Snapped: Women Who Murder - Episode Summary: "Lisa Boldridge"
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Host/Author: Oxygen
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves deep into the chilling case of Lisa Boldridge, uncovering the dark motives and intricate web of deceit that led to the tragic murder of her ex-husband, Kurt Boldridge. Spanning the tumultuous relationship between Lisa and Kurt, the subsequent investigation, and the courtroom drama that ensued, this episode offers a comprehensive look into one of the most complex cases featured in the series' 29-season history.
Background: The Boldridge Family
Kurt Boldridge, born on October 3, 1961, was a dependable and hardworking member of a large farming family in Atchison County, Kansas. Growing up on a farm in Effingham, Kurt was known for his dedication to his chores and his role in managing the cattle farm. Described by his family as "the smartest man" they knew, Kurt's life took various turns, including three marriages that left lasting impressions on those around him.
Lisa Turpin, the central figure in this case, met Kurt in his early 20s. Unlike Kurt's staid and predictable nature, Lisa was fiery and unpredictable, often keeping her family on their toes with her rebellious streak. Their passionate courtship led to the birth of son in 1985, followed by a swift marriage four months later. However, their relationship was fraught with instability, culminating in a divorce in 1991. Despite this, Lisa's presence remained a constant threat in Kurt's life.
Notable Quote:
Kurt's Child at [07:05]: "There's eight boys, three girls...You've got to get the job done and there's no time for no bs."
The Disappearance and Discovery
On March 24, 2000, Sophia Boldridge, Kurt's mother, grows concerned after not hearing from her son, prompting a welfare check by the Atchison County Sheriff's Department at 10:47 AM. Upon arrival, deputies find Kurt's residence locked and, after some effort, manage to enter through a broken window. Inside his bedroom, they discover Kurt deceased with signs of decomposition and a blood-splattered bed.
Notable Quote:
Detective at [02:03]: "This was probably the most advanced level of decomposition of a body that I had dealt with."
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) quickly joins the investigation, with Detective Larry Meyer taking a prominent role. Sophia Boldridge cooperates fully, expressing devastation over her son's death.
Notable Quote:
Kurt's Child at [06:21]: "It was devastating to say the least."
Investigation Unfolds
Kurt's history reveals a pattern of troubled relationships, particularly with Lisa Boldridge. Despite multiple divorces, Lisa continued to exert control and influence over Kurt's life. Law enforcement uncovers disturbing evidence, including audio tapes that highlight a toxic and volatile relationship between Kurt and Lisa.
Notable Quote:
Witness at [14:52]: "There was some tapes that Kirk had was found during this search as part of the evidence collection..."
Investigators focus their suspicion on Lisa due to her history of violence and her manipulative behavior towards Kurt. Lisa's attempts to secure financial benefits following Kurt's death further raise red flags.
Notable Quote:
Detective at [42:16]: "Lisa had a financial motive. She thought in some manner Kurt's death would place her in a better financial position, with benefits coming to their son."
Key Suspects and Motives
Lisa Boldridge emerges as the prime suspect, but the investigation uncovers a network of accomplices:
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Kirk Wilson: A disgraced city superintendent with a tumultuous past involving drug use and prior arrests. His connection to Kurt deepens when it's revealed that Kurt had married Sandy White, Kirk's ex-wife, potentially igniting Kirk's rage.
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John Goodpasture and Gary Skeen: Friends with criminal histories, they are implicated as willing participants in the murder plot, influenced by Lisa's manipulative tactics.
Notable Quote:
Kurt's Child at [25:37]: "It wouldn't be anything to really set this guy off if you knew which button to push."
The Murder Plot
According to John Goodpasture's confession, Lisa orchestrated the murder by exploiting the animosity between Kirk Wilson and those around him. On the night of the murder, Lisa convinced Kirk and his associates to carry out the killing, promising rewards for their participation. The group targeted Kurt, ultimately leading to his fatal gunshot wound.
Notable Quote:
Witness at [38:47]: "She grabbed a shotgun that was leaning against a wall, threw it to Kirk. Wilson said, just shoot him in the head."
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Following a series of interviews and polygraph tests, Lisa Boldridge is arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The trial reveals the extent of her manipulation and the calculated nature of the crime. Her defense hinges on minimizing her role, claiming she did not fire the fatal shot. However, witness testimonies and evidence from accomplices solidify the prosecution's case.
Notable Quote:
Kurt's Child at [43:54]: "Definitely, I 100% believe it wouldn't have happened if it wouldn't have been for her."
Lisa is convicted and sentenced to 50 years in custody, with parole eligibility in 2025. Kirk Wilson receives a 25-year sentence, Gary Skeen is sentenced to 14 years, and John Goodpasture pleads guilty to aggravated burglary in exchange for his testimony.
Notable Quote:
Detective at [44:34]: "The judge imposed what Kansas refers to as the hard 50 sentence, which means she has to serve 50 years in custody before she becomes eligible for parole."
Aftermath and Reflections
The Boldridge family copes with the immense loss, striving to keep Kurt's memory alive despite the trauma inflicted by Lisa's actions. The case underscores the devastating impact of manipulative and violent behavior within familial relationships.
Notable Quote:
Kurt's Child at [46:03]: "I miss him every day, even 22 years later. Some days it seems like it was yesterday, and sometimes it seems like it was a hundred years ago. But I don't miss him any less."
Conclusion
The "Lisa Boldridge" episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder provides a thorough examination of a case marked by deceit, manipulation, and ultimately, tragedy. Through meticulous investigation and compelling testimonies, the episode sheds light on the lengths to which one individual can go to exert control and achieve personal motives, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Detective at [02:03]: "This was probably the most advanced level of decomposition of a body that I had dealt with."
- Kurt's Child at [07:05]: "There's eight boys, three girls...You've got to get the job done and there's no time for no bs."
- Witness at [14:52]: "There was some tapes that Kirk had was found during this search as part of the evidence collection..."
- Detective at [42:16]: "Lisa had a financial motive. She thought in some manner Kurt's death would place her in a better financial position, with benefits coming to their son."
- Kurt's Child at [25:37]: "It wouldn't be anything to really set this guy off if you knew which button to push."
- Witness at [38:47]: "She grabbed a shotgun that was leaning against a wall, threw it to Kirk. Wilson said, just shoot him in the head."
- Kurt's Child at [43:54]: "Definitely, I 100% believe it wouldn't have happened if it wouldn't have been for her."
- Detective at [44:34]: "The judge imposed what Kansas refers to as the hard 50 sentence, which means she has to serve 50 years in custody before she becomes eligible for parole."
- Kurt's Child at [46:03]: "I miss him every day, even 22 years later. Some days it seems like it was yesterday, and sometimes it seems like it was a hundred years ago. But I don't miss him any less."
This detailed summary encapsulates the harrowing journey of Lisa Boldridge's descent into murder, reflecting the podcast's commitment to uncovering and narrating true crime stories with depth and nuance.