Something Was Wrong: S21 E18 – S20, S18 & S7 Case Updates & Reflections

Published on October 2, 2024 by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction and Acknowledgments

In the eighteenth episode of Season 21 of Something Was Wrong, host Tiffany Reid collaborates with Amy B. Chesler, a producer on the Broken Cycle Media team and host of the companion show What Came Next. The episode focuses on providing updates and reflections on various cases from Seasons 20, 18, and 7, offering listeners fresh insights and progress reports on ongoing investigations and survivor stories.

Season 20 Case Updates: Jessica’s Car Accident

At the outset, Tiffany addresses a significant development in the Season 20 case involving Jessica Pauley. On June 5, 2024, Jessica was involved in a severe car accident at 4:37 AM, leading to her being airlifted to UNMC in Omaha. The incident sparked widespread speculation and rumors about Jessica’s intentions, with some suggesting the crash was intentional or attention-seeking.

Key Points:

• Family Response: Tiffany reads a heartfelt Facebook post from Karen Yockey, Jessica’s mother, pleading for compassion and respect, and clarifying that the accident was not intentional. Karen emphasized, “We do not agree with it nor do we make excuses for it. She is working on herself!!!” (04:01).

• Accident Details: The accident involved a pickup and camper stalled on the right side of the road, causing a semi-driver to veer into Jessica’s lane. Jessica was traveling at 75 MPH, below the speed limit, while the semi-driver reduced speed to 65 MPH (04:01).

• Ongoing Investigation: Tiffany addresses questions about potential criminal charges. Despite initial considerations of multiple charges, no formal actions have been communicated to the family. Tiffany states, “It feels very discouraging…we have done everything we can internally to make the correct authorities aware of what we know” (09:52).

• Personal Update: Post-season 20 wrap-up, Tiffany shares her experience visiting North Carolina with Monica and her fiancé, highlighting the importance of in-person connections after the season's intense events (08:00).

Survivor Reflections: Q&A Section

The episode features an in-depth Q&A segment with survivors Monica, Bri, and Dani, who provide personal reflections on their experiences and the aftermath of their traumatic encounters.

Monica’s Reflections:

• Online Dating Experiences: Monica discusses her challenges with online dating, particularly how Jessica’s interference adversely affected her relationships. “After Brody, I definitely did go back on dating apps, and that is how I met my now fiancé” (09:52).

• Mental Health Struggles: She opens up about suffering from PTSD and hypervigilance, emphasizing the importance of therapy and support. “Therapy is helping now…we're just continuing to strive to be better and heal from this” (14:54).

• Impact on Relationships: Monica reveals that Jessica’s actions have significantly impacted her ability to trust and be vulnerable in future relationships. “My relationships have definitely been impacted since Jess…trust is a major issue” (17:39).

• Law Enforcement Critique: She criticizes the handling of her case, expressing frustration over the lack of substantial legal action. “If Jess was a man, she would have been prosecuted almost immediately” (29:49).

Bri’s Reflections:

• Changes in Friendships and Boundaries: Bri explains how her experiences have led her to become more guarded and selective about who she allows into her life. “I think now my boundaries are so much more stern” (26:10).

• Mental Health Journey: She discusses the ongoing process of healing, including re-diagnosis of PTSD and the challenges of navigating relationships post-trauma. “I've been trying to retrain my brain on what's normal and what's not” (29:49).

Dani’s Reflections:

• Support for Victims: Dani expresses solidarity with fellow survivors, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences. “Many messages of support and love…we aren't alone” (17:39).

• Law Enforcement and Legal System: She voices her frustrations with the legal system’s handling of her case, advocating for better laws to address crimes like sexual assault by deception. “I wish laws would catch up” (22:46).

• Mental Health Impact: Dani shares her struggles with PTSD and the difficulty of maintaining trust, even in friendships. “Setting boundaries is healthy…nothing about the Brody situation was normal” (22:46).

Notable Quotes:

• Monica: “Dating apps can be good, you know, but just be careful” (09:52).
• Bri: “Once you experience it, it's going to change your life moving forward” (26:10).
• Dani: “If Jess hadn't become part of my life, I absolutely would not have dated Brody as long as I did” (09:52).

Recent Case Updates: Arrest of Caitlin Braun

The episode transitions to another significant update concerning Caitlin Braun, a Brantford woman previously convicted of faking pregnancies and defrauding doulas. Despite a two-year house arrest sentence, Braun was rearrested on April 30, 2024, for similar fraudulent activities.

Key Points:

• Recidivism: Braun was arrested again for obtaining by false pretense and fraud under $5,000, demonstrating a pattern of deceptive behavior despite prior sentencing (29:50).

• Victims’ Perspectives: Tiffany highlights the frustration and disappointment of Braun’s victims, emphasizing the inadequacy of her previous sentencing. “Her victims say they are not surprised that she's been caught…just two and a half months after she was sentenced” (29:50).

• Legal System Critique: Monica and Tiffany critique the legal system’s leniency, arguing that stricter measures could prevent future offenses. Monica states, “If she was in prison, we would not be having to file more charges for more victims” (32:06).

• Legislation Needs: The discussion underscores the necessity for updated laws to effectively address and prevent repeat offenses in fraudulent and deceptive crimes (32:06).

Notable Quotes:

• Monica: “Legislation is prevention…we are preventing other victims in the future” (32:06).
• Tiffany: “This is February 2024 when Katelyn Braun was sentenced…she ended up doing something similar again” (29:50).

Upcoming Seasons and Show Updates

Tiffany previews upcoming content, including the highly anticipated Season 22, which will delve into a new perpetrator case involving sophisticated scams and online stalking. She teases that this season will feature compelling jailhouse audio and diverse survivor stories, aiming to shed light on the intricate methods used by perpetrators to manipulate and harm their victims.

Key Points:

• Season 22 Preview: Focuses on a new perpetrator who uses unique methods like yoni massages and birth fetish scams. The season promises in-depth survivor interviews and behind-the-scenes activism to bring the perpetrator to justice (32:26).

• Collaboration and Support: Tiffany encourages listeners to submit their stories and engage with the community for ongoing support and awareness. “If anybody listening would like to submit their story…you can submit through our website” (32:26).

• Personal Connections: The episode also touches on personal stories, such as Monica’s appearances on Let’s Make a Deal, highlighting the intersection of personal healing and public advocacy (36:00).

Notable Quotes:

• Tiffany: “Season 22 is another long form season…I cannot wait for you guys to hear this season” (32:26).
• Monica: “Nothing about the Brody situation was normal. It was all control. It was all manipulation” (26:10).

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Something Was Wrong delivers critical updates on ongoing cases, offering a blend of investigative progress and personal survivor stories. Tiffany Reid and her co-hosts provide a platform for victims to share their journeys, critique systemic shortcomings, and advocate for stronger legal protections. The episode not only informs but also fosters a sense of community and resilience among listeners, underscoring the podcast’s mission to illuminate the paths of discovery, trauma, and recovery.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• Karen Yockey on Facebook Post (04:01): “We do not agree with it nor do we make excuses for it. She is working on herself!!!”
• Monica on PTSD and Healing (09:52): “Therapy is helping now…we're just continuing to strive to be better and heal from this.”
• Dani on Trust Issues (22:46): “Nothing about the Brody situation was normal. It was all control. It was all manipulation.”

For More Information:

• Visit SomethingWasWrong.com to submit your story or support the podcast.
• Follow Something Was Wrong on Instagram at @somethingwaswrongpodcast.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a detailed yet engaging overview for those who haven't listened, while maintaining the integrity and depth of the original discussions.