Snapped: Women Who Murder – “Amber Burch”

Original Air Date: November 9, 2025
Host: Oxygen

Episode Overview

This chilling episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder" examines the disturbing crimes of Amber Burch, the girlfriend of self-proclaimed Satanist Pazuzu Algarad, in North Carolina. The episode details the mysterious disappearance of Joshua Wetzler and Tommy Welch, the investigation that unfolds over years, and the horrifying discoveries in what locals dubbed a “house of horrors.” Through interviews with family, law enforcement, and community members, the episode explores how Amber Burch, once described as a normal young woman, transformed under Pazuzu's influence and participated in unspeakable acts.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Disappearance of Joshua Wetzler

[02:45–09:35]

• Stacy Carter, Joshua's ex-fiancé, reports him missing after months of silence, noting how unusual it is that he missed contacting his son and mother.
  • Key Quote, Stacy Carter [03:36]:
    “When his mom's birthday came and went and she hadn't heard from him, that set off some alarm bells, because that was not like him at all.”
• Family and friends describe Josh as a kind, music-loving "free spirit," but mention his struggles with mental health, financial problems, and brushes with the law.
• Josh’s 2008 drug arrest (psilocybin mushrooms) leads to loss of custody of his son, deepening his downward spiral.
• Stacy receives a tip that Josh was buried in "Pazuzu's backyard”—a name unfamiliar to her.

2. Who Is Pazuzu Algarad?

[10:27–16:20]

• Investigators discover “Pazuzu Algarad” on social media, featuring disturbing images, satanic graffiti, and boasts of animal sacrifices.
  • Key Quote, Community Member [11:03]:
    “He believed in bloodletting...he wanted to be a demon. So therefore everybody should bow down to him…”
• Locals describe Pazuzu as charismatic but terrifying, attracting outcasts to his home and cultivating a persona for shock value.
• Pazuzu lives with his mother in a suburban house that outwardly appears normal but inside is filthy, adorned with dark symbols, and the site of ritualistic behavior.
• Amber Burch is described as his "queen," fully immersed in his rituals and personality.
  • Key Quote, Friend [15:48]:
    “She became almost just a female extension of Pazuzu himself. Everything Paz did, Amber did.”

3. Failed Investigation and New Crimes

[16:58–21:24]

• A report in August 2009 alleges Pazuzu showed off a body in his basement, saying he’d shot a “snitch.” Insufficient evidence and conflicting stories prevent police from obtaining a warrant.
• In 2010, investigators search Pazuzu’s home for Josh with cadaver dogs. They are appalled by the filth—animal carcasses, extreme neglect—but find no physical evidence of bodies.
  • Key Quote, Witness [20:05]:
    “Unless you've been into a death house, there's no way to mentally prepare yourself for something like this.”

4. Joseph Chandler's Death

[23:18–28:19]

• In June 2010, another body is found—Joseph Chandler, a legally blind local, last seen with Pazuzu at a convenience store.
• Nicholas Rizzi, present at the supposed accidental shooting, confesses: drunken mishandling of a gun leads to Chandler’s death. Rizzi pleads guilty to manslaughter and Pazuzu is put on probation as an accessory.
• Pazuzu is evaluated for mental health but found fit to stand trial (real name: John Lawson).

5. The Mystery Deepens: Tommy Welch Disappears

[31:05–35:57]

• In late 2009, Tommy Welch is reported missing. Later, Pazuzu’s mother Cynthia claims she witnessed Amber Burch shoot Tommy in their basement while Pazuzu urged her to leave.
• Surveillance footage confirms Tommy’s last public sighting near the house.
• Despite mounting suspicions, police lack direct evidence to search the house again.

6. Break in the Case: Whistleblower Comes Forward

[36:13–39:26]

• In 2014, Matthew Flowers, an army veteran and former friend, reports that his ex-girlfriend Dixie witnessed Amber and Pazuzu burying bodies, specifically Tommy Welch, in the backyard. Dixie had photographic evidence.
  • Key Quote, Witness [37:05]:
    “Amber said, I got my first, just like Paz does. Amber and Pazuzu told Dixie, we need your help to bury… and if you say anything, you’ll join him.”
• The evidence is sufficient for a new search warrant.

7. Grim Discovery and Aftermath

[39:39–44:06]

• In October 2014, law enforcement uncovers skeletal remains of Joshua Wetzler and Tommy Welch in the backyard.

• Families experience a mix of devastation and relief at receiving answers after so many years.

  • Key Quote, Stacy Carter [40:41]:
    “But the truth was, I was euphoric. Like, I was just so happy. We finally had some closure and we, you know, were able to have a funeral for him.”

• Pazuzu and Amber Burch are arrested. Pazuzu is charged with Josh’s murder; Amber with Tommy’s.

  • Key Quote, Friend [41:53]:
    “I didn’t realize the monstrous things he was capable of. I believe Amber Burch was brought into the influence... and she was willing to engage in whatever behaviors he encouraged her to do.”

• Pazuzu kills himself in jail before trial.

  • Key Quote, Family [43:05]:
    “He took the coward’s way out and killed himself. Let’s hope he burned in hell.”

• Amber Burch pleads guilty and receives 30–40 years.

  • Relative [43:33]:
    “She wanted to be part of it. Let me do it this time. That’s cold blooded.”

• The “house of horrors” is demolished, symbolizing the end of its terror.

  • Key Quote, Witness [44:06]:
    “Neighbors set up lawn chairs to personally watch this nightmare finally come to an end.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Devil didn’t go to Georgia. He came to North Carolina.” – Community Member, [02:22], [42:30]
• “The kitchen was probably the cleanest, most normal looking room in the house.” – Friend, [19:42]
• “Josh was an amazing dad. He loved his son more than anything.” – Stacy Carter, [06:52]
• “It was like an air of evil resonating from… the basement area where all this was supposedly taking place.” – Witness, [20:05]
• “You don’t give up. You never give up.” – Community Member, [30:44]
• “Just the evil of the place, I mean, could never be washed out of it.” – Stacy Carter, [44:24]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Josh Wetzler’s disappearance and background: [02:45–09:35]
• Introduction to Pazuzu and Amber Burch: [10:27–16:20]
• Police fail to find evidence at Pazuzu's house: [19:06–21:24]
• Investigation into Joseph Chandler’s death: [23:18–28:19]
• Tommy Welch vanishes; Cynthia Algarad’s account: [31:05–32:49]
• Break in the case—witness comes forward: [36:13–39:26]
• Discovery and aftermath: [39:39–44:06]
• Final reflections and consequences for Amber Burch: [43:18–45:19]

Conclusion

This episode exposes not only the depths of Amber Burch’s involvement in two brutal murders but also presents a haunting portrait of manipulation, cult-like devotion, and small-town horror. Through the voices of those who survived and those who sought justice, it becomes clear how evil festers when left unchecked—and how a community can finally shut the door on a house of horrors.