50]):
"He's so much like his dad. He has this quiet confidence, that humility. He is always looking out for the other guy. He is a leader beyond compare."

The story serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which some will go when driven by obsession and vengeance.

Notable Quotes

• Van Emblem ([02:11]):
  "I'm thinking, how terrible of a crime do I have here in Garvin County."

• Amber Andrews ([12:05]):
  "I want you back. I just, I want that life that we initially had."

• Justin Hammer ([15:14]):
  "I can't do this. You're just gonna have to take me home."

• Van Emblem ([22:32]):
  "This crime was not perpetrated by someone who did it on the spur of the moment."

• Amber Andrews ([45:09]):
  "She killed him because he had full custody. She couldn't win anymore through the courts or any other way. So she killed him to get Brando."

• Brando ([46:35]):
  "He's so much like his dad. He has this quiet confidence, that humility. He is always looking out for the other guy. He is a leader beyond compare."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder intricately weaves the narrative of Amber Andrews, showcasing the dark path from a troubled marriage to a meticulously planned murder. Through detailed storytelling and compelling evidence, listeners are left contemplating the intricate motivations and consequences of Amber's actions.

For those intrigued by true crime and the psychological depths of such cases, this episode offers a comprehensive and gripping exploration of one woman's descent into darkness.