Scene Of the Crime

There, but for the grace of God, go I.   I wonder whether Neil Beagley ever ruminated on those words. He was just 16 years old when his little niece became deathly ill in the spring of 2008. Ava was just over a year old and was a delight for the entire family. The youngest member of the Beagley clan. It must’ve been heartbreaking to watch her spirit fade away as the pneumonia stole her breathe... and eventually, her life. In her final hours, the whole family gathered, along with members of their church, to pray for Ava to come back to them, beseeching God to intervene.But, their prayers went unanswered. Neil, his parents and his younger sister tried to focus on the future. They were in the process of selling their home in Oregon City, so they could build the house of their dreams. In the meantime, they were staying in a trailer that Neil’s grandmother no longer needed herself. It was in pretty rough shape, but it was only temporary, and they were a close family. They could get through anything, so long as they stuck together.And that’s what they did – Neil and his younger sister helping grandma with chores and fixing up the property, when they weren’t busy with homeschooling in the barn. Neil was becoming quite an independent young man, driving a tractor and backhoe, tackling some of the most difficult projects with confidence and dedication. Even when he started feeling a little run down, he hardly took a break. And, eventually, he’d start to feel more like himself again. At least that’s what had happened before and what they thought would happen this time, too... So why were Neil’s parents now being charged with murder? Because faith might move mountains, but it takes more than prayer to save the life of a child.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Halloween Special! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Matthew Bachmeier and his wife, Cheryl, moved their little family from North Dakota to the state of Washington in 1967, they were full of hope for the future. The quaint 2 bedroom home in the town of Renton was just the right size for the young couple and their baby boy. And, it wasn’t long before more of their dreams started coming true. They had another baby, a girl this time, and Matthew landed his dream job as an officer with the King County Police Department. For two decades they had what may have seemed to others like the perfect life. But, you never really know what’s going on behind closed doors. The couple had been fighting. Matt’s stress on the job was bleeding into his time with the family. After being involved in two on-the-job shootings, Matt was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the couple decided to separate. Then on July 9, 1996 their little dream would be killed entirely as their quaint little home burned to the ground. There was no doubt it was arson, with a flare and accelerant used to start the blaze and threatening graffiti left on a wall behind the house. It was lucky there was no one home at the time. But, who lit the match? Was someone seeking retribution for one of the shootings?Then, a confession from an unlikely suspect: a man who quickly vanishes without a trace.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Detective Pat Beale has been an investigator for many, many years. In fact, he tried to retire, but the Lewis County Attorney’s Office called him back into service to help solve the murder of Diana Robertson.From the beginning the case has been muddy. But, there are a few things we do know for sure. In the early morning hours of December 12, 1985, 21 year old Diana set out for a day trip with her 36 year old boyfriend Michael Reimer and their 2 and a half year old daughter Crystal to get a Christmas tree. Mike had a side gig as a trapper, and he also planned to check his animal traps in the area.Another thing we know for sure: Diana and Michael never did get that Christmas tree. In fact, that very same afternoon little Crystal would be found alone, abandoned at a Kmart store.Where were her parents?That mystery would go unanswered for 8 weeks, until a grim discovery was made: Diana’s body was found in a remote wooded area, viciously stabbed 17 times with a tube sock tied around her neck. But, where was Michael? Had he murdered Diana? Had he murdered others, too?Just four months earlier a couple had been found murdered in the woods nearby. The woman’s body had also been found with a tube sock around her neck. Coincidence? Or was a serial killer on the loose?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

George Weyerhaeuser was a pint-sized 9 year old. Dressed smartly in his white button down shirt tucked into his knee-length pants, with his wavy brown hair neatly in place and his easy smile demonstrating his outgoing personality, he was the epitome of the American boy next door. He was the son that anyone would be proud to call their own. But, George wasn’t just any kid. He was heir to one of the wealthiest families in the country.Still, his parents wanted George and his sister Anne to have a normal childhood. They lived in Tacoma, and George was sent to the local public school while his older sister went to a nearby Seminary. It was a Friday afternoon, in May of 1935. When the school bell rang at Lowell Elementary, George took his usual walk to the seminary to meet his sister. The children had been told the family chauffeur would be picking them up that day.George arrived at their meeting spot 15 minutes early. His sister was still in class, and the car was nowhere in sight. So, he decided rather than