Pendleton Quadruple Homicide /// Part 2 /// 819

True Crime Garage

Published: Wed Feb 05 2025

Pendleton Quadruple Homicide /// Part 2 /// 819 Part 2 of 2 www.TrueCrimeGarage.com On Monday, November 2nd, 2015 a little after noon a call came into emergency services. The female caller described to dispatch the bloodbath they had discovered. Four people were dead, killed in their home. Amy Vilardi called in the horrific discovery. The victims were her family. It was a massacre that shocked the tiny town of Pendleton, South Carolina.

Summary

True Crime Garage Episode Summary: “Pendleton Quadruple Homicide /// Part 2 /// 819”

Introduction to the Pendleton Quadruple Homicide

In episode 819 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nic and the Captain delve deep into the harrowing case of the Pendleton Quadruple Homicide, which shocked Anderson County. This installment, released on February 5, 2025, serves as the second part of the comprehensive examination of this gruesome crime. The episode meticulously dissects the events leading up to the murders, the investigation process, the suspects involved, and the subsequent legal battles. The hosts aim to provide listeners with a clear, detailed understanding of the case, enriched with notable quotes and insightful analysis.

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

The episode opens with the tragic discovery of four adults found dead in a home in Pendleton on October 31, 2015. Anderson County coroner Greg Shore describes the incident as a "quadruple homicide" (04:01). Unlike a murder-suicide scenario, investigators believe the victims had no time to defend themselves, indicating a sudden and ruthless attack.

Relatives, such as Tony Cedron, a 7News reporter, express their disbelief and emotional turmoil: “I keep feeling like I should be waking up from a dream right now, and it’s just not happening. So, yeah, it’s like a movie or something. It’s not supposed to be real life” (03:35). The victims included Mike Scott, his wife Kathy Scott, and their mothers, Barbara Scott and Violet Taylor.

Amy Velardi, the daughter of Kathy Scott, recounts her discovery of the scene: “I went to knock on the door, and I walked in. It was dark. I heard TVs on, and I flip the light on, and that's about as far as I can go on that one” (04:28). The family, initially kept out of the loop, were left waiting for answers as investigators worked tirelessly to solve the case (04:45).

The Velardi Family and Potential Motives

As the investigation unfolded, attention turned to Amy and Ross Velardi, residents living on the property where the murders occurred. The Velardis had a fraught relationship with the Scotts, characterized by familial tension and unresolved conflicts. Nic raises critical questions about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the Velardis: “If you are considered an armchair detective, you’re in the right place, and you’re amongst friends” ([Original Promise to use content)].

A pivotal moment in the case was when investigators discovered a significant sum of cash in the Velardis' trailer—approximately $65,000 to $68,000 (32:52). This amount contrasted sharply with their purported financial struggles, including impending car repossessions and threats to their business. The presence of such a large sum raised red flags about possible motives rooted in greed.

Uncovering the Evidence

Detectives Gene Culbertson and Tracy Call, leading the homicide investigation, emphasized their unwavering commitment to solving the case: “There hasn't been a day we haven't worked on it” (05:16). They reviewed the evidence repeatedly, expressing optimism about uncovering the truth and delivering justice to the victims and their families.

Key pieces of evidence included:

Large Sums of Cash: The discovery of significant cash in the Velardis' trailer, organized in a manner identical to how Mike Scott stored his money—by denomination and issue date (32:52). This meticulous organization suggested a direct link between the cash and the victims, undermining Amy Velardi's claims of it being their life savings.
Shoeprints with Blood Droplets: Shoeprints at the crime scene matched the type of sneakers owned by Ross Velardi, specifically Asics Gel Speedstar running shoes (33:55). Blood drips on top of these shoeprints indicated they were made during the commission of the murders.
Suspicious Alibis: Ross Velardi’s alibi was immediately questionable when surveillance footage showed him purchasing beer at a gas station around 9:30 PM on the night of the murders, contradicting his claim of going to bed at 9 PM (28:11).
Destruction of Evidence: Both Amy and Ross Velardi were found to have deliberately destroyed their cell phones and obtained new ones shortly after the murders, raising suspicions about their intent to obstruct the investigation (29:16).

Detective Scott Hill highlighted the improbability that the Velardis were not involved, given the accumulation of evidence pointing directly to them: “[...] the probability is that the murderer was wearing the same shoes as the husband where we found the money in their house, and we can prove that those shoes were present at the time of the murder. It starts to get very slim” (37:09).

Legal Proceedings and Bond Hearing

Following an extensive investigation lasting eight years, the grand jury indicted Amy and Ross Velardi, leading to their arrest in connection with the Pendleton Quadruple Homicide. During a bond hearing in February 2024, both were denied bail due to the severity of the charges and the significant flight risk they posed.

