True Crime Garage: "God’s Misfits /// Part 1 /// 830" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 25, 2025

In the gripping first part of the "God’s Misfits" series, hosts Nic and the Captain delve deep into a harrowing true crime case involving Veronica Butler’s mysterious disappearance. Joined by special guest Lauren Conlin from Pop Crime TV and the Outlier podcast, the episode meticulously unpacks the tangled web of custody battles, religious extremism, and sinister plots that culminated in a chilling act of violence.

Introduction to Veronica Butler

The episode opens with Lauren Conlin introducing Veronica Butler, a 27-year-old mother of two from Hugoton, Kansas. Veronica was portrayed as a dedicated single mother striving to provide a stable environment for her children while pursuing a career in healthcare. According to Conlin, "Veronica was a beautiful girl, with red hair... confident, kind, and sassy" (05:54).

Custody Battle with Wrangler Rickman

Veronica’s tumultuous relationship with Wrangler Rickman forms the backdrop of this case. After splitting in December 2018, their bitter custody battle intensified due to Wrangler’s legal troubles and substance abuse issues. By 2021, Veronica secured full custody and obtained a protective order against Wrangler, aiming to shield her children from his unstable lifestyle. Conlin emphasizes, "Veronica was working hard... trying to create a stable environment for them" (07:56).

The Role of Tiffany Adams and "God’s Misfits"

Wrangler’s mother, Tiffany Adams, emerges as a central figure wielding significant influence in the small community of Keys, Oklahoma. Tiffany, described as a powerful and intimidating presence, led a group called "God’s Misfits"—an anti-government religious faction with cult-like characteristics. Conlin explains, "Tiffany Adams was the leader of this group... a handful of people that seem to march to the beat of their own drums" (15:51). The group met bi-weekly, blending religious fervor with conspiracy theories, including sovereign citizen ideologies.

The Fateful Day: March 30, 2024

On March 30, 2024, Veronica planned to collect her children for a family birthday celebration. However, the scheduled handoff location—an isolated area near the Kansas-Oklahoma border—turned into the scene of a nightmare. Lauren recounts, "Veronica and Jillian Kelly... were supposed to meet Tiffany Adams off of road L and Highway 95" (25:20). When Veronica failed to show, her aunt discovered Veronica’s car abandoned with disturbing signs: blood stains, a broken hammer, glasses, and kitty litter intended to obscure evidence (27:52).

Initial Investigation and Rising Suspicion

Police found the abandoned vehicle and immediately suspected foul play. Despite Jillian Kelly being the court-appointed supervisor, her magazine was found at the scene, but no firearm was present. Conlin highlights the peculiarity of the situation: "Who would leave a scene like that? It appears somebody tried to absorb the blood like a dumbass" (34:24). Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that both Veronica and Jillian’s phones ceased transmitting signals around the time of the disappearance, triggering an endangered missing persons alert by 7 PM (35:11).

Unraveling the Plot Against Veronica

The breakthrough came when a confidential minor witness stepped forward, shedding light on a premeditated plan orchestrated by Tiffany Adams. Conlin reveals, "Tiffany Adams wanted to get rid of Veronica by having her boyfriend, Tad Cullum, and another friend throw a vise through Veronica’s windshield" (42:48). This act was intended to cause a vehicular accident, thereby eliminating Veronica under the guise of an unfortunate incident.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Tiffany Adams’s phone on April 1st, uncovering alarming web searches for tasers, gun shops, and methods to force someone out of their house (42:42). The minor witness’s testimony was pivotal, indicating that Tiffany had explicitly planned Veronica's demise: "Veronica won’t be an issue anymore" (52:00).

Community Influence and Potential Corruption

Tiffany Adams’ extensive involvement in local governance—serving on hospital and school boards and as county GOP chair—raises questions about her influence and possible corruption. Conlin speculates, "Is it corruption? Does she have people in her back pocket?" (44:35). The intertwining of religious extremism and local power dynamics creates a complex environment where justice initially seemed compromised.

Conclusion and Anticipation for Part Two

As the investigation unfolds, the convergence of religious fanaticism, familial manipulation, and calculated violence paints a grim picture. Hosts Nic and the Captain, along with Lauren Conlin, set the stage for an in-depth exploration of the dark underbelly of "God’s Misfits," leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the continuation in part two. Conlin concludes, reflecting on the revelations, "This interview with the minor was shocking... what is this, some kind of cult?" (50:11).

Notable Quotes:

• "Veronica was a beautiful girl, with red hair... confident, kind, and sassy." – Lauren Conlin (05:54)

• "Tiffany Adams was the leader of this group... a handful of people that seem to march to the beat of their own drums." – Lauren Conlin (15:51)

• "Who would leave a scene like that? It appears somebody tried to absorb the blood like a dumbass." – Lauren Conlin (34:24)

• "Tiffany Adams wanted to get rid of Veronica by having her boyfriend... throw a vise through Veronica’s windshield." – Lauren Conlin (42:48)

• "This interview with the minor was shocking... what is this, some kind of cult?" – Lauren Conlin (50:11)

This episode of True Crime Garage masterfully weaves together personal narratives, investigative details, and expert insights to unravel a case that intertwines family conflict with extremist group dynamics. As the hosts and their guest navigate through the complexities of Veronica Butler’s disappearance, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the full extent of the "God’s Misfits" conspiracy in the forthcoming installment.