wait, he would walk home. He took a shortcut through an overgrown path along the Tacoma Lawn and Tennis Club.He emerged onto a parking lot along Borough Road, where he noticed a couple of men sitting in a green Buick. One of them got out and hailed George over. He asked whether the bright-eyed boy might be able to give them directions to Stadium Way. Before George could answer, the man reached out and snatched him up, throwing him into the backseat of the sedan, then covering him with a blanket while the driver hit the gas. And the car and George disappeared.It was the biggest story since the Lindbergh baby. The youngest member of the wealthy Weyerhaeuser clan kidnapped and held for ransom. The demand letter was blasted out on newsreels, on radio and on the frontpage of newspapers around the country.Hundreds of G Men from the FBI were on the case. They were determined to hunt down these brazen bandits and to find little George before it was too late.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

July 23, 1991 was a scorcher in Seattle, which meant folks accustomed to the on again, off again rain for 9 months out of the year flocked to the rivers, the sea or one of the many lakes the PNW has to offer.On this day, Lake Sammamish was no exception. The lake was hopping, swamped with people relishing a summer day. One of the many beachgoers was a family man named Patrick, who had settled his young children for an early supper on the sandy beach of Idylwood Park.Patrick was leaning back and enjoying the gorgeous water view, with Mt. Rainier in the distance. And, even though there was a lot of action on the lake from high powered boats to innertubes and kayaks, it was a gray raft that caught his attention and the lone man slowly, rowing toward shore.What Patrick didn’t know was that this man wasn’t alone. His wife, Cynthia, was lying in the bottom of the raft near death.And this wasn’t the first time a wife of Randall Roth would have an “accident.”Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Greg Heimann boarded the plane with a heavy heart.He hadn’t seen his father in five years, and this would be anything but a happy reunion. For more than six hours he sat on that plane, mulling over what to say.It had a been a year since his father was diagnosed with cancer, and he was still refusing treatment. Greg and the rest of the family had been trying to change his mind for months.Of course, Jerry had his reasons. The 64 year old Boeing retiree was caring for his elderly mother. She was suffering from Alzheimer's and was unable to walk or even feed herself. Jerry couldn’t imagine going through chemo while also taking care of grandma.  But, Greg didn’t want to lose his dad. So, there he was, on a six hour flight from Arkansas to Seattle trying to find the words that would change his father’s mind about treatment.Once he touched down at Seatac and picked up his bag, Greg expected to see his father waiting to pick him up. ] But, there was no sign of him. So, Greg walked around a bit looking and thinking some more.After more than three hours passed, Greg had to give up. He decided to catch a shuttle to his father’s house in Everett, another hour for Greg to try and come up with just the right words.The shuttle pulled up to a dark house. The lights were out, the shades were drawn, and Greg would discover the front door was locked. So, he climbed in through a window... and was met by a nightmare.   His 89 year old grandmother sat in a blood-splattered wheelchair with shredded bits of newspaper in her mouth.But, what about his father? Where was he? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the 1990s, The Turf was a bar in Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle. Tucked in amongst the fish mongers tossing their wares before a crowd of tourists, the flower vendors with their paper-wrapped bouquets, and the very first Starbuck’s store.But, The Turf wasn’t advertised as a tourist attraction. It was a spot just for the locals, like Denise Harris. She was a regular at The Turf and other bars in the area.A transplant from California, Denise had moved to Washington with the hopes of rebuilding her life as a preschool teacher, or at least she’d been trying. She’d hit a rough patch and she went to the Turf that night looking to escape her troubles.A tall, lean man sitting just a few stools down the line struck up a conversation with Denise. By and by, he ended up moving down to sit next to her.What Denise didn’t know was that over the course of the night this stranger had been biding his time, watching her, sensing her vulnerability.After a time, the bartender cut Denise off, and she decided it was time to hit the road. The stranger flashed a little bag with a few rocks and offered her a little more fun.Why not?... she might’ve thought.This vulnerable young woman had no idea that the seemingly charming man had been watching her as the hours ran down, as the crowd thinned and the drinks flowed. Their meeting was anything but random. And, he made sure that no one saw them leave together.The next day, Denise’s body would be found half buried in a place called the Jungle, a wooded green space near the city center.  And this killer was just beginning… Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hear outside experts share their perspectives on the mysterious death of Autumn Stone. Retired Director of the San Diego Crime Laboratory Jennifer Shen, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Sheryl McCollum and others share their insights as we reflect on the case and consider where things go from here.