The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told

Episode: Introducing: Murder on Songbird Road
Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the premiere episode of Murder on Songbird Road, host Mary Kay McBrayer sets the stage for a gripping exploration of a chilling true crime case that has left a rural community in Southern Illinois reeling. This episode delves into the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl, Jade Beasley, and the subsequent conviction of Julie Beverly, the father’s long-time live-in girlfriend.

2. Overview of the Murder Case

The episode opens with a somber introduction to the brutal crime that shook Marion, Illinois. Lauren Bright Pacheco states, "[...] an 11-year-old girl brutally stabbed to death. Her father's longtime live-in girlfriend maintaining innocence but charged with her murder" (00:22). The community is grappling with the horror of such a gruesome act occurring in their quiet rural setting.

3. Accused and Their Background

Julie Beverly, a 32-year-old woman with no prior history of violence, stands at the center of this case. Host Lauren Bright Pacheco raises probing questions: "Why would a 32-year-old woman with no history of violence murder an 11-year-old she considered her own child?" (00:43). This juxtaposition of Julie’s seemingly gentle persona with the heinous crime challenges listeners to consider deeper psychological and circumstantial factors that may have led to the tragedy.

4. Investigation and Controversies

The investigation into Jade’s murder is mired in controversy and allegations of corruption. Bob Motta recounts his initial discovery of the case: "I saw a news story about murders in a rural area in Marion and when I clicked on the article, it said Songbird Road. My heart sank because I knew that that's the road that Julie lives on" (00:06). Unnamed contributors express skepticism about the evidence against Julie. One contributor states, "I am confident that Julie Beverly is guilty with this case. The more I learned about it, the more I'm scratching my head like, man, something stinks about it. Something's not right" (00:32).

There are significant inconsistencies in the investigation. The contributors highlight issues such as:

• Alleged Intruder Narrative: "She claims that as soon as she pulls the storm over and that she notices blood in the living room, it's somebody clad in all black comes charging at her and that he's got a knife" (00:51). However, questions arise as to the validity of this account, especially after authorities stated that Julie's story about the suspect was proven false, though specifics were never clarified.

• Lack of Evidence: "They have never found a weapon, never made sense. Still doesn't make sense" (01:03) emphasizes the absence of concrete evidence tying Julie to the murder, leaving room for doubt and speculation.

• Victim’s Story and Blood Spatter: "Looking back at it now, in hindsight, if you stab somebody that many times, you'd have blood splatter where they changed clothes" (00:57) suggests forensic anomalies that have not been adequately addressed.

5. Victim Impact and Community Impact

Jade Beasley's death has left an indelible mark on the Marion community. In the victim impact statement, the poignant words are shared: "darkness cannot drive out darkness" (01:56), reflecting the profound grief and the struggle for healing in the aftermath of such a loss. The community is not only mourning but also divided, with families pitted against one another amidst allegations of corruption and cover-ups within the local law enforcement.

6. Host and Contributor Insights

Mary Kay McBrayer, along with criminal defense attorney Bob Motta, brings critical perspectives to the case. Bob shares a chilling account: "The person who did it is still out there. He had both hands on either side of the door and he kept just talking and jibber jabbering and I was too afraid to answer the door. He just kept knocking and knocking" (02:30). This narrative adds a layer of suspense and raises questions about other possible suspects and motives.

Contributors express deep frustration and disbelief at the handling of the case:

• "I have not seen this level of corruption anywhere in my life. From the lying and the coverups, it's unbelievable" (01:47)
• "They don't solve murders, they cover them up" (02:11)

These insights highlight the overarching themes of mistrust in the justice system and the pervasive sense that Jade and Julie have yet to receive justice.

7. Conclusion and Podcast Invitation

As the episode wraps up, Lauren Bright Pacheco emphasizes the ongoing quest for truth and justice: "There's no justice for Jade. There's no justice for Julie. Nobody has gotten justice yet. And that's what I wish people would understand" (02:46). Listeners are invited to join the deep dive into this unresolved case, exploring the layers of controversy, corruption, and unanswered questions that continue to haunt Songbird Road.

“Murder on Songbird Road” promises a thorough and engaging investigation, shedding light on a case that challenges perceptions and seeks to uncover the realities behind a tragic event that has left a community fractured. Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms, this episode sets the foundation for what promises to be a compelling series of true crime storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Bob Motta (00:06): "I saw a news story about murders in a rural area in Marion and when I clicked on the article, it said Songbird Road. My heart sank because I knew that that's the road that Julie lives on."

• Unnamed Contributor (00:32): "I am confident that Julie Beverly is guilty with this case. The more I learned about it, the more I'm scratching my head like, man, something stinks about it. Something's not right."

• Lauren Bright Pacheco (00:43): "Why would a 32-year-old woman with no history of violence murder an 11-year-old she considered her own child?"

• Bob Motta (01:45): "Which is just horrific. It is unhumane."

• Unnamed Contributor (01:47): "I have not seen this level of corruption anywhere in my life. From the lying and the coverups, it's unbelievable."

• Victim Impact Statement (01:56): "Darkness cannot drive out darkness."

• Bob Motta (02:11): "Around here, they don't solve murders, they cover them up."

• Lauren Bright Pacheco (02:46): "There's no justice for Jade. There's no justice for Julie. Nobody has gotten justice yet. And that's what I wish people would understand."

Timestamp Key

• 00:02 - Episode production mention.
• 00:06 - Bob Motta discusses discovering the case.
• 00:17 - Unnamed Contributor on the rarity of such murders.
• 00:22 - Lauren describes the murder case.
• 00:32 - Unnamed Contributor expresses doubt.
• 00:43 - Lauren questions the motive.
• 00:51 - Description of alleged intruder.
• 00:57 - Unnamed Contributor on blood spatter inconsistencies.
• 01:29 - Lauren summarizes the podcast’s focus.
• 01:39 - Unnamed Contributor on treatment in jail.
• 01:45 - Bob comments on inhumane treatment.
• 01:47 - Unnamed Contributor on corruption.
• 01:56 - Victim impact statement.
• 02:06 - Unnamed Contributor on community beliefs.
• 02:11 - Bob on cover-ups.
• 02:15 - Lauren introduces the investigative team.
• 02:30 - Bob narrates suspect encounter.
• 02:41 - Lauren describes suspect’s appearance.
• 02:45 - Unnamed Contributor agrees.
• 02:46 - Lauren on lack of justice.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the introductory episode of Murder on Songbird Road, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the case, the surrounding controversies, and the podcast’s investigative approach.