Podcast Summary: The Binge Crimes: Fatal Fantasy

Episode 5: The Infestations Of Evil
Host: M. William Phelps (Investigative journalist & author)
Date: March 30, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode delves into the psychological descent, manipulation, and fantasy-driven motivations behind the murder of Dr. Robert Schwartz, focusing on the roles of his daughter Clara Schwartz and her friend Kyle Ulbert. It unpacks the dark subcultures influencing the crime, the investigative breakthroughs, and the unfolding aftermath as law enforcement connects the dots through confessions and digital evidence.

Episode Overview

Purpose:
To expose the harrowing fusion of reality and role-play that led to Dr. Schwartz’s murder, illustrating how Clara Schwartz’s manipulation of her friends, the influence of occult subcultures, and the spiraling mental illness and fantasy life of Kyle Ulbert culminated in a brutal homicide, and to chronicle the subsequent investigation that unraveled their culpability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Clara Schwartz’s Descent into Darkness

• Investigators discover Clara’s disturbing journal entries (01:59):
  • Quote, Clara (journal): “I look at Christians and see them as infestations of evil.” (01:59)
• Clara writes of hatred towards Christian rituals, viewing them as vampiric, and expresses attraction to satanic cults as “the future, bright and promising.” (02:28)
• The root of this darkness is tethered to childhood trauma and resentment toward her father, exacerbated by her mother’s death.

2. Kyle Ulbert’s Vampire Delusions and Manipulability

• Kyle is described as:
  • A samurai-obsessed, practicing pagan with occult interests
  • Profoundly delusional, believing himself to be a literal vampire
• Quote, Kyle: “I thought I heard something outside and… it fed into the idea that Clara was in danger. I remember fighting rival vampires at the time. It was real to me. It was deadly real.” (04:28)
• Kyle roams campus armed with a sword, convinced he is battling real vampires for Clara’s safety.
• He submits to Clara’s manipulations, seeking purpose as her “protector”.

3. Live Action Role-Playing and Occult Subculture

• Kyle frequents “vampire clubs,” engages in bloodletting rituals (07:18), and feels most others are “wannabes.”
  • Quote, Kyle: “I have to get sexual thrill out of drinking blood.” (07:18)
• Even in the vampire community, Kyle remains an outsider, primed for manipulation by Clara.

4. The Night of the Murder: Step-by-Step Account

• Clara primes Kyle with claims of imminent danger from her father.
• Kyle narrates his approach to Dr. Schwartz’s house, tension building (12:18):
  • Quote, Kyle: “All I’m thinking right now is, how the hell is this conversation gonna play out?” (12:18)
• Kyle describes being let into the house, notes the change from prior visits (13:41).
• The confrontation escalates after Kyle accuses Dr. Schwartz of abuse towards Clara—a claim with no factual basis.
• Quote, Kyle: “I know what you've been doing to Clara.” (16:16)
• Kyle claims Dr. Schwartz slaps him, triggering fear and the deadly altercation (16:47).
• With his sword, Kyle attacks, describing a frenetic struggle marked by stabbing and slashing (19:10, 20:03).
  • Quote, Kyle: “I lash out and I catch him across the back of the neck… I was aiming for the back of his neck because that was going to paralyze him.” (19:42)
• Kyle stabs Dr. Schwartz more than 30 times, afterwards feeling detached and focused on cleaning his blade (28:33).
  • Quote, Kyle: “I’m not even thinking about the fact I just killed a man… just my blade is dirty, I have to clean this.” (28:33)

5. Aftermath and Manipulation

• Immediately after the murder, Kyle is able to socialize with neighbors and work to cover up the crime, demonstrating controlled detachment (29:59).
• His sister, Natasha, reflects on the signs of Kyle’s instability and criticizes the court system for failing to intervene before the tragedy (31:29, 31:57).
  • Quote, Natasha Ulbert: “I told you guys something horrible was gonna happen… nobody wanted to listen.” (31:57)

6. Investigation Breakthroughs

• Detective Greg Locke interviews Clara, linking her to the murder through evidence of a $60 overnighted check to Kyle for supplies (do-rag, gloves)—items for concealing evidence (34:05–34:54).
  • Quote, Locke: “Her primary response was for his phone card… but also for a do rag… to prevent any hair from being left at the scene.” (34:27)
• Clara eventually admits she believed Kyle would kill her father:
  • Quote, Locke: “As we spoke… she eventually said that in her heart of hearts, she believed that Kyle was going there to kill her father.” (35:12–35:45)
• Clara’s primary concern post-murder shifts to her inheritance, asking Locke about being cut out of the will, further exposing motive (36:05).
• Retrieval of Clara’s dorm journal uncovers damning entries:
  • Quote, Clara (journal): “He never loved me. I hate him. I feel no love, only hatred. Pure white hatred. And he deserves to die.” (37:16)
• Computer forensics uncover incriminating instant messages and further journal entries about killing and lacking empathy (37:38).

7. The Case Against Clara Schwartz

• Clara’s case is built largely on circumstantial evidence, digital communications, and corroborating witness testimony from friends.
  • Quote, Locke: “Clara’s [case] was more circumstantial… supported by the journal entries and computer IMs.” (39:17)
• Investigators are left questioning how deeply Clara’s mental state factored into her manipulations and involvement.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Clara’s journal and narration of delusions:
  • “I look at satanic cults and see the future, bright and promising.” (02:28)
  • “He never loved me… pure white hatred… he deserves to die.” (37:16)
• Kyle’s dissociation post-murder:
  • “I can smell blood… there’s an almost sweet smell from the blood caramelizing in the frying pan on the stove… everything is so clear… and it’s too much… just too much of everything.” (26:16–27:56)
  • “I’m not even thinking about the fact I just killed a man… my blade is dirty. I have to clean this.” (28:33)
• Investigator insight:
  • “Clara had tried to coerce [Patrick House] to kill her father… she had set this up and basically prompted Kyle to kill her father.” (38:27)

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• Clara’s Journal Excerpts:
  01:59 — 02:44, 37:16
• Kyle’s Vampire Delusions and Campus Incident:
  04:28 — 06:37
• Kyle’s Defense of Murder/First-Person Account:
  12:18 — 23:33
• Details of Overkill and X Carving:
  23:33 — 23:59
• Investigation: Natasha’s Warnings & System Failures:
  31:29 — 32:14
• Detective Locke Interviews Clara (Check, Motive):
  34:05 — 37:16
• Evidence Compilation, Motive for Greed:
  36:05 — 38:54

Tone & Narrative Style

The episode maintains a gripping, investigative tone, rich with firsthand accounts and psychological analysis. The host, M. William Phelps, guides listeners through chilling confessions and expert commentary, mixing dark drama with methodical true crime reporting.

Conclusion & Next Episode Tease

The episode closes with reflections on Clara’s complicity, her obsession with inheritance, and questions about her mental health. The stage is set for the final episode, which will examine whether Clara herself was suffering from mental illness and explore key witness testimony that could reshape perceptions of her guilt.

Quote, Narrator:
"The question now was, would they be able to get a conviction against Clara, the alleged mastermind? Or did she have a plan the entire time… Next time. In the final episode of Fatal Fantasy, was Clara actually suffering from mental illness all along herself?" (39:47–40:24)

This episode is a disturbing, multifaceted exploration of manipulation, fantasy, and murder—inviting listeners to question both the perceptions of evil and the systems that failed to prevent it.