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last time on Arcanum, we went over the investigation notes written by Seattle Police Detective Ed Garcia during the initial two week investigation. Nowhere in those six pages does it mention the sperm that was found inside of Autumn’s body. Nor does he mention the fact that Tyler Washington is not only suspected in a current child abuse investigation, but that he has spent time in prison for abusing his first child.Of course, being a suspect in a somewhat unrelated case and having a prior conviction doesn’t necessarily mean that he should be a suspect in this case or that a murder was even committed. But, all of these things are threads connected with Autumn’s life. And you have to understand the backstory to understand why her family is so adamant that she wouldn’t have taken herself away from her two little boys.It wasn’t until around January of 2020, about five months after Autumn’s death, that the family would realize the case had been closed just two weeks after her body was found.The realization would come when they received a copy of the completed autopsy and they saw that DNA had been collected from Autumn’s body, but had not been sent to the crime lab for analysis.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We chose the word “Arcanum” as the title of this series because it has multiple meanings.  In episode one, we defined Arcanum as a secret; information possessed only be a select inner circle. The goal of this podcast is to widen that circle. And to tell the victims story in a way that levels the playing field, so the focus isn’t just on the crime, but on the real person who was affected by it.The word Arcanum can also mean a secret and powerful remedy. For Autumn’s family, we believe that remedy will be an investigation that leaves no stone unturned.Many people have a lot of theories about what happened in this case, which we’ll get to. But first, we want to share how Seattle Homicide Detectives went about their initial investigation.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Autumn’s Stone’s young life she had come a long way from the quiet, shy little girl who was bullied in school, to coming into her own, finding love with Tyler and creating the cohesive family unit they both craved so much.Autumn was more than just a headline, and our mission is to help you get to know the whole person before we get to the tragic and mysterious circumstances of her death.It’s a clock that some say had been punched 9 days before her death, on August 21, 2019, the night she left her precious baby Derek alone with his father for less than 15 minutes.While a lot of things are unclear about the investigation that would follow the discovery of Autumn's body at Green Lake, one thing that we do know from the body cameras worn by Seattle Police is that the officers and other first responders did everything they could to save her and to preserve the scene for homicide detectives.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode one of Arcanum we went over Autumn’s past: how her mother’s alcoholism and parents divorce shaped her young life. She had overcome a lot and was looking forward to the future with her little boy, Ethan, and her fiancé, Tyler, who she reconnected with in 2017.For about 8 months leading up to the birth of their son, Tyler and Autumn lived with Autumn’s grandparents in their home in Everett. Autumn’s mom lived there, too. And little Ethan, Autumn’s nearly two year old son from a previous relationship.  On July 17, 2019 Autumn and Tyler welcomed their healthy baby boy, Derek.  The hectic, multi-generational home was full of love and care for Autumn and her children. And, for Tyler, too.   According to Jeanine, Autumn’s sister, the family loved Tyler and was so happy for the couple and their future together: But, as is so often the case, there was a lot going on behind closed doors.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arcanum: a mysterious or specialized knowledge/information possessed only by a select inner circle. We didn’t realize when we set out to investigate the unexplained death of Autumn Stone, that it would lead us to such a layered and complex mystery. It all started last year, when a family member of Autumn’s reached out, asking us to look into Autumn’s death and the strange circumstances that led up to that hot summer day in Seattle, 2019, when this young mother’s body was found floating in Green Lake. We initially went about putting together a single episode on Autumn’s story. But as we dug deeper, we became entangled in the vulnerability of this young mother, her family’s quest to get justice for her and her newborn baby, and all of the shocking twists and turns this story would take. When we heard Autumn’s voice for the first time, we couldn’t get it out of our heads. Frightened, but courageous, with a quiver in her words, that voice has been silenced now. Her family has asked us to tell her story. Throughout this series we’ll explore the societal pressures placed upon young women, how masking childhood trauma can leave a devastating imprint on a person’s soul, how the anxiety and confusion caused by gas lighting can add to the burden of an already challenging investigation, and we hope to find some measure of closure for Autumn’s loved ones. Because even as we tell this story... it isn’t over yet... Within days of her death, the Seattle Police Department quickly ruled it a suicide. Too quickly, for Autumn’s family and friends. Now, thanks to their persistence, the case has been re-opened with investigators finally admitting there may be more going on here than anyone could have realized. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trailer Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Scene of the Crime’s Kim Shepard and Carolyn Ossorio are working with True Crime documentary filmmaker and host of the podcast Alibi-ish Jon Chrymes to bring awareness to the unsolved murder of Karen Bodine.As it turns out, they discovered they’re also kindred spirits. Check out this conversation with Jon, Carolyn and Kim.Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek of our upcoming series – 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙢: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙢𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

