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Description
Like a real-life Phantom of the Opera, Southern California local theater actor Daniel Wozniak lured his victims, Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi, in the attic of a theatre, where he would kill and dismember them before performing on stage the very same night. As of now, Wozniak alone sits on San Quentin's death row. But is there room for more? Is Rachel Buffett, a former Disney Princess and Dan's ex fiancee, an accomplice in the murderous scheme? Simultaneous to the launch of SLEUTH, today began Rachel's trial for accessory after the fact . Will justice prevail or will she completely walk free from her role in the crimes. Should she have been charged with murder? Investigative journalist and host of Sleuth Linda Sawyer, follows this story till it's ultimate conclusion, so that the victim's families finally learn the whole picture of what happened to their loved ones.
23 Episodes
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In the premiere episode of Sleuth, investigative reporter and host Linda Sawyer takes us through the details of Southern California theatre actor Daniel Wozniak's double murder case. This real life Phantom of The Opera says he murdered and dismembered his friends for money. But did Daniel kill alone? Was his Disney Princess fiancee at the time, Rachel Buffett, the true mastermind in these killings of victims Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi? Will Rachel walk free from any culpability she had in the crimes? Follow Sleuth and learn the whole truth of what happened with all it's twists and turns in this gruesome story.
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Steve Herr sits down with investigative journalist Linda Sawyer as they discuss their shared odyssey to connect the pieces of an intricate puzzle. Together Sawyer and Herr form an impenetrable bond in order to seek the truth and expose the murdeous contingent, who plotted and planned the execution of Herr's only child Sam Herr along with Sam's friend Julie Kibuishi. For now only Dan Wozniak sits as a convicted killer in a San Quentin cell. But this unexpected duo are convinced there are others involved who still walk free. In this episode hear why Daniel Wozniak's ex-fiancee and former Disney Princess, Rachel Buffett, is first on their list of possible accomplices.
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Defense counsel Scott Sanders shares his legal insights on the Daniel Wozniak double homicide capital case. He'll take us through his perspective on what he believes were some of the most troubling aspects of the prosecution effort to get the death penalty.
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In this exclusive excerpt, Steve Herr thanks Linda Sawyer for her ongoing investigation into the murder of his son, Sam Herr.
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This week on Sleuth you'll hear from Rachel Buffet's boyfriend soon after Daniel Wozniak was arrested for murdering his two friends. Scott Erhedt sits down with Linda Sawyer to share his shocking insights into their nearly two year relationship. We believe Erhedt would have made for a compelling witness in Rachel buffets accessory to murder trial.
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Check in for another SLEUTH Exclusive. We hear from Scott Ehredt who shares much more about his two year relationship with Former Disney Princess Rachel Buffett. He dated her soon after Buffett's ex fiancee, Daniel Wozniak was incarcerated for the murders of his friends Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi. Ehredt provides listeners with a unique view into the world of Rachel that you wouldn't have the opportunity to learn anywhere else.
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This week on Sleuth, you’ll hear from another close inner circle friend of Rachel and Dan’s who we felt could have been an excellent potential State witness for Rachel’s trial. Audrey McVay was their third wheel for most of the time Rachel and Dan were an item, up until the week before the murders. What was it that she sensed that made her realize it was time to check out? Audrey McVay sits down EXCLUSIVELY with SLEUTH as she recounts chilling stories of the infamous couple, who Audrey at one time considered her dearest friends.
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10. Ashlee Mathis was a member of the infamous Taco Tuesday clan that partied together with the group of neighbors at Camden Martinique Apartments including: Dan Wozniak, Rachel Buffett and victims Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi. Ashlee adored Sam and Julie but never really hit it off with Rachel or Dan. What she shares with SLEUTH is one of the most disturbing stories we have heard regarding Rachel Buffett and her role in the murders. In fact, Wozniak Defense Counsel, Scott Sanders has told SLEUTH he sees Ashlee Mathis tale as the most telling information that points to Rachel Buffett's guilt. And that's not all she has to say. Ashlee has another story that helps put Tim Wozniak, Daniel Wozniak's older brother, square at the crime scene on the day of Julie Kibuishi's murder.
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11: It was the fall of 2006 when Krystin Crane enrolled in Long Beach Community. Krystin decided to join the theatre department, and there is where she met Rachel Buffett. At first, Krystin thought that the young beauty was nice - but a bit awkward. After learning that Rachel was homeschooled, Krystin attributed Rachel's social disconnect to the lack of peer engagement that Rachel had experienced during Rachel’s formative years. But one day, during a break in their theatre rehearsal of Antigone, Rachel invited Krystin for a coffee run. It was then that Krystin learned just how disconnected Rachel was from any moral sense of right and wrong.
