The Binge Crimes: Deadly Fortune – Episode 2: Pulling the Trigger
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment
Introduction to the McIvers
Deadly Fortune delves into the enigmatic and tragic story of Tex and Diane McIver, an influential power couple from Atlanta. Tex, a renowned cowboy lawyer and political kingmaker, and Diane, a charismatic executive and beloved figure, appeared to lead a picture-perfect life. However, their story took a dark turn on the night of September 25, 2016, resulting in Diane’s untimely death under suspicious circumstances.
The Tragic Night: September 25, 2016
The episode opens with Tex McIver recounting the events leading up to that fateful night. Tex was on the West Coast in San Francisco when he received distressing news about Diane:
Tex McIver [00:50]: "I had no idea what had happened that night. I was on the west coast in San Francisco when I got a call from Billy Corey, who had told me that Diane was dead and Tex was not."
Tex rushed back to Atlanta, only to find Diane dead from what was reported as a tragic firearms accident. However, the initial communication from Tex raised red flags for those close to him.
Dinner at Longhorns and Unsettling Behavior
Before the incident, Tex, Diane, their godson Austin, and friend Craig Stringer enjoyed dinner at Longhorns. Post-dinner, Tex exhibited unusual behavior that would later contribute to suspicions about the accident's legitimacy:
Craig Stringer [06:52]: "Tex made a point to me that he was not having a drink tonight, or he was only drinking one glass of wine tonight, and then you normally have three bottles of wine at a meal."
Craig noted that Tex’s restraint with alcohol was atypical, as dinner often involved substantial drinking. This oddity planted the first seeds of doubt regarding Tex’s involvement.
The Emergency Situation
As Diane was being rushed to Emory Hospital, tensions escalated. Tex’s decisions during this critical time further fueled suspicions:
Danny Jo Carter [10:29]: "Tex directed Danny Jo to head to Emory Hospital, miles away, despite there being closer and better choices, including Grady Hospital, the number one trauma hospital in the South. Why?"
Tex insisted on taking Diane to Emory Hospital, bypassing more suitable medical facilities. This choice was puzzling, especially since Diane had never been to Emory before.
Behavior Under Scrutiny
Throughout the emergency situation, Tex remained unusually composed and legally cautious:
Tex McIver [03:03]: "I got on the phone with Billy, who asked him what had happened. But Tex didn't talk like a husband. He talked like a lawyer, telling Billy, on the advice of my attorney, I just can't talk about it."
Tex's lack of emotional response and his lawyer-like demeanor alarmed Diane’s friends and family, particularly Billy Corey, who began to suspect foul play.
Diane’s Final Moments and Hospital Response
Diane arrived at Emory Hospital barely clinging to life. Despite regaining consciousness momentarily, her condition was critical:
Danny Jo Carter [14:54]: "She had been unconscious when she made those noises. She lost consciousness, and she never regained it until she got back and they were given her fluids and stuff. She regained consciousness momentarily."
The medical team considered transferring Diane to Grady Hospital, but the volatile situation prevented further movement, leaving her fate uncertain.
Police Involvement and Suspicious Conduct
Danny Jo Carter’s interaction with Tex during the police investigation revealed stark contrasts in their behaviors, further casting doubt on the accident narrative:
Danny Jo Carter [20:55]: "Steve Maple showed up at the hospital 15 or 20 minutes later...Tex was manipulating me or trying to...he thought if he told me to do something, that I was going to do it."
Tex's evasiveness and insistence on controlling the narrative suggested he was hiding something, straying far from the expected grief response.
Reactions from Friends and Family
Friends like Craig Stringer and Rachel Stiles provided firsthand accounts of Tex's abnormal behavior post-incident. Craig observed Tex’s inconsistent stories and evasive nature:
Craig Stringer [26:10]: "He was planning his retreat, how he was going to get out of this thing...he was manipulating me or trying to..."
Rachel Stiles, Diane’s girlfriend, described Tex’s emotional collapse upon hearing about Diane’s death, juxtaposed with his later secretive actions:
Rachel Stiles [27:52]: "Tex spent most all day in the bedroom...he was just in a daze. He didn't know what had happened or, you know, what he was going to do."
Conclusion: Unraveling the Mystery
Pulling the Trigger meticulously outlines the series of suspicious actions taken by Tex McIver following Diane’s death. From his uncharacteristic composure and strategic choices during the emergency to his evasive behavior during the police investigation, Tex’s actions painted a concerning picture. Friends and family members, initially supportive, began to piece together inconsistencies that suggested Diane's death might not have been an accident after all.
The episode leaves listeners pondering the true nature of Tex McIver’s intentions and the possibility of a calculated move to inherit Diane’s fortune. As Tex awaits his release from prison, the shadows of that tragic night continue to loom, suggesting that the story of the McIvers is far from over.
Notable Quotes:
- Tex McIver [00:50]: "I had no idea what had happened that night... Diane is no longer with us."
- Craig Stringer [06:52]: "Tex made a point to me that he was not having a drink tonight... unusual for glasses to go left, you know, full."
- Danny Jo Carter [10:29]: "He was the world of Diane."
- Danny Jo Carter [20:55]: "He was manipulating me or trying to...he thought if he told me to do something, that I was going to do it."
Deadly Fortune continues to unravel the complex and dark narrative of Tex and Diane McIver, promising listeners a gripping exploration of greed, betrayal, and the quest for truth in the face of tragedy.