Senior Deputy Assistant D.A. Heather Weiss argued persuasively for denying bond, citing:

Awareness of Charges: Amy was fully aware of the serious charges against her and could potentially flee to avoid trial.
Unaccounted Money: The substantial sum of cash found raised fears that the Velardis could use it to escape.
Potential Danger: Ross’s military background and combat training posed a potential threat to the community if released.

A concerning incident during the bond hearing was reported: “...amy Velardi had a shank, a piece of a metal bed. The cell was tossed and they found two shanks in her room” (08:50). Additionally, a witness reported that Amy made a threatening comment about escaping jail, further justifying the decision to deny bond (08:50).

Investigation Challenges and Civil Suits

The episode also explores the civil lawsuit filed by Amy and Ross Velardi against the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. In May 2016, they sought the return of items impounded as potential evidence, including firearms, electronics, vehicles, and a substantial amount of cash. The Velardis contended that these items lacked evidentiary value and were wrongfully retained without charges being pressed against them.

This legal battle complicated the investigation, as additional family members came forward, disputing the ownership of the seized items. A forensic accountant was brought in to determine rightful ownership, highlighting the intricate web of family dynamics and financial entanglements that clouded the case (08:50).

Analysis and Conclusions by Hosts

Nic and the Captain provide incisive analysis throughout the episode, questioning the motives and actions of the Velardis. They discuss the interplay of familial hatred and greed, considering whether the Velardis orchestrated the murders to inherit the victims’ assets while eliminating obstacles to their happiness.

A pivotal discussion centers around the meticulous organization of cash, identical to the victims’, suggesting a direct connection: “When you take this piece of evidence, and then you add that piece of evidence...all points to two people” (37:09). The hosts argue that the convergence of financial discrepancies, suspicious alibis, and physical evidence overwhelmingly implicates Amy and Ross Velardi.

Furthermore, the hosts examine Ross’s military background, proposing that his combat training enabled the efficient execution of the murders: “Detectives felt that whoever carried this out likely had to have some kind of training” (37:15). This military expertise, combined with the premeditated nature of the crime, underscores the calculated effort behind the homicides.

Legal and Community Impact

The arrest of Amy and Ross Velardi brought a semblance of closure to a case that had left the community in shock for nearly a decade. The legal proceedings highlighted the complexities of prosecuting such a deep-seated familial crime, especially when initial investigations were muddled by civil disputes over evidence.

Nic reflects on the broader implications of the case, contemplating the nature of evil and human capacity for such heinous acts: “We often hear people say, money is the root of all evil. And I've heard at least one person correct the room and say, no, the root of all evil is no money” (40:20). This philosophical musings add depth to the discussion, prompting listeners to ponder the motivations behind such brutal crimes.

Conclusion: Justice and Reflection

As the episode concludes, Nic and the Captain reflect on the resolution of the Pendleton Quadruple Homicide case. After eight years of relentless investigation, Amy and Ross Velardi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in seeking justice for the victims. Nic poignantly summarizes the grim reality: “This entire thing was planned down to the date and time” (40:34), emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crime driven by greed and familial discord.

The hosts acknowledge the unsettling nature of the case, noting that while the evidence points decisively toward the Velardis, some aspects remain difficult to fully comprehend. They highlight the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement and the enduring hope for justice, leaving listeners with a profound sense of the case's gravity and the complexities of human behavior.

Notable Quotes:

Tony Cedron, 7News Reporter: “I keep feeling like I should be waking up from a dream right now, and it’s just not happening. So, yeah, it’s like a movie or something. It’s not supposed to be real life.” (03:35)
Greg Shore, Anderson County Coroner: “The four victims were Mike Scott, his wife, Kathy Scott, and their mothers, Barbara Scott and Violet Taylor.” (04:12)
Amy Velardi: “We love you and we forgive you.” (19:04)
Detective Scott Hill: “We found no signs of any robbery at the scene, but grew suspicious when we learned that Mike often had large sums of cash on hand thanks to a side business where he would pay cash for gold.” (28:11)
Senior Deputy Assistant D.A. Heather Weiss: “Amy is aware she is facing these charges. We believe if she was ever going to run, it would be now. ... She could use this to flee.” (37:15)

Final Thoughts

Episode 819 of True Crime Garage offers an exhaustive and engaging analysis of the Pendleton Quadruple Homicide, weaving together detailed evidence, expert testimonies, and the hosts' insightful commentary. For listeners new to the case, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the tragic events, the ensuing investigation, and the quest for justice that spanned nearly a decade. Nic and the Captain succeed in transforming a complex and somber narrative into an accessible and thought-provoking exploration of true crime.