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12. Ordained Minister, Daniel Halkyard has known Daniel Wozniak since he was a young boy. Hear what he has to say about the convicted murderer and death row inmate, he still loves like a son.
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13. This week we are back in a Santa Ana courtroom for our front row trial coverage of Rachel Buffett’s accessory to murder trial. Matt Murphy has prosecuted his case for nearly a week and is ready for his closing arguments. David Medina, Rachel’s defense counsel feels so confident he has presented plenty of reasonable doubt in the trial, that he doesn’t put on a single witness. Court spectators wondered whether Rachel herself would take the stand in her defense. After all, not more than a month before the trial, Rachel was presented an offer that included pleading guilty to a misdemeanor with no jail time. She turned it down and expressed wanting her day in court. So why did she tell the judge she didn’t think it was necessary she take the stand? Perhaps it will all make sense as we listen in to both Matt Murphy and David Medina’s closing arguments to jurors. Our Sleuth guest, Daniel Wozniak’s defense counsel Scott Sanders, returns to analyze the final summations from both counsel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14. On this episode of SLEUTH, we are once again back to our Santa Ana, California courtroom front row seat, as the accessory to murder trial of Rachel Buffett comes to a close. Prosecutor Matt Murphy and Defense Counsel David Medina delivered powerful summations to the jury of twelve. Matt Murphy believes he has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that Rachel Buffett is guilty of lying to police and helping her fiancee Daniel Wozniak cover up for his murderous crimes. David Medina argued to jurors that this case should be considered “the poster case for reasonable doubt” believing that he put on a defense that proves Rachel had nothing to do with the murders. Medina goes one step further by suggesting Rachel Buffett helped police by cooperating in helping lead police to— as Medina suggests “a treasure trove of evidence” to help convict— the man he calls “the monster Daniel Wozniak". Both attorneys have now learned the members of the jury are unanimously in agreement as to a verdict. Have you made a determination on what the verdict will be? Let’s listen as the jury forewoman renders their decision. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15. With Rachel Buffett's accessory to murder trial concluded, the spectators including family and friends are ushered out of court, with the media and their crews not far behind. The word is quickly spread that a formal press conference is taking place on a lower level in the Santa Ana courthouse as the crowd slowly moves toward the elevator banks. Others chose the stairs so as not to be late in attending what media folks call a “presser”—an event which I and my SLEUTH team attended as well. What promised to be a happy moment of closure for Steve and Raquel Herr and June and Masa Kibuishi…turned into an event that prosecutor Matt Murphy chose to instead, roast me and my podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16. Throughout this podcast, I have attempted to share with our listeners various interviews with people who knew the ex-Disney princess Rachel Buffett. You've heard conversations with people that knew Rachel prior to her meeting Dan, during her time with Dan as his fiancee and the time subsequent to Dan Wozniak’s arrest and incarceration. But how much do we know about Dan prior to his courtship with Rachel Buffett? Meet Kristen and John Spath, who’s daughter Brittany dated Dan prior to Rachel Buffet. Most of the people I have spoken to told me, they believe Brittany was the love of Dan’s life. Kristen and John were like family to Dan referring to Kristen as Mama and John as the big guy. They have family memories to share that included Dan. With a surprise couple of guests that the Spaths could have never anticipated arriving at their front door the week of the murders. All these stories and more you won't hear anywhere else but here on Sleuth. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17. In this episode, we invite Dr. Vonda Pelto to the program. If you recall from episode one, I describe how my investigative journey first began on this case at Dr. Pelto’s Southern California home. It was early December of 2015, and I was commissioned to report and write a profile piece on Dr. Pelto who enjoyed a colorful career as a psychologist with an office in the Los Angeles Men’s County Jail. It was there, she treated her patients who just happened to be some of the most prolific serial killers that terrorized Los Angeles residents back in the eighties. After our interview, Dr. Pelto included me in a small gathering of her neighbors for a Christmas celebration at the house. On that evening, I met local theatre owners Jeff and Nancy Hathcock, where Daniel Wozniak performed as the lead for their musicals. It was also the same location where Daniel killed and dismembered his first victim Sam Herr in the attic of their Liberty Theatre. From that moment, I never returned home, and thus began my odyssey in uncovering the details of this case. We now welcome Dr. Pelto. