Podcast Summary: Sword and Scale Episode 333 – “The Log That Killed Victoria Schaefer”
Release Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Mike Boudet
Overview of Main Theme
This episode uncovers the tragic and senseless killing of Victoria Schaefer, a beloved photographer, wife, and mother, whose life ended when a 75-pound log was thrown from a cliff at Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park on Labor Day 2019. Initially ruled an accident, the incident soon spiraled into a murder investigation, unveiling the mistakes and evasion of two teenage boys. Using 911 calls, interviews, and interrogation footage, the episode explores not only the crime but also the struggle to find the truth amid conflicting stories, teenage bravado, and family grief.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Incident: A Day in Hocking Hills State Park
- [03:23 – 04:21]
- Labor Day 2019, Victoria was leading a senior class photoshoot at Hocking Hills.
- Tragedy strikes as a massive log falls from a cliff, crushing her head and chest, killing her instantly.
- Immediate chaos and distress are captured in chilling 911 calls from the traumatized teenagers who witnessed the event.
Notable Quote:
“We decided to go on a hike...started to hear a bunch of cracking tree branches...I watched as a seven foot log falls from the sky and strikes Mrs. Schaefer in the head. My immediate reaction was to bend down to help her.” – Unnamed Student [05:00]
Victim Profile: Victoria Schaefer
- [05:39 – 07:09]
- Victoria was a 46-year-old photographer, described as warm, professional, and beloved by family and community.
- She was the mother of four, and known for her ability to capture authentic joy in her subjects.
Notable Quote:
“Victoria Schaefer was one of the most kind-hearted, amazing people I have ever met... How could you when you were around her, she always knew how to make you smile just the way she wanted to to get the perfect picture.” – Friend/Colleague [06:48]
The Investigation: From Accident to Homicide
- [09:05 – 09:52]
- Initial belief: a tragic act of nature; investigators soon determine the log had to have been deliberately thrown.
- Agencies involved: Hocking County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Notable Quote:
“Victoria’s death wasn’t a freak accident... All the evidence indicated that someone had moved the log and thrown it over the edge... This news not only stunned the community, but it also left Victoria’s family completely devastated.” – Mike Boudet [09:52]
Early (False) Suspect: The Isaiah Singri Lead
- [10:45 – 19:52]
- A tip from Isaiah’s mother (“he thought it was dope that he killed someone”) brings him under suspicion.
- After intense questioning, investigators confirm Isaiah and his friends weren’t at the park on Labor Day.
- Investigators are “back to square one.”
Notable Quotes:
“They said that something fell off and hit some lady and killed her. ...I wasn’t even there Monday.” – Isaiah Singri [18:35, 19:08]
The Breakthrough: A Tip Leads to Two Teens
- [21:21 – 22:12]
- A mother calls police: her daughter’s friend’s ex-boyfriend, Jordan Buckley (16), allegedly confessed to causing the death with another boy ("Jaden").
- Investigators confirm: Jordan and his friend were at the park that day; their messages are incriminating.
Notable Quote:
“Victoria’s death wasn’t the result of a random accident or a planned attack. Her death was caused by two teenage boys who had made one very reckless and irreversible decision.” – Mike Boudet [22:12]
The Interrogations: Lies, Pacts, and Shifting Stories
Jordan Buckley:
- [27:04 – 40:15]
- Initially tries to downplay involvement (“nothing really happened”), but then admits he and Jaden moved the log.
- Admits to making a pact with Jaden to keep quiet.
- Tries to blame Jaden, says at one point “I already caught a body at the age of 16,” reflecting twisted bragging.
- When pressed, story shifts: “I just helped move it, but I didn’t throw it.”
Notable Quotes:
“I already caught a body at the age of 16.” – (Jordan recounting what Jaden said) [35:33]
“Once again, Jordan’s story changed. He still insisted he wasn’t the one who threw the log, but he finally admitted to moving it.” – Mike Boudet [38:01]
Female Witnesses (AJ and Miranda):
- [40:35 – 44:32]
- Both describe the boys moving and dropping the log, attempting to minimize the intent.
- Their accounts contradict: AJ claims Jordan “let go” of the log; Miranda says Jaden “pushed” it off.
- Investigators note the physical impossibility: the log could not have “rolled” off; substantial force was needed.
Investigators’ Frustration:
- [44:48 – 46:03]
- Detectives openly voice disbelief at the discrepancies: “Your story and Miranda’s have one major flawed principle...I just can’t figure out for the life of me why...”
Jaden Churches’ Interrogation and Parental Involvement
- [51:27 – 63:53]
- Jaden’s interview is marked by his mother’s intense involvement and denial.
- Both he and Jordan point fingers at each other.
- Jaden’s mother clashes with investigators, fiercely defending her son and objecting to his arrest and handcuffing.
