Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong | S22 E3: Murder-for-Hire
Introduction
In the third episode of the award-winning docuseries Something Was Wrong, hosted by Tiffany Reese of Broken Cycle Media | Wondery, the focus shifts to a harrowing tale of deception, manipulation, and alleged criminal activities surrounding Megan Stoner. Titled "Murder-for-Hire," this episode delves deep into Megan's interactions within online communities, her tumultuous relationships, and the catastrophic impact of her actions on those around her.
Megan Stoner's Behavior in Facebook Groups
Megan Stoner initially became active in various Facebook groups, notably within the Spice Girls group—a community composed predominantly of millennial and Gen Z women discussing everyday issues like relationships and housing. Justin, a 30-year-old member from Portland, Oregon, recounts how Megan's posts began innocently but soon took a disturbing turn.
"She started posting about the most mundane things... but things just started sort of spiraling into great intensity." (Justin, [04:22])
As Megan's contributions grew more erratic and intense, her peers grew increasingly concerned. Her posts evolved from trivial matters to alarming claims of being sexually assaulted and stalked by authority figures.
"We were really concerned about her. We were trying to get her help that she needed and then it just ended in anger." (Justin, [05:47])
Accusations and Removal from Groups
By 2018, Megan's behavior had become untenable. Justin explains that the group administrators realized Megan was co-opting other members' traumatic stories as her own, leading to her removal from the Spice Girls group and its spin-offs.
"She was lying. She was co-opting other people's traumatic stories as her own." (Justin, [06:10])
Attempts were made to support Megan by creating separate group chats to provide her with the attention she sought without disrupting the main community. However, Megan's continuous fabrications and manipulations ultimately forced the administrators to expel her entirely.
"She apologized for lying... She just, after that, got removed from the group." (Justin, [12:26])
Connection to Itown Church and Julie Roys
The narrative intensifies as Jeff Thompson, a pastor from Canada, shares his encounters with Megan. Initially dismissive of her claims, Jeff recounts how Megan integrated herself into the church community, making alarming allegations that culminated in a fabricated murder-for-hire plot against him.
"She is incredibly good at it, creating a false world in which she is a central player." (Jeff Thompson, [24:51])
Megan also connected with Julie Roys, an investigative reporter and founder of Roy's Report. Julie describes Megan as seemingly helpful initially, providing connections and sources for her reporting. However, as Megan's true nature emerged, Julie recognized the deceit and manipulation behind Megan's actions.
"I thought she was concerned and helpful citizen who wanted to see the truth exposed." (Julie Roys, [26:10])
The Murder-for-Hire Plot
The episode takes a dark turn with the revelation of Megan's alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Pastor Jeff Thompson and possibly others within the church community. Jeff details how Megan convinced him of a conspiracy within the Association of Related Churches (ARC), leading him to take drastic personal measures to protect his family.
"Jeff Thompson, Pastor, Gospel City Church... Megan attempted to impersonate multiple pastors from the ARC and the governor of Indiana." (Jeff Thompson, [26:10])
These fabricated threats were so convincing that Pastor Thompson felt compelled to safeguard his family, showcasing Megan's ability to manipulate and instill fear through deception.
Impact on Others and Legal Consequences
Megan's actions extended beyond online manipulations. She allegedly scammed individuals out of rental homes, causing significant financial and emotional distress. Logan Gay, another contributor, discusses how Megan's schemes led to severe consequences for her victims.
"A Hamilton county woman is facing serious charges, accused of scamming several people out of rental homes. This scheme cost her more than just money." (Logan Gay, [46:16])
Furthermore, Megan's attempts to tarnish reputations through fabricated evidence and false accusations led to public retractions and damaged relationships. Her interactions with David Morrell of Protestia, who threatened to expose her unethical behavior, ultimately backfired when it was revealed that Megan had fabricated the emails he presented.
"David Morrill could not be reached for comment." (Julie Roys, [42:44])
Conclusion
The episode concludes by highlighting the broader implications of Megan Stoner's actions—emphasizing the dangers of unverified claims and the importance of due diligence in online communities. Tiffany Reese underscores the necessity for accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals from manipulative figures like Megan.
"They need to either get trained as journalists and do their due diligence and do their job right, or they just need to get off the Internet because they're doing a lot of harm." (Megan Stoner, [44:05])
Something Was Wrong S22 E3: "Murder-for-Hire" serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of deceit in digital spaces and the profound impact one individual's manipulations can have on a community. Through in-depth interviews and firsthand accounts, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of Megan Stoner's manipulative behavior and the resulting turmoil within the affected communities.
Notable Quotes
- Justin ([04:22]): "She started posting about the most mundane things... but things just started sort of spiraling into great intensity."
- Jeff Thompson ([24:51]): "She is incredibly good at it, creating a false world in which she is a central player."
- Julie Roys ([26:10]): "I thought she was concerned and helpful citizen who wanted to see the truth exposed."
- Megan Stoner ([44:05]): "They need to either get trained as journalists and do their due diligence and do their job right, or they just need to get off the Internet because they're doing a lot of harm."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Something Was Wrong meticulously unravels the complex web of deceit spun by Megan Stoner, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and social ramifications of her actions. By spotlighting real-life consequences and emphasizing the need for vigilance in online interactions, the episode not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a vital resource for those seeking to protect themselves and others from similar manipulative behaviors.