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18. On this episode of Sleuth you will hear for the first time, in his own words, double murderer Daniel Wozniak describe in detail, the events leading up to his murderous crimes. Sleuth has exclusively obtained three actual jailhouse calls Daniel Wozniak made to Rachel Buffett before and after his confession to the Costa Mesa Police for murdering both Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi. Sleuth invited Wozniak lead Detective Mike Cohen to the program. Detective Cohen was instrumental in procuring a confession from Daniel Wozniak. He is here with us to share his firsthand insights into each conversation between the convicted lovers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Sleuth, we hope you recognize our efforts throughout this podcast, to shine a light on just how justice is dispensed and determined in Orange County, California. With the checks and balances a platform like SLEUTH has brought to bare on this subject, there is now a new District Attorney in town. On November 6th the people of Orange County spoke and voted in new DA Todd Spitzer, who dethroned twenty year incumbent Tony Rackauckas. Mr. Spitzer won on a platform of cleaning up corruption in the Orange County DA’s office. With that, we welcome a timely roundtable discussion with a trio of guests including: Wozniak defense counsel Scott Sanders, victim advocate Paul Wilson, who lost his wife of twenty six years to Mr. Sanders client Scott Dekraai, and a thirty year award winning veteran journalist, Scott Moxley. Mr. Moxley, through his Moxley Confidential OC weekly column, informs the publicly by keeping an eye on the political and legal maneuvering which takes place in the Orange County justice system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 20. With another exclusive, Sleuth speaks to Tim Wozniak’s lifelong former friend Bob Castillo. Bob shares his stories that help present a window into Tim Wozniak’s world. Bob’s insights reveal Tim’s role in the murders of Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi. Murders that for now, only his younger brother Dan sits alone for, on San Quentin’s death row. Sources tell me that Daniel Wozniak worries, that this podcast will reveal enough of Tim’s participation which could ultimately land Tim in a cell right next to his brother. Is he right? Listen and decide for yourselves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Christmas here, the team at Sleuth has taken the week off, but sit tight, because the finale is just around the corner. For the last episode of Sleuth, you will have a chance to ask me, Linda Sawyer, the lingering questions you've had all season. Please leave all your questions on our Sleuth facebook page at facebook.com/sleuthpodcast, and we will do our best to answer each one. And that's not all. Our Season One SLEUTH finale will include an exclusive surprise guest. A guest you have been patiently waiting to hear from and one you will not want to miss. So for now, go to our Sleuth Facebook page and start asking away. Happy Holiday wishes to one and all. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The host really needs to stop interrupting the interviewees! Let THEM narrate what they know rather than telling them the same story again and again.
oh my God drugs oh my God drugs oh my God oh my God
Gosh I wish someone would pick up this mantle. Such a great show.
Do I think Rachel is absolutely involved in the murder? Yes. Do I think the episode with Linda and Rachel’s ex is basically an entire hour of rampant misogyny and basically Linda giggling and laughing at Rachel’s ex-boyfriend calling her a slut and a prostitute? Also yes. Linda needs to know the difference between presenting evidence to show Rachel’s involvement in the murder of two people and just bringing irrelevant, misogynistic gossip to the table for no reason.
Do I think Rachel is absolutely involved in the murder? Yes. Do I think the episode with Linda and Rachel’s ex is basically an entire hour of rampant misogyny and basically Linda giggling and laughing at Rachel’s ex-boyfriend calling her a slut and a prostitute? Also yes. Linda needs to know the difference between presenting evidence to show Rachel’s involvement in the murder of two people and just bringing irrelevant, misogynistic gossip to the table for no reason.
Do I think Rachel is absolutely involved in the murder? Yes. Do I think the episode with Linda and Rachel’s ex is basically an entire hour of rampant misogyny and basically Linda giggling and laughing at Rachel’s ex-boyfriend calling her a slut and a prostitute? Also yes. Linda needs to know the difference between presenting evidence to show Rachel’s involvement in the murder of two people and just bringing irrelevant, misogynistic gossip to the table for no reason.
This poor guy is refusing to see that Dan Wozniak is just a chameleon. He becomes whoever the person he's with wants him to be.
He sounds like Keith Morrison
That voice is the reason I skipped this episode...
Holy Hell! Not every home schooled child is kept hidden away from the world. God damn stop generalizing.
loved this podcast up until this episode.
Linda, I think that you did an excellent job of investigating all of the details and people involved in this case. Your work was thorough and respectful of Julie and Sam. I just finished listening to the last episode. I hope that you were able to speak with Costa Mesa PD. Even though the outcome may not have been one that you had hoped for, please take heart in knowing that you are an excellent journalist, and that you did everything you could to find justice.
I thought the boyfriend's 3 part repetitive interview was annoying..SHEESH. This girl may have the MOST grating voice Ive ever heard in my life. she's also a bit dramatic. Chill girl, chill...
What an annoying interview. "Like oh my goooooosh!"
Does anyone know what season and episode it was on the Dr Phil show?
please don't think less of me....*7 seconds later* I shot him twice in the back of the head. lol
this podcast is so repetitive. needs some editing.
I can’t find 4,5, and 6???
lmao when he told her he killed julie she immediatly assumed he killed sam too
i skipped the press conference cuz the audio was so bad urgh , hope i didnt miss anything.