True Crime Garage Episode Summary: "Robert Wone /// Part 3 of 4"

Release Date: December 4, 2024

In the third installment of their deep dive into the perplexing Robert Wone case, True Crime Garage hosts Nick and Dylan, alongside their co-host, the Captain, continue unraveling the complex web surrounding Robert Juan's untimely death. This episode meticulously dissects the inconsistencies and emerging evidence that challenge the initial narrative of an intruder’s involvement.

1. Revisiting the Crime Scene

The episode opens with a detailed recounting of the events on August 2, 2006. Paramedics Jeff Baker and Tracy Weaver responded to a 911 call at 1509 Swan Street, where they found Victor Zabrowski on the front steps in distress. Upon entering the home, EMT Nick Baker encountered Dylan Ward in a white terry cloth robe, who silently directed him toward the front guest room. There, they discovered 32-year-old Robert Juan dead on the bed, alongside Joseph Price, who reported hearing a scream immediately after the incident.

Quote Highlight:

[08:10] Dylan: Right.

The Captain offers a skeptical view of the intruder theory, suggesting that the three men residing in the home may bear responsibility for Juan’s death. He points out, “No, not so fast, Mr. 1, 2, or maybe even all three of the people that lived in this home are responsible for what happened to Robert Juan.”

2. Unveiling the "Joy Toys"

A pivotal moment in the episode is the revelation of the so-called "joy toys" discovered in Dylan Ward's room. These items, consisting of various S&M apparatuses like dildos, handcuffs, and ball gags, raise questions about the nature of Juan’s visit.

Quote Highlight:

[06:22] The Captain: Yeah, to put it plain and simple, there's dildos in there, there's handcuffs in there, there's ball gags in there.

Nick and the Captain deliberate on the implications of possessing such items, debating whether their presence indicates consensual activities or something more sinister. They argue that while possession of these items doesn't inherently denote malicious intent, their abundance and variety are suspicious when coupled with Juan’s death.

3. Semen and DNA Evidence: Dissecting the Intruder Theory

The hosts delve into the DNA evidence found on Juan’s body, which contradicts the intruder narrative. Semen samples matched Juan, with no traces of an unknown assailant, undermining the claim that an outsider was responsible.

Quote Highlight:

[21:10] Dylan: Yeah, and we have to. I think this subject is very important to the case because of the evidence we found. We find evidence of semen, basically on his genitalia and basically inside him. So there's a sexual component to this murder. It makes zero sense. The intruder theory.

They explore the possibility that Juan was either incapacitated or unwillingly involved in the events leading to his death, possibly through drugging. The presence of puncture marks and needle evidence further complicates the case, with discussions around whether these marks resulted from medical attempts to save Juan or as part of an assault.

4. The Controversial Blog and Public Scrutiny

The episode addresses the blog initiated by the three men residing at 1509 Swan Street, intended to document and analyze the Juan case. The blog’s focus on Juan’s possible sexual orientation introduces another layer of complexity, yet no public comments confirm any intimate relationship between Juan and the residents.

Quote Highlight:

[17:49] The Captain: So they started up this blog... they talk about whether Robert was gay or bisexual.

This effort to apply a "gay Eye" to the investigation raises eyebrows, as the hosts note the absence of concrete evidence supporting such claims, emphasizing that Juan’s personal communications do not indicate any premeditated consensual activities.

5. Law Enforcement’s Investigation and Charges

As the investigation unfolds, Dylan Ward becomes the primary target of law enforcement, culminating in obstruction of justice charges in 2008. Subsequently, conspiracy charges are extended to Joseph Price and Victor Zabrowski.

Quote Highlight:

[46:06] The Captain: Yeah, so what we end up here with, Captain, is we get obstruction of justice charge and eventually that carries over to all three.

The hosts critique the prosecution and defense strategies, highlighting the complexity of proving a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. They discuss the potential motives behind the charges, suggesting that the men's attempts to cover up the incident may stem from eliminating traces of an accidental or consensual death.

6. The Trial Dynamics and Legal Maneuvers

The impending trial presents a battleground where prosecution and defense attorneys lay out their cases amidst a backdrop of conflicting evidence. The defense opts for a judge trial, believing it may offer a more favorable outcome than a jury. The hosts analyze the strength of both sides, acknowledging the prowess of the legal representatives involved.

Quote Highlight:

[47:29] Dylan: Yeah. And we have the prosecution and the defense attorney... both of them were rather brilliant.

They scrutinize the judge's delayed verdict delivery, interpreting it as a sign of the case's intricacy and the judge’s careful consideration of the presented evidence.

7. Emerging Theories and Host Perspectives

Nick and Dylan offer their own interpretations of the evidence, contemplating scenarios where Juan may have been an unwilling participant possibly involved in recreational activities that escalated fatally. They question the plausibility of an accidental overdose versus a deliberate act of murder, especially considering the meticulous attempts to obfuscate the truth.

Quote Highlight:

[52:09] Dylan: Right.

The hosts express frustration over the lack of concrete evidence tying the three men directly to Juan’s death, yet acknowledge the circumstantial weight that suggests their involvement in either the murder or its cover-up.

8. Concluding Thoughts and Anticipation for Part 4

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the human element of the case, mourning Juan’s loss while grappling with the tangled evidence that defies easy explanation. They express a keen interest in uncovering further truths in the forthcoming final installment, underscoring the unresolved nature of this true crime narrative.

Quote Highlight:

[55:02] The Captain: It took like 45 minutes for her to deliver her verdict because she had so many thoughts about the case and the evidence...

Nick and Dylan emphasize the importance of continued investigation and the pursuit of justice, leaving listeners eager for the concluding chapter of Juan’s story.

Key Takeaways

• Inconsistencies in the Intruder Theory: DNA evidence does not support the presence of an unknown assailant.

• Suspicious Evidence: The discovery of extensive S&M equipment raises questions about the nature of Juan’s visit and the intentions of the residents.

• Legal Proceedings: Obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges against the three men highlight the potential depth of their involvement.

• Unanswered Questions: The episode concludes with lingering doubts about the true sequence of events, setting the stage for further revelations in Part 4.

Notable Quotes:

• “...do you know if, if he were a willing participant, then the three guys then have to do this kind of a cover up.” — Nick (44:27)

• “You think you would find some kind of evidence. And also, like we were talking about the arrangements he made with Joe to stay are through email.” — Dylan (16:49)

• “But police have to call into question what they're seeing here.” — The Captain (07:38)

This episode of True Crime Garage masterfully dissects the Robert Juan case, blending critical analysis with empathetic reflections, and navigates the murky waters of legal intrigue to present a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged and eager for the resolution in the final part.