Podcast Summary: True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode Title: EMT Killed by Emotionless Monster Days Before Giving Birth!?
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosted By: Kendall Rae
Produced By: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In this heart-wrenching episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, Kendall delves into the tragic and chilling murder of Melissa Lamish, an EMT who was brutally killed just days before giving birth to her son, Barrett. The case is not only a tale of loss but also a deep exploration into the motives and actions of the perpetrator, Matthew Plody.

Melissa Lamish: A Life Cut Short

Melissa Lamish was born on May 10, 1993, and grew up in Mount Morris, Illinois, as one of five siblings. Described by her family as "a perfect mix of sugar and spice" (03:22), Melissa was a strong, compassionate, and dedicated individual. Her journey into becoming an EMT was inspired by a positive experience in the ER during a college incident and hosting trivia nights at a local bar frequented by first responders (02:48).

By January 2020, Melissa had graduated from her paramedic program and began working for Trace Ambulance in Tinley Park. Shortly after, she discovered she was nine months pregnant with her first child, Barrett. Despite the pregnancy being unplanned and facing opposition from Barrett’s father, Matthew Plody, Melissa was determined to become a devoted mother, supported wholeheartedly by her family (03:24).

The Relationship with Matthew Plody

Melissa and Matthew's relationship began in 2013 at one of Melissa’s trivia nights. Matthew, a paramedic and volunteer firefighter, was a friend with benefits rather than an official boyfriend. When Melissa became pregnant, it was a mutual surprise. Despite Melissa’s openness in including Matthew in updates about the pregnancy, Matthew remained distant and unresponsive, a red flag that investigators later found crucial (08:00).

The Fateful Day: November 25, 2020

Two days before Melissa was scheduled to be induced and just one day before Thanksgiving, tragedy struck. On November 25, 2020, around 4:28 PM, a neighbor called 911 after noticing smoke from Melissa’s childhood home, where she was staying with her father due to pregnancy-related health issues. Firefighters arrived to find the house engulfed in flames with smoke visibility reduced to five inches.

Melissa’s father, Gus, rushed home upon hearing the dire news from the fire chief but arrived too late. Firefighters discovered Melissa’s charred body on the kitchen floor, and tragically, her unborn son Barrett did not survive (13:37).

Investigation Unfolds

Initially, investigators suspected Melissa died from smoke inhalation, possibly due to a fainting spell while cooking. However, upon examining the scene, it became clear that:

• The fire originated above the stove in the cabinets, with all burners off and the oven empty, ruling out accidental causes (14:19).
• Melissa’s autopsy revealed no soot in her airways and normal carbon monoxide levels, indicating she was dead before the fire started (26:11).
• Evidence of strangulation and possible sexual assault was found, shifting the investigation towards homicide (26:58).

Suspicion Falls on Matthew Plody

Matthew Plody became the primary suspect due to several red flags:

1. Lack of Support and Communication: Despite Melissa's efforts to involve him, Matthew had been unresponsive and unsupportive, even ghosting Melissa after pressuring her to terminate the pregnancy (16:18).

2. Unusual Behavior: During his first interview, Matthew exhibited a cold and unremorseful demeanor. He used the term "deadline" instead of "due date," which investigators found suspicious (19:40).

3. Financial Conversations: Matthew claimed to visit Melissa to discuss finances, but his story did not align with Melissa’s family's accounts of her condition and lack of interest in a romantic relationship (24:36).

4. DNA Evidence: Six months after the murder, DNA from under Melissa's fingernails and in her vagina matched Matthew, indicating a struggle and possible sexual assault (33:22).

5. Firefighter’s Testimony: Matthew had called out of work on the day of the murder with a fake leg injury, raising further suspicions among his colleagues (36:12).

Despite mounting evidence, Matthew remained silent during interviews, refusing to confess or provide explanations, which only deepened investigators' suspicions (40:31).

The Trial and Conviction

After extensive investigation, including DNA matching and corroborating testimonies from friends, family, and experts, Matthew Plody was arrested and faced ten counts, including first-degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child (33:22).

During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence:

• Intentional Arson: The fire was set to conceal the true cause of death, which was strangulation (50:08).

• Forensic Evidence: Severe petechial hemorrhaging and blunt force trauma indicated a violent struggle (50:21).

• Witness Testimonies: Neighbors and family members provided critical insights into Matthew’s behavior and lack of emotion following the tragedy (51:42).

The defense attempted to portray Matthew as an upstanding citizen, but the jury was unconvinced. After five days of testimony, the jury deliberated for only two hours before finding Matthew guilty on all ten counts on March 8, 2024 (53:21).

Sentencing and Aftermath

On June 27, 2024, Matthew Plody was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 75 years. Melissa’s family felt a mix of shock, relief, and enduring grief. They chose to honor Melissa and Barrett’s memories through charitable acts, including donations to local shelters and sponsoring a tree at the Morton Arboretum (55:04).

Deanna Lamish, Melissa’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the conviction and emphasized the lasting impact of Melissa and Barrett’s loss, while also commending the courage and resilience of the family throughout the legal process (56:47).

Conclusion

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of cold-blooded violence. Melissa Lamish’s life and impending motherhood were tragically cut short by someone who was supposed to be a lifesaver himself. The relentless pursuit of justice by Melissa’s family underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.

Notable Quotes:

• "Melissa and Barrett should be here today... a truly sick, disgusting, vile waste of life. Human." – Kendall Rae [00:57]

• "She was born to become a mother herself... she really would have been a great one." – Kendall Rae [05:48]

• "Matt was the only person with the motive to kill Melissa and their unborn child." – News Reporter [53:29]

• "Love is why we do it... Love is why we fall down and get back up again." – Memorial Stone [58:09]

Honoring Melissa and Barrett:

Melissa’s family has taken meaningful steps to honor her and her unborn son’s memories:

• Donations: Collected children’s toys for local homeless shelters and donations to the Animal House Shelter in memory of her cat, Antonio.

• Memorial Tree: Sponsored a magnolia tree at the Morton Arboretum, illuminated annually during the holiday season, alongside a memorial stone with a quote from The Script.

• Victim Impact Statements: Members of Melissa’s family bravely shared their stories during sentencing, highlighting the profound loss and seeking closure.

Melissa Lamish’s story is a testament to her strength, compassion, and the enduring love she had for her family. Through sharing her story, Kendall Rae ensures that Melissa and Barrett’s lives are remembered and that justice is served.