Notable Quotes:
“He’s been paying cuffs or something on him. Oh my perfect. Gosh, what a great way to start off your life when you’re 17. Can’t you just like walk him out there? He’s not a criminal.” – Jaden’s Mother [63:28]
Contrast with Jordan’s Mother:
- [64:16 – 65:03]
- Jordan’s mom emphasizes personal responsibility:
“I mean, if he’s in the wrong, he knows that I’ve taught my kids that. That they take the punishment.” – Jordan’s Mother [64:53]
- Jordan’s mom emphasizes personal responsibility:
The Reenactment and “Truth”
- [65:52 – 70:19]
- Jordan’s walkthrough at the scene shows ongoing denial and attempts to minimize his role.
- Investigators continue to challenge the “it just rolled” narrative, noting that the log’s trajectory required significant force—almost certainly both boys’ effort.
Motives, Lies, and Obstruction
- [71:03 – 72:08]
- Miranda, one of the witnesses, may have protected herself (fearing statutory charges from a prior relationship with Jordan) by withholding the full truth.
- Miranda is ultimately charged with obstruction and given a suspended 90-day sentence for lying to investigators.
Legal Resolution: Justice and Compassion
- [72:08 – 79:19]
- Both Jaden and Jordan are charged as adults with murder, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless homicide.
- Both accept plea deals, admitting to involuntary manslaughter in exchange for reduced charges and their case being moved to juvenile court.
- Each is sentenced to three years in juvenile detention.
Courtroom Quotes:
Jordan Buckley’s Apology [73:11]:
“I understand that my actions that day caused your family’s life to change. My hope from all this is to use this trauma to learn and to live my life in a way that will honor Ms. Schaefer.”
Family Impact Statement [75:16]:
“Victoria’s death was so tragic, so devastating, and so senseless, it’s unimaginable…The next night, she was gone.” – Victoria’s Husband
Forgiveness Extended [76:20]:
“What ultimately helped us make the decision to offer this plea deal was that Victoria was a very compassionate person. We all felt that she would have wanted to give them a second chance.” – Family member
Judge’s Words [78:24]: “You’re getting a second chance here because they are forgiving. You understand that, correct?...that’s not an option that Mrs. Schaefer had.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- [05:39] “Victoria Shaefer was one of the most kind-hearted, amazing people...She never let anyone show their fake smile...”
- [09:52] “...this wasn’t a freak accident...someone had moved the log and thrown it.”
- [35:33] “I already caught a body at the age of 16.”
- [64:36] “I’ve taught you to do right. Jordan. A woman lost her life, and you knew it. Always coming first is what you do.”
- [75:16] “The next night, she was gone.”
- [77:11] “I need to know that you will do your very best to turn your life around...Let the story of your life proclaim to all that you understood the gravity of your actions.”
- [78:24] “You’re getting a second chance here because they are forgiving. You understand that, correct?...that’s not an option that Mrs. Schaefer had.”
Important Timestamps
- 03:23 – The day and location of the tragedy
- 05:39 – Recollections of the event by witnesses
- 09:52 – Discovery of homicide, not accident
- 19:08–19:52 – Clearing the initial false suspect (Isaiah)
- 22:12, 27:04 – Identifying the real teenage suspects
- 33:47–36:18 – Secret pact between the boys, disturbing bravado
- 43:31–45:18 – Conflicting accounts from key witnesses
- 51:27–63:53 – Jaden’s interrogation and arrest
- 65:52–70:19 – On-scene walkthrough and truth-seeking
- 72:08 – Legal resolution, charges, and plea deals
- 73:11–77:11 – Apologies, family and victim impact statements
- 78:24 – Judge’s sentencing and statements
Episode Flow & Tone
- Language: Blunt, often darkly humorous, and direct in the style of Mike Boudet and Sword and Scale.
- Atmosphere: Unflinching look at a senseless crime, with focus on flawed people, impossible situations, and the limits of the legal system.
- Emotion: Mix of grief, frustration, incredulity, and, ultimately, a sense of tragic compassion.
Summary Takeaway
This episode forces listeners to confront the haunting randomness of loss and the chaos that ensues when the truth is tangled in self-preservation and adolescent misjudgment. The murder of Victoria Schaefer, while possibly unintentional, was a result of reckless teenage behavior and the subsequent web of lies, denials, and blame-shifting. In the end, Victoria’s family’s compassion allowed for mercy, but the lingering dissatisfaction and unanswered questions underscore the messy, imperfect reality of justice.
“Both teenagers were legally responsible...a log that came crashing down with enough force to shatter a skull and take Victoria Shaffer’s life in an instant. And both were held accountable in a way that reflected the wishes of Victoria’s family. So what else is there to do? ...sometimes that’s the only justice there is. And sometimes, you know, that’s just life.”
– Mike Boudet, closing remarks [79:19]