Snapped: Women Who Murder
Episode: Irenia Cotner
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Host/Author: Oxygen
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the chilling case of Irenia Cotner, a woman whose obsession with the occult and manipulative control over her followers led to a brutal attack that shattered a small Midwestern community. Spanning over a series of events that culminate in betrayal, murder, and justice, this episode meticulously unpacks the intricate web woven by Cotner and her accomplices.
The Violent Incident
August 23, 2005, 3:00 AM
In the quiet town of Claremont, Richland County, Illinois, Deputy Robert Blythe receives an urgent call reporting screams and signs of violence at a local home. Arriving at the scene, Deputy Blythe is confronted with chaos and bloodshed:
Deputy Blythe [04:11]: "When I got there, there was a pregnant woman that screamed at me that somebody had been shot and somebody had been stabbed and they were in the house."
Inside, Deputy Blythe finds three victims:
- Joshua Bennett (20 years old): Fatally stabbed.
- Jacqueline Bennett: Severely injured but alive.
- An unidentified intruder: Wounded but escaping.
Witness Account: 23-year-old Jackie Jackson, a long-time acquaintance of Deputy Blythe, arrives at the scene, confessing to shooting the intruder in an attempt to save the victims:
Jackie Jackson [04:56]: "I've known him for a long time. He knew me of course, and he just yelled out my name and said, Robbie, I've shot him."
Despite Jackie’s intervention, the situation spirals out of control, resulting in Joshua’s death and Jacqueline’s severe injuries.
The Investigation Unfolds
Detectives begin piecing together the events leading up to the attack. Initial chaos reveals hints of a deeper, more sinister motive tied to mystical beliefs:
David Lindner [02:03]: "When I first heard that witchcraft was alleged in this crime, I was actually in a state of disbelief. They would have these candlelit ceremonies and they would talk about ridding themselves of hexes."
As the investigation progresses, it becomes evident that Irenia Cotner, the leader of a local covenant, manipulated her followers into committing murder under the guise of lifting a perceived curse.
Unraveling the Cult: Irenia Cotner's Manipulation
Irenia Cotner exerted significant influence over her group, convincing them that their lives were cursed and that only by committing murder could they break free:
Irenia Cotner [02:34]: "She tells the other people involved with this they have to kill a woman and her unborn child."
Her charismatic and controlling nature attracted individuals seeking belonging and purpose, making them susceptible to her dark influence.
Key Players:
- Oscar Eck (38 years old): Identified as one of the assailants, later revealed as a willing participant under Cotner’s influence.
- Jenny Wolf (20 years old) & Misty Gangloff (23 years old): Friends of Cotner who became entangled in the plot.
The Manhunt and Confessions
Following the attack, Deputy Blythe and the investigative team launch a manhunt for the second assailant. Oscar Eck is found at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital, where under duress, he reveals the cult’s belief system:
Oscar Eck [12:40]: "He said the lady put a hex on it, so we had to kill her."
His confession underscores the bizarre motive rooted in witchcraft, baffling local law enforcement accustomed to more conventional crimes.
As investigators dig deeper, connections between Cotner and her followers emerge. Misty Gangloff uncovers that Cotner manipulated her friends by exploiting their fears and insecurities:
Irenia Cotner [30:18]: "Irenia Cotner just had a very controlling personality, and the group was somewhat passive."
Trial and Conviction
The trial of Irenia Cotner was a culmination of testimonies and evidence that exposed her as the ringleader behind the heinous attack. Prosecutors presented a clear motive rooted in jealousy and obsessive control rather than genuine occult beliefs.
David Lindner [43:05]: "Irenia was upset because Jackson had moved on to a new girlfriend and Irenia was plotting on how to kill this girl to get Jackie Jackson back in her life."
Witnesses, including Misty and Jenny, testified against Cotner, detailing how she orchestrated the murders under false pretenses of lifting a hex.
Despite Cotner’s initial pleas of innocence, the weight of the evidence proved overwhelming:
Jury Verdict [44:32]: "Guilty on three counts: conspiracy of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and home invasion."
Cotner's defiance continued even after her conviction, reflecting her unrepentant nature:
Irenia Cotner [44:32]: "She threw a tantrum in the courtroom and told the judge to kiss her ass."
Aftermath and Sentencing
Irenia Cotner was sentenced to 57 years in prison, effectively a life sentence:
Jacqueline Bennett [45:21]: "Irenia is a pure sociopath that should not ever be able to contact people. She should have been in a padded room years ago and maybe Josh would still be alive."
The other conspirators faced various sentences:
- Misty Gangloff: Accepted a plea deal for conspiracy of first-degree murder.
- Oscar Eck: Pleaded guilty and received a 20-year sentence.
- Jenny Wolf: Tried and found guilty, sentenced to 32 years.
The community of Mattoon, Illinois, remained scarred by the tragic loss of Joshua Bennett, whose heroic actions to save his mother ultimately cost him his life.
Conclusion
The Irenia Cotner episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder offers a profound exploration of how charismatic manipulation and extremist beliefs can lead to devastating consequences. Through meticulous investigation and compelling testimonies, the episode underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of destructive influence before it culminates in tragedy.
The enduring legacy of Joshua Bennett's sacrifice serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of true crime on a community.
Notable Quotes:
- Deputy Blythe [04:11]: "When I got there, there was a pregnant woman that screamed at me that somebody had been shot and somebody had been stabbed and they were in the house."
- David Lindner [02:03]: "When I first heard that witchcraft was alleged in this crime, I was actually in a state of disbelief."
- Irenia Cotner [02:34]: "She tells the other people involved with this they have to kill a woman and her unborn child."
- Jackie Jackson [04:56]: "I've known him for a long time. He knew me of course, and he just yelled out my name and said, Robbie, I've shot him."
- Oscar Eck [12:40]: "He said the lady put a hex on it, so we had to kill her."
- David Lindner [43:05]: "Irenia was upset because Jackson had moved on to a new girlfriend and Irenia was plotting on how to kill this girl to get Jackie Jackson back in her life."
These quotes not only highlight pivotal moments in the narrative but also provide direct insights from those involved, enriching the listener’s understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotional content, and non-relevant sections to focus solely on the true crime narrative of Irenia Cotner and the tragic events surrounding Joshua and Jacqueline Bennett.