Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: "Michael Thomas"

Date: October 26, 2025
Podcast by Oxygen

Overview

This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder uncovers the chilling Halloween murder of Eric Poltorak, a beloved Los Angeles entrepreneur. What begins as a mysterious holiday killing unfolds as a complex story of manipulation, revenge, and calculated violence. The investigation leads authorities from a shocking crime scene to the orchestration of murder from behind bars, exposing how one man's grip extended deep into his family and friends.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Halloween Night Turns Deadly

• Setting: West Hollywood, the epicenter of Los Angeles’ vibrant and chaotic Halloween celebrations.
• Discovery: On November 1, 2012, Eric's co-worker found him murdered in his home’s entryway (04:05).
• “He’s cold and dead and covered in blood.” – Jessica Thomas (04:10)
• Crime Scene: Eric was in a Halloween costume, killed by a close-range shotgun blast (10:46; 10:57). He had not been robbed.

2. The Victim: Eric Poltorak

• Profile: Entrepreneur with ventures in jewelry, lingerie, and alternative fashion (Role Play Fashion), noted for his openness and love of history.
• Personal Life: Divorced due to a falling out over Scientology; deeply devoted to his daughter (08:07).
• Community: Friends and family emphasize his generosity and open-door lifestyle (06:26; 09:38).

3. The First Clue: A Previous Attack

• Home Invasion: In 2011, Eric was robbed by men posing as court officials, tied up, and beaten (18:40–19:23).
• Evidence: Fingerprints on a fake court document led detectives to Michael Thomas, a career criminal (22:04; 22:19).
• Aftermath: Eric agreed to testify against Michael Thomas, despite warnings and increased paranoia about his safety (23:41; 24:04).

4. The Murder Investigation

• Surveillance Footage: Security cameras, installed after the home invasion, captured the Halloween night murder (13:40; 24:44).
• Execution: Eric’s killer was disguised in a hooded costume, slipping away amidst the night’s festivities (25:02–26:03).
• No Robbery, Just Murder: The singular motive: eliminate Eric as a witness against Michael Thomas.

5. Unmasking the Orchestrator

• Michael Thomas in Custody: Was in jail at the time of the murder but orchestrated the plot through coded jail phone calls (26:39; 27:38).
• “If a person doesn’t come, then… if the person’s not there, then it goes away. That’s the only way. That’s the only way I’m gonna be clear.” – Michael Thomas (28:11)
• Conspirators Identified:
  • Jessica Thomas: Michael’s niece, served as lookout (16:07; 30:16).
  • Yvonne Keith: Girlfriend and planner.
  • Allen Williams ("the Beast"): The shooter, physically matching the killer seen on video (30:46).

6. Breakthroughs: Recorded Confessions & Flipped Accomplices

• Jail Calls & Notes: Deputies recovered incriminating notes, and phone calls revealed planning and coaching on alibis (32:49; 33:42).
• Jessica confesses, describing each conspirator’s role (35:44).
• Quote: “We all trying to please your uncle. Cause we all love him. Don’t want to see him in there for the rest of his life. And we got caught up like that.” – Jessica Thomas (37:15)

7. Prosecution and Sentencing

• Trials:
  • Allen Williams and Yvonne Keith: Convicted of murder, sentenced to life without parole (40:24).
  • Michael Thomas: Orchestrator, sentenced to death (43:19).
  • Jessica Thomas: Testifies against her uncle for a reduced sentence (41:25–41:46).
• Manipulation Theme: Jessica and Yvonne portrayed as manipulated by Michael Thomas’ control.
  • "From my perspective, Michael Thomas is an evil human being that took advantage of individuals that he knew he could manipulate." – Detective (37:59)

8. The Aftermath

• Lingering Trauma: Friends and family express ongoing grief, and Halloween is never the same for those who knew Eric.
  • "To this day, like when I come to my door, I still think about it because he was trying to open his door, and I think how frightened he must have been." – Friend of Eric (42:25)
• Eric’s Legacy: His kindness, love for his daughter, and sense of community are remembered (43:39).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You think you realize where the bottom of society is, and then you realize that whatever that bar was was lower.” – Detective (02:04; 40:53)
• “I’m like Dr. Frankenstein. I’m sorry, but I am. I’m like Dr. Frankenstein, you know.” – Michael Thomas (32:29)
• “She told police that Michael had them case the house. She told them how they got the shotgun and how they threw it in the ocean after the crime.” – Eric’s Co-worker (35:44)
• “And to have it happen in front of his own house probably was, I’m sure, more terrifying because that’s your safe place. And if you’re not safe in your safe place, then where are you safe?” – Detective (38:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Halloween Setup: 01:03–03:24
• Eric’s Background & Lifestyle: 05:28–09:31
• Home Invasion Details: 18:34–20:13
• Discovery of Surveillance Evidence: 13:40–14:16, 24:44–25:29
• Jail Call Coded Plotting: 27:30–29:34
• Visitor Interrogations & Confessions: 33:14–37:44
• Trials and Sentencing: 39:17–43:32
• Reflections & Aftermath: 43:39–44:43

Tone and Language

The episode adopts the suspenseful, emotionally driven investigative tone typical of true crime storytelling. It balances methodical law enforcement commentary with heartfelt recollections from loved ones, emphasizing both the horror and human cost of the crime.

Conclusion

"Michael Thomas" is a harrowing episode demonstrating the devastating ripple effects of violence and manipulation. Through careful police work, the use of surveillance, and the unraveling of family loyalties, justice is ultimately secured, but not before exposing the depths to which some will go to evade accountability.