Summary4 min read

American Nightmares – S3 EP8: Breaking News

Podcast: American Nightmares - Gardens of Evil: Inside The Zion Society Cult
Host: Paul Wagner (WTOP)
Episode Title: S3 EP8 – Breaking News
Release Date: November 22, 2022

Episode Overview

This breaking news episode delivers a significant and tragic development in the "Unknown Subject" case featured in Season 3 of American Nightmares. Host Paul Wagner provides a somber update: Giles Warrick, the man accused of several violent crimes—including the murder of Christine Mirzaion—was found dead in his D.C. jail cell of an apparent suicide mere weeks before his much-anticipated trial was set to begin. Paul discusses how the news broke, shares the immediate reactions of those affected (including a victim who had shared her story in an earlier episode), and hints at how this development leaves lingering questions for the community and the investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Death of Giles Warrick

Breaking the News (00:07):
- Paul Wagner informs listeners that Giles Warrick, the accused "Unknown Subject," died by suicide in his jail cell on November 19th, just weeks before his trial.
- Corrections officers discovered Warrick at 8:00 am; he had hanged himself and was last seen alive around midnight.
- The absence of a suicide note deepens the mystery and leaves unanswered questions about Warrick’s intentions and state of mind.

Impact on the Case and Community

Victim's Reaction (02:12):
- Paul immediately contacted Kelly (featured in episode 2), a survivor of a 1991 rape linked to Warrick.
- Kelly’s initial response was shock and surprise, which quickly turned to anger:
  - Quote: "She called Warwick a coward." – Paul Wagner (02:50)
- For Kelly and others, the trial represented not just reckoning but closure—an opportunity now denied.

Legal Proceedings and Motives

Details on Legal Strategy (03:30):
- Warrick had hired a private attorney and had been fighting the charges for three years while incarcerated.
- He lost two out of three motions to suppress evidence and was awaiting a crucial ruling on whether prosecutors could present evidence of six additional rape charges from Maryland.
- The possibility that overwhelming legal odds and the potential jury revelation of prior charges contributed to his decision is suggested but not confirmed:
  - Quote: "We may never know, but it could be that was weighing heavy on his mind." – Paul Wagner (04:28)

Unresolved Questions and Disappointment

Unanswered Questions (05:00):
- Paul expresses frustration and disappointment at not being able to hear opening statements from both defense and prosecution, particularly interested in what Warrick's legal defense would have been.
- The lack of trial means "we'll never truly hear or understand" Warrick’s side or see full justice served.
- Quote: "I've always wondered what Warwick's defense would be, so that's what I can tell you. For now." – Paul Wagner (05:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Breaking the News:
- "I got a text message just after 11 o’clock that morning from a person who knew Warwick very well and has been helping me with this story for several months." – Paul Wagner (01:30)
Victim’s Emotional Transition:
- "She was initially shocked and surprised. Before that shock turned to anger, she called Warwick a coward." – Paul Wagner (02:50)
Lingering Questions:
- "We may never know, but it could be that was weighing heavy on his mind." – Paul Wagner (04:28)
- "I've always wondered what Warwick's defense would be, so that's what I can tell you. For now." – Paul Wagner (05:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:07 – Paul Wagner introduces the breaking news: Warrick found dead in jail.
01:30 – Paul describes receiving the news and confirming it with sources.
02:12 – Victim Kelly’s immediate and emotional reaction.
03:30 – Discussion of Warrick’s legal situation and upcoming trial.
04:28 – Speculation on Warrick’s motivations; judge’s ruling expected.
05:00 – Paul’s personal reaction and thoughts about the unresolved case.

Next Steps & Listener Information

Upcoming Content:
- Paul promises a forthcoming full episode featuring extended reactions from Kelly and other affected parties after the holidays.
- Emphasizes that Season 3 will continue, despite the abrupt end to this chapter in the investigation.
Closing Remark:
- "As always, thanks for listening." – Paul Wagner (Final seconds)

Summary:
This episode of American Nightmares delivers a sobering update on the "Unknown Subject" case: the accused, Giles Warrick, died by suicide before the trial, cutting short the legal process and leaving open questions and pain for survivors and investigators alike. The host promises deeper coverage and reactions in an upcoming full episode.

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Transcript1 lines

[00:07]
A
Hi there. Paul Wagner Here, host of WTOP's American Nightmare series, Unknown Subject, with an update on the case. When I left you at the end of episode seven, I said we would be back with bonus episodes. As the trial got underway in D.C. superior Court, we had planned to follow the case to the bitter end, but that's not going to happen now because the man known as the Unknown subject, Giles Warrick, was found dead in his cell at the D.C. jail on Saturday, November 19th. Law enforcement sources say he died by suicide. Corrections officers found him at around 8 o' clock in the morning. He had hanged himself. A source familiar with the investigation says Warwick was last seen alive the night before at around midnight and had been dead for several hours. I got a text message just after 11 o' clock that morning from a person who knew Warwick very well and has been helping me with this story for several months. A couple of calls to law enforcement sources confirmed it. He did not leave a note. I then called Kelly, the woman who told her story of being raped in 1991 while babysitting three small children. It was episode two. She was initially shocked and surprised. Before that shock turned to anger, she called Warwick a coward. She had been on the edge of her seat in recent weeks, waiting to learn whether she was going to have to testify at trial. What surprised me is the fact Giles Warwick hired a private attorney and fought these charges for three years as he sat in the D.C. jail only to die by suicide two weeks before he would have had his day in court. He had lost two of three motions to suppress evidence filed by his attorney in the weeks leading up to the trial and was waiting to learn whether the judge would allow prosecutors to tell the jury about the six rape charges he was facing in Maryland. You may recall Giles Warwick was only facing trial in the District of Columbia for the murder of Christine Mirzaion. We may never know, but it could be that was weighing heavy on his mind. The judge's ruling was expected November 21st. For me, I was looking forward to hearing opening statements in the case, the defense and prosecution laying out their cases for the jury. I've always wondered what Warwick's defense would be, so that's what I can tell you. For now. We will have a full, full episode with reaction from Kelly and others after the holidays. Stay tuned. Season three will continue. And as always, thanks for listening.