Sword and Scale Episode 303 Summary

Title: Sword and Scale
Host/Author: Sword and Scale
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Description: Sword and Scale delves deep into the darkest corners of true crime, presenting raw and uncensored audio to unravel harrowing stories of murder, abduction, and other heinous crimes. Episode 303 explores the chilling case of Matthew Terry, whose violent actions reveal the horrifying reality that monsters exist within our society.

Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode opens with a stark warning about the adult themes and violence that listeners will encounter, immediately immersing the audience into the gravity of the forthcoming story.

• [00:00] Mike Boudet: "Sword and Scale contains adult themes and violence and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised."

Mike Boudet, the host, introduces the episode by highlighting the core mission of Sword and Scale: to uncover the darkest aspects of human nature and the failures within the criminal justice system.

• [00:21] Mike Boudet: "Sword and Scale is a human nature podcast. It's a podcast about right and wrong and how we figure out what's what, how we incentivize the good and how we punish the bad."

The Rise of Matthew Terry

Background in Lansing, Michigan

Michelle Rogers, a 35-year-old mechanical engineer from Lansing, Michigan, presents a picture of an average Midwestern life disrupted by a relationship with Matthew Terry.

• [06:10] Narrator: "Lansing is a pretty typical Midwest city...most of the houses are modest, nothing too flashy, but comfortable."

Michelle's desire for companionship leads her to a dating site, where she meets Matthew Terry. Their relationship blossoms quickly, with Matthew displaying attentiveness not just to Michelle but also to her young son.

• [07:22] 911 Operator: "There's a man. He has a woman pinned on the ground in their driveway. They're fighting."

The First Assault: A Fight Turned Deadly

One evening, a violent altercation erupts between Michelle and Matthew. The situation swiftly escalates from a domestic dispute to a life-threatening attack.

• [08:20] Mike Boudet: "It was definitely a fight, and Michelle was determined to survive."

Michelle's attempts to defend herself using her knowledge as a wrestling coach are vividly recounted, portraying the brutality of Matthew's assault.

• [09:50] Michelle Rogers: "I remember him coming at me and pushing me into the front door... He was putting me in chokeholds to the point where I was starting to black out." [15:24]

Despite sustaining severe injuries, including seven stab wounds and head trauma, Michelle manages to escape and seek help.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

Matthew Terry's Arrest and Trial

Matthew Terry is charged with attempted murder but manages to secure a relatively lenient three-year sentence after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.

• [22:20] Mike Boudet: "He was sentenced to three years in prison in the Michigan Department of Corrections, which he did serve three years."

Detective Matthew Krumbach criticizes the judicial outcome, labeling the jury's decision as "wishy washy."

• [24:20] Detective Krumbach: "Juries are wishy washy, and I hope every person that sat on that jury is well aware of what Matt Terry did."

The Second Assault: Kay Baker's Tragedy

Upon his release, Matthew Terry relocates to Lithia, Florida, where he befriends Kay Baker, a math teacher and mother of two. Unlike Michelle, Kay becomes his second victim.

• [29:35] Matthew Krumback: "He ultimately murdered somebody that he could no longer control..."

Kay's murder mirrors Michelle's attack, with Terry displaying the same violent tendencies. Despite previous red flags, Kay's inherent trust and kindness lead her to unknowingly invite Terry into her life.

• [38:14] Mike Boudet: "Kay Baker was...bubbly, compassionate, and fiercely loyal...she wanted to see the best in people, even when it wasn't there."

Failures of the Criminal Justice System

Systemic Issues Highlighted

The episode underscores the systemic failures that allowed Matthew Terry to re-offend after a previous violent offense. Detective Krumbach laments the inadequacies of the justice system in adequately punishing such offenders.

• [63:41] Detective Krumbach: "He was finding him guilty of something, but not what he actually did."

Impact on Victims and Families

Michelle Rogers shares her ongoing trauma and the continuous fear for her safety even after her initial assault.

• [65:51] Michelle Rogers: "I feel like if someone just would have listened to me... it wasn't all good."

The emotional and psychological toll on families, particularly on Kay Baker's family and Michelle's, is poignantly depicted, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of such violence.

Conclusion: Lessons and Reflections

Mike Boudet reflects on the stories of Michelle and Kay, drawing broader societal lessons about trust, recognition of red flags, and the importance of taking victims' warnings seriously.

• [68:32] Mike Boudet: "It's important to listen. It's important to open up our minds to what could be other than what we think it is."

The episode concludes with a powerful statement on the necessity of balancing optimism with vigilance to prevent such tragedies.

• [71:55] Mike Boudet: "Maybe start protecting yourself because you're the only one in charge of that."

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

1. Mike Boudet: "Sword and Scale is a human nature podcast...how we incentivize the good and how we punish the bad." [00:21]

2. 911 Operator: "There's a man. He has a woman pinned on the ground in their driveway. They're fighting." [07:22]

3. Michelle Rogers: "I remember him coming at me and pushing me into the front door... He was putting me in chokeholds to the point where I was starting to black out." [15:24]

4. Detective Matthew Krumbach: "Juries are wishy washy, and I hope every person that sat on that jury is well aware of what Matt Terry did." [24:20]

5. Mike Boudet: "Kay Baker was...bubbly, compassionate, and fiercely loyal...she wanted to see the best in people, even when it wasn't there." [38:14]

6. Michelle Rogers: "I feel like if someone just would have listened to me... it wasn't all good." [65:51]

7. Mike Boudet: "Maybe start protecting yourself because you're the only one in charge of that." [68:32]

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Cycle of Violence: The episode illustrates how a lack of adequate justice can lead to repeated violence, as seen with Matthew Terry’s ability to re-offend after a lenient sentence.

• Systemic Failures: It highlights significant shortcomings within the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the handling of violent offenders and the protection of victims.

• Victim Resilience vs. Victim Isolation: Michelle Rogers’ survival showcases personal resilience, while her subsequent isolation underscores the societal neglect of supporting survivors adequately.

• Trust and Betrayal: Kay Baker’s story emphasizes the dangers of blind trust and the tragic consequences that can arise when red flags are ignored.

• Importance of Listening: A recurring theme is the critical need to heed victims’ warnings and take their pleas for help seriously to prevent further tragedies.

Final Thoughts

Episode 303 of Sword and Scale serves as a harrowing reminder of the real-life monsters that exist among us and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals. Through the deeply personal stories of Michelle Rogers and Kay Baker, the episode not only recounts acts of violence but also critiques the broader societal and judicial failures that enable such atrocities to recur.

Listeners are left to ponder the balance between trust and vigilance, emphasizing that while kindness and optimism are virtues, they must be tempered with awareness and precaution to safeguard oneself and others from potential harm.