True Crime Garage Episode Summary: "Killing for Chaos /// Part 1 /// 839"

Podcast Information:

• Title: True Crime Garage
• Hosts: Nick and The Captain
• Description: Hosts Nic and the Captain invite listeners to delve into true crime cases each week, blending in-depth discussions with light-hearted banter and a casual atmosphere.

Introduction

In the "Killing for Chaos /// Part 1 /// 839" episode of True Crime Garage, hosts Nick and The Captain unravel a chilling case from Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Amidst their usual blend of insightful analysis and camaraderie, they guide listeners through the complexities of a seemingly routine welfare check that spirals into a disturbing double homicide investigation.

Case Overview

Date of Incident: February 28, 2025
Location: Cinder Hills Drive, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Individuals Involved:

• Donald Mayer: Husband and father
• Tatiana Kassap: Wife and stepmother
• Nikita Kassap: 17-year-old stepson

Initial Concern: The episode begins with a welfare check prompted by two separate reports:

1. From Judith Mayer: Donald Mayer and his family hadn't been seen for several days, with particular concern over Nikita's unexplained absences from Waukesha West High School (0:38: Nick).
2. From Officer Edwards: The school's resource officer reported Nikita's sudden and unexcused absences over the past two weeks (0:37: Nick).

Investigation Details

First Welfare Check:
On the morning of February 28, 2025, Waukesha County deputies arrived at the Mayer residence for a welfare check. The well-maintained home exhibited signs of normalcy with its large lawn, three-car garage, and basketball hoop. However, upon knocking, no one answered, and neighbors reported no recent activity (5:29: Nick).

Suspicious Communications:
Investigators uncovered odd text messages purportedly from Donald Mayer and his phone, indicating illness and social media absence. These texts raised red flags about the family's welfare (9:19: The Captain).

Flock Camera Footage:
Law enforcement utilized Flock Safety's Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras to track the family's vehicles:

• Donald Mayer's 2018 Volkswagen Atlas: Last spotted on February 23, 2025 (16:48: Nick).
• Tatiana Kassap's Vehicle: Last seen on February 11, 2025 (16:48: Nick).

School and Work Pings:
Nikita's school-issued computer last pinged in Waukesha on February 23, aligning with the discovery of Donald's vehicle on ALPR cameras. These data points suggested movement away from the residence (18:38: Nick).

Discovery of Homicide

Entering the Residence:
At approximately 1:52 PM, deputies entered the residence and discovered a deceased female in the first-floor hallway. She exhibited signs of decomposition and potential gunshot wounds, indicating foul play (19:12: Nick).

Second Victim Found:
Later that day, a second body was located—a male with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The absence of both stepfather and Nikita raised further suspicion (20:34: The Captain).

Securing the Scene:
Law enforcement secured the residence, ensuring all actions would hold up in court as the investigation shifted focus to a homicide case (21:34: Nick).

Progress of the Investigation

Additional Findings:

• Missing Black Dog: Neighbors reported a family dog missing, which was later found deceased in the vehicle with Nikita (22:29: Nick).
• Purchase of Firearm: Records revealed that Donald Mayer had purchased a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum firearm, though it was not found at the residence (43:06: Nick).

Vehicle Tracking:
Nikita's phone pings indicated movement towards Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming, approximately 980 miles from Waukesha. This led investigators to track his movements across multiple states, eventually identifying him at a truck stop in Walcott, Iowa (25:15: The Captain).

Arrest and Evidence Recovery

Traffic Stop in Wakini, Kansas:
On the night of February 28, 2025, Nikita was pulled over in Wakini, Kansas, for failing to stop at a stop sign. His stolen Volkswagen Atlas, flagged by prior reports, matched the investigation's leads. Officers found Nikita alone with a small black dog and a handgun in the vehicle (42:18: The Captain).

Evidence Collected:

• Donald and Tatiana's driver's licenses
• Unused ammunition and spent shell casings
• Large sums of US Currency and Euros
• Two cell phones belonging to Donald and Tatiana

Vehicle Details:
The Volkswagen Atlas matched Tatiana's registered vehicle, and the presence of Nikita without a driver's license further complicated the case (43:21: Nick).

Hosts' Analysis and Theories

Nick's Insights: Nick posits that the evidence points towards Nikita as the likely perpetrator. He illustrates a scenario where Nikita might have murdered his parents and fled the scene, using their resources to disappear (47:03: Nick). He emphasizes the methodical uncovering of evidence, from ALPR data to the recovered gun, which aligns with Nikita's ownership (43:21: Nick).

The Captain's Perspective: The Captain discusses the possible motives and circumstances surrounding the murders, including the sudden shift from a welfare check to a homicide investigation. He underlines the importance of thorough police work and the complexities involved when a missing individual becomes a suspect (13:01: The Captain).

Speculative Scenarios: The hosts explore various possibilities, including domestic disputes leading to murder or potential abductions, but ultimately focus on the mounting evidence against Nikita (37:27: Nick).

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode concludes, Nick and The Captain recap the progression of the case, highlighting the swift arrest of Nikita and the substantial evidence against him. They tease the ongoing nature of the investigation, promising further exploration in the next episode (51:27: The Captain).

Notable Quotes:

• Nick: "This is a great move by law enforcement... you're getting two independent reports that these people have been unaccounted for for days." [13:01]
• The Captain: "You have a murderer or a victim and are they dead or alive?" [43:05]
• Nick: "We've reviewed here in the garage... He's a juvenile who by this time, just about 13 hours after the police had entered the home." [43:21]

Final Thoughts

"Killing for Chaos /// Part 1 /// 839" masterfully balances investigative detail with engaging dialogue. Nick and The Captain guide listeners through each development, offering thoughtful analysis while maintaining an approachable tone. The episode not only sheds light on a harrowing case but also underscores the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in unraveling such mysteries.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the investigation continues to unfold.

Remember: The True Crime Garage podcast invites you to explore the depths of true crime cases each week. Whether you're an armchair detective or a mystery enthusiast, join Nick and The Captain for an immersive and insightful experience.