True Crime with Kendall Rae: The Tragic Case of AJ Hadsell

Episode: "A Person Close to Her Did the Unthinkable… the Tragic Case of AJ Hadsell"
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Kendall Rae
Produced by: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In this heartbreaking episode of "True Crime with Kendall Rae," host Kendall delves deep into the tragic disappearance and murder of AJ Hadsell. AJ's case is particularly poignant as it involves betrayal by someone extraordinarily close to her—her stepfather, Wesley Hadsell. Through meticulous research and emotional storytelling, Kendall sheds light on the complexities of the case, the ensuing investigation, and the eventual quest for justice.

Background on AJ Hadsell

AJ Hadsell, born Angelica Marie on August 9, 1996, in Chesapeake, Virginia, was a bright and vibrant 18-year-old with a promising future. She was known for her intelligence, athletic prowess, and fearless spirit. AJ excelled academically, breaking reading records in elementary school, and was actively involved in multiple sports, including softball, basketball, golf, field hockey, and tennis.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [05:30]: "AJ was just very creative like that. She was also incredibly fearless. Zach started taking her climbing when she was only four years old, and he'd help her as she climbed up the rocks, but the older she got, the less help she needed."

Family Dynamics

AJ's early life was marked by a close bond with her mother, Jennifer, and her stepfather, Zach Hoffer. Zach entered their lives when AJ was just two years old under serendipitous circumstances—a car accident in Wyoming led to their meeting. Zach became AJ's primary father figure, deeply involved in her upbringing and supportive of her endeavors.

However, the family's harmony was disrupted when Zach's relationship with Jennifer deteriorated, primarily due to Zach's issues with drug use. This strain led to a custody battle over AJ, resulting in Jennifer gaining full custody. The separation profoundly affected AJ, severing her close relationship with Zach.

Disappearance of AJ Hadsell

On March 2, 2015, AJ disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The day before, AJ's mother and sisters had taken her home from Longwood University for spring break. AJ was last seen around 7 a.m., and by the afternoon, disturbing signs began to emerge. Jennifer found a cryptic note from AJ, expressing distress but offering no clear explanation.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [22:15]: "AJ was just not the type to run away. She was a very well-behaved teenager. She didn't drink, she didn't do drugs or anything like that."

Investigation and Initial Suspects

The investigation quickly focused on AJ's ex-boyfriend, Josh, due to his strange behavior and proximity to AJ on the day she disappeared. Additionally, AJ's close friend, Corey French, became a person of interest after he discovered AJ's credit card, followed by Andre Barr finding AJ's embroidered jacket at Corey's home.

Despite initial suspicions, both Josh and Corey were cleared of direct involvement, yet their association with AJ played a significant role in the unfolding investigation.

Wesley Hadsell’s Suspicion and Actions

Wesley Hadsell, AJ's biological father and Jennifer's new husband, emerged as the primary suspect. His behavior following AJ's disappearance raised numerous red flags. Wesley was the lead organizer in the search efforts, raising funds and coordinating volunteers, but his methods often bordered on intrusive and aggressive.

He attempted to cast suspicion on Corey French without substantial evidence, even going as far as breaking into Corey's home to plant AJ's jacket, a move that would later be pivotal against him.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [37:45]: "Wesley was quick to tell them that he didn't think they were doing enough to find AJ, and he even early on that he was conducting his own investigation."

Evidence Against Wesley Hadsell

The turning point in the investigation came when Andre Barr revealed that Wesley had orchestrated the discovery of AJ's jacket by instructing him to search Corey's house. Further scrutiny of Wesley's actions uncovered his criminal history, including charges for burglary, forgery, strangulation, rape, and kidnapping.

Significant evidence included:

• GPS Data: Wesley's work van was tracked to the location where AJ's body was eventually found.
• Possession of Illegal Items: Authorities discovered over 100 rounds of ammunition, a scale, and white powder (heroin) in Wesley's hotel room.
• Incriminating Items in His Van: Items like gloves, duct tape, a shovel, and a photo of AJ were found, alongside a Garmin GPS tracker.
• Confessions and Behavior: A fellow inmate reported Wesley confessing to his involvement in AJ's death.

Trial and Verdict

Wesley's trial was fraught with delays and procedural mishaps, including a mistrial in 2020 due to a change in his legal strategy. However, in January 2022, the trial proceeded with substantial circumstantial evidence linking Wesley to AJ's murder.

Despite the lack of direct physical evidence linking Wesley to the poisoning, the accumulation of his incriminating actions and behavior painted a convincing picture for the prosecution.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [45:59]: "Wesley Hadsall guilty in the death of his stepdaughter AJ and it took the jury less than one hour to come to this decision."

The jury swiftly convicted Wesley of first-degree murder and felony concealment of a dead body, concluding that his actions were driven by a twisted obsession with AJ and a desire to silence her.

Sentencing and Aftermath

On April 4, 2022, Wesley Hadsell was sentenced to life in prison plus 15 years. The sentencing hearing was emotionally charged, with AJ's family expressing their relief and sorrow.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [48:39]: "He received life in prison plus 15 years. AJ's family was too heartbroken to go, which I completely understand."

Wesley continues to maintain his innocence, attempting appeals against his conviction, but the overwhelming evidence against him has solidified the family's sense of justice.

Conclusion

AJ Hadsell's case is a tragic reminder of the darkness that can exist within close-knit relationships. Wesley Hadsell's betrayal left a lasting scar on AJ's family and friends, highlighting the importance of thorough investigations and unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.

Kendall Rae's empathetic and detailed recounting of AJ's story not only honors her memory but also serves as a beacon for raising awareness about the complexities of such cases. AJ's legacy lives on through her family, friends, and the broader community touched by her loss.

Notable Quote:
Kendall Rae [49:13]: "I know that her phone was in his possession. He was clearly trying so desperately to shift blame here, and it did take some time, but eventually, he was charged, thankfully, in connection with her death."

Lastly, Kendall emphasizes the broader impact of such tragedies on all involved, including those wrongfully implicated, and the enduring need for compassion and justice.

End of Summary