He could be considered the world's very first cyber sleuth.In 1998, Todd Matthews first heard the story of the unidentified victim known as "Tent Girl." He became obsessed with the case and ended up becoming instrumental in not only identifying the victim, but the suspected killer as well.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In our last episode, Silent No More, we focused on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Through our conversations with tribal members and law enforcement, we learned about some of the historical events that have created a wall of distrust between the indigenous community and outside agencies.  But, that’s just one part of this puzzle. One of the biggest concerns for the Washington State Patrol’s Chris Loftis is the lack of consistency in law enforcement practices.  But, efforts are being made to correct this. In our recent conversation, Chris was joined by the State Patrol’s two tribal liaisons, Patti Gosch and Dawn Pullin, who are spearheading the work to earn back the trust of indigenous individuals throughout the State of Washington. If you are a family member of a missing person and would like their photo to be included on the Washington State Patrol Missing Person’s website, please contact:Missing and Unidentified Persons Unitmupu@wsp.wa.gov(800) 543-5678Or the WSP Tribal LiaisonsPatti Gosch                                       Dawn Pullinpatti.gosch@wsp.wa.gov              dawn.pullin@wsp.wa.gov(360) 280-0567                                (360) 890-0150 And, Scene of the Crime will be back in just a few weeks with more fresh episodes and a season-long deep dive into the mysterious death of Autumn Stone. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We've been sharing new stories from the Scene of the Crime for more than a year now and we're starting an ambitious new project, a full-season deep dive into one of the most interesting cases we've covered so far: The mysterious death of Autumn Stone. There's been some movement on this case since we first brought it to you last year, and some new evidence has been uncovered that could change everything!So, while we take a short break from our weekly episodes to focus on this deep dive, we thought we would share with you some of the really impactful discussions that we had as we were preparing our last episode on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.First up - our conversation with Emily Washines. She grew up hearing stories about the tragedies that have occured to people in her tribe and beyond. Now, she's using her voice to speak up for the victims and to try and end the cycle of violence and abuse. And, best of all she shares with us stories of courage and compassion that can help us all understand the struggle of Native women and girls and what we can do to help.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Earth Feather Sovereign was just 14 years old, and she was an itty bitty thing. Standing just over five feet tall, she barely hit a hundred pounds on the scale. Still, when she walked into the party that night, she stuck out her chin and let them know she had arrived. The Portland house belonged to a friend of a friend, she wasn’t really sure who. But, between the bass-heavy beat of the music and the excited energy of the young people milling around, this felt like the place to be. Even though she was still in the dawn of her teenage years, Earth Feather already had plenty of experience with booze, and not just to liven-up a party. She’d learned the hard way that liquor could soothe a tortured heart, at least temporarily. So, just like so many other nights, she grabbed a bottle. There were a lot of familiar faces at this house party, but a lot of strangers, too. And, when Earth-Feather went down to the hall to use the bathroom, she wasn’t alone. A group of young men grabbed her and refused to let her go.She was kidnapped, raped and held as a slave. It’s a sickening story that’s all too familiar for so many young Indigenous women all over the nation.But now, new laws and new efforts are being made to stop the cycle and find justice for the families of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women from the Pacific Northwest and around the country.If you are a family member of a missing person and would like their photo to be included on the Washington State Patrol Missing Person’s website, please contact:Missing and Unidentified Persons Unitmupu@wsp.wa.gov(800) 543-5678Or the WSP Tribal LiaisonsPatti Gosch                                       Dawn Pullinpatti.gosch@wsp.wa.gov              dawn.pullin@wsp.wa.gov(360) 280-0567                                (360) 890-0150Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/scene-of-the-crime699/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy