Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard

Episode: The Boyfriend | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings
Host/Author: CBS News
Release Date: May 15, 2024

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Boyfriend | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings" from the Trained to Kill podcast series by CBS News, host Peter Van Sant delves deep into a perplexing and dark case that questions the boundaries between love, obsession, and violence. This episode unravels the tragic story of Carlos Gutierrez, Helen Hargan, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of Helen’s mother, Pamela Hargan, and Helen herself.

Carlos Gutierrez’s Desperate Plea for Help

The episode opens with Carlos Gutierrez, a devoted boyfriend in his early 30s, making frantic 911 calls from Dallas, Texas, attempting to save his 23-year-old girlfriend, Helen Hargan, who is in Northern Virginia. On [01:16], Carlos pleads with emergency operators:

Carlos Gutierrez (00:01:16): "Do then is contact your local jurisdiction."

Despite his urgency, Carlos faces dismissive responses from the Fairfax County 911 operators, leading to heightened frustration and fear for Helen's safety.

Relationship Dynamics and Suspicious Signs

Carlos and Helen met a year prior in Dallas while working together at a local restaurant. Their relationship was intense and deeply committed, with plans to build a future together in Virginia. On [06:07], Helen expressed her aspirations:

Helen Hargan (06:07): "My goal was to work for a defense contractor, just as my mom Pamela had once done."

Despite their strong bond, Carlos later discovers unsettling signs of tension within Helen’s family, particularly concerning Helen’s mother, Pamela. Megan Hargan, Helen’s older sister, reveals the family's disapproval of Carlos, highlighting familial strains that may have contributed to the unfolding tragedy.

The Tragic Morning and Initial Evidence

On the morning of the shootings, Helen contacts Carlos, sounding frightened and distressed. She communicates that her sister Megan has shot their mother, Pamela, and expresses fear for her own safety and that of her niece, Molly. [19:39] Carlos describes Helen’s state:

Carlos Gutierrez (19:39): "She was trembling, she was sobbing. She was very frantic."

Despite Carlos’s attempts to urge Helen to call the police, Helena becomes unresponsive, prompting Carlos to escalate the situation by calling 911. The lack of concrete information, such as Pamela’s exact address, further complicates Carlos’s efforts to seek immediate assistance.

Police Investigation and Unsettling Discoveries

Detectives Brian Byerson and Julia Elliott undertake a thorough investigation, uncovering numerous inconsistencies that challenge the initial assumption of a murder-suicide. Key findings include:

1. Blood Patterns and Weapon Placement:
   At [12:16], Detective Byerson notes:

   Detective Brian Byerson (12:16): "We know what that means. We know that means that that phone was placed there sometime after she died."

   The rifle found at the scene was unusually clean, with no blood traces, and was perfectly placed within Helen’s legs, contrary to what would be expected if it were used in a suicide.

2. Suspected Scene Manipulation:
   Detective Elliott points out the disarray in the bathroom juxtaposed with the orderly placement of the rifle, raising doubts about the suicide theory. Additionally, punctured couch cushions and the presence of a long knife suggest potential signs of a struggle or alternate weapon use.

3. Missing Evidence:
   Critical financial documents discovered behind photo albums by Detective Elliott were absent when retrieved later, indicating possible tampering or deliberate removal by the perpetrator.

Megan Hargan’s Involvement and Family Tensions

Megan Hargan emerges as a pivotal figure in the investigation. Her interactions with Carlos and her dismissive attitude towards his claims raise suspicions. On [08:53], Megan explains:

Megan Hargan (08:53): "This morning, my mom let Helen know that she was canceling the contract on the house she's building because she truly believed that Helen was going to try to move Carlos into the house."

Her refusal to engage with Carlos and the conflicting messages between text communications deepen the mystery surrounding Pamela and Helen’s deaths.

Carlos’s Unwavering Pursuit of the Truth

Determined to uncover the truth, Carlos discovers text messages that contradict Helen’s last words, indicating possible manipulation by Megan. On [23:32], Carlos reveals:

Carlos Gutierrez (23:32): "When you reported a murder earlier, do you think something happened there? Well, I know for a fact that her sister shot her mom."

These messages expose a possible cover-up, suggesting that Megan may have had a more significant role in the murders than initially perceived.

Revelations and Police Realizations

As Detectives Byerson and Elliott piece together the evidence, it becomes increasingly clear that the initial narrative of a controlled murder-suicide does not hold. [28:27] Detective Byerson states:

Detective Brian Byerson (28:27): "There is no boogeyman here. It is exactly who we think it is."

This realization points towards Megan Hargan as the likely perpetrator, orchestrating the murders and manipulating the crime scene to obfuscate her involvement.

Conclusion and Lingering Questions

The episode concludes by highlighting the unsettling nature of the case and the potential for Megan to have murdered both her mother and Helen. The meticulous manipulation of evidence and dismissive family dynamics paint a harrowing picture of familial betrayal and the depths of human obsession.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Carlos Gutierrez (01:16): "Do then is contact your local jurisdiction."
• Helen Hargan (06:07): "My goal was to work for a defense contractor, just as my mom Pamela had once done."
• Carlos Gutierrez (19:39): "She was trembling, she was sobbing. She was very frantic."
• Detective Brian Byerson (12:16): "We know what that means. We know that means that that phone was placed there sometime after she died."
• Detective Brian Byerson (28:27): "There is no boogeyman here. It is exactly who we think it is."

Final Thoughts

"The Boyfriend | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings" episode masterfully weaves together personal narratives, investigative insights, and compelling evidence to present a case that transcends a mere murder mystery. It challenges listeners to ponder the complexities of trust, the potential darkness within familial relationships, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming odds.

For those intrigued by true crime stories that delve into the psychological and emotional intricacies of real-life tragedies, this episode offers a profound and unsettling exploration that keeps you engaged until the very end.