394: Worst Ex Ever Ep 1: Dating The Devil
Digest
This podcast delves into the harrowing experiences of multiple women who were victims of Ben Foster's abuse. The episode begins with Angie Miller's chilling 911 call after finding her friend Justine in a dangerous situation with Ben. The podcast then focuses on Amber's story, detailing her relationship with Ben, his controlling behavior, and the escalating violence that led to her seeking help from the police. The podcast highlights the police's inaction in both Amber and Jamie's cases, despite their repeated attempts to seek help. Jamie's story is particularly harrowing, as she recounts being held captive by Ben for three weeks, enduring physical and emotional abuse. The podcast also explores the tragic deaths of Richard Barron and his caretaker, Donald Griffith, who were found deceased at Richard's house, allegedly at the hands of Ben. The episode concludes with Ben's suicide after a manhunt, leaving behind a trail of devastation and highlighting the lasting impact of domestic violence on its victims. The podcast emphasizes the importance of seeking help and supporting victims of domestic violence, while also criticizing the police's failure to protect women from abusers.
Outlines
The Man of a Thousand Kids: Introduction and Drag Vingo Announcement
The podcast hosts introduce the episode's topic, "Man of the Thousand Kids," and announce their monthly Drag Vingo event for Patreon members.
Angie Miller's Horrifying 911 Call and the Police's Response
Angie Miller recounts her experience calling 911 after finding her friend Justine in a dangerous situation with Ben Foster. The story highlights the terrifying events and the shocking response from the police.
Amber's Story: A Relationship Marked by Control and Violence
The podcast delves into Amber's story, detailing her relationship with Ben Foster, his controlling behavior, and the violent incident that led to her seeking help from the police.
Jamie's Story: A Relationship with Ben Foster
The podcast introduces Jamie, another woman who had a relationship with Ben Foster. Jamie describes Ben's initial charm and his kindness towards her dog, Maya, but reveals his violent nature and controlling behavior.
Jamie's Captivity and Escape
Jamie recounts her harrowing experience of being held captive by Ben for three weeks, enduring escalating violence and manipulation. She describes her escape from Ben's apartment and the subsequent police response.
Ben's Escape and Justine's Story
The podcast shifts focus to Justine, another victim of Ben's abuse. Justine recounts her experience with Ben, describing him as initially charming and non-threatening. She details how she discovered his violent past and alerted her boss, leading to his firing.
Ben's Suicide and the Aftermath
The podcast concludes with the discovery of Ben's body at Justine's house. The police tracked him down after a cab company was used to transport him. Ben was found hiding in the crawl space of the house and shot himself. The podcast emphasizes Justine's resilience and survival despite the trauma she endured.
Keywords
Domestic Violence
A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.
Stalking
A pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear or distress in the victim. It can include following, watching, contacting, or threatening the victim.
Krav Maga
A self-defense system developed in Israel that emphasizes practical and effective techniques for real-life situations. It is known for its focus on realistic threats and its use of instinctive movements.
Stockholm Syndrome
A psychological phenomenon in which hostages develop a bond with their captors, often feeling sympathy or even affection for them. It can occur in situations of prolonged captivity or abuse.
Trauma Response
A natural reaction to a traumatic event that can manifest in various ways, including emotional distress, physical symptoms, and behavioral changes. It is a normal response to an abnormal situation.
Police Inaction
The failure of law enforcement to adequately investigate, respond to, or protect victims of crime, particularly in cases of domestic violence.
Manhunt
A concerted effort by law enforcement to locate and apprehend a fugitive or criminal suspect. It often involves the use of resources such as police officers, detectives, and specialized units.
Q&A
What are some of the red flags that Amber and Jamie noticed in Ben's behavior?
Amber noticed Ben's controlling jealousy, his obsession with weapons, and his tendency to isolate her from friends and family. Jamie observed Ben's lack of presence, his constant thinking about his exes, and his tendency to lie about his past.
Why do you think the police were so reluctant to help Amber and Jamie?
The hosts speculate that the police may have been influenced by Ben's lies, their own biases, or a lack of training in recognizing and responding to domestic violence. They also suggest that the police may have been dismissive of Amber and Jamie because they were women.
What are some resources available for victims of domestic violence?
The hosts encourage listeners to reach out to friends, family, and support organizations for help. They also mention that they will provide resources at the end of the episode.
How can we be better friends and support those who may be experiencing domestic violence?
The hosts emphasize the importance of checking in with friends and family, making it clear that they can confide in you, and offering support without judgment. They also encourage listeners to be aware of the signs of domestic violence and to take action if they suspect someone is in danger.
How did Jamie escape from Ben's captivity?
Jamie escaped while Ben and his dog were at the store. She ran into the store and sought help from an employee, who helped her escape through the back door. She then found a good Samaritan who took her to the hospital.
What was the police's response to Jamie's situation?
The police were criticized for their lack of trust and support for Jamie. They allowed her to walk into a kidnapping situation and did not take her seriously when she reported the abuse.
What happened to Ben after he was arrested?
Ben was arrested on multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault, and battery. However, the DA cut a deal with him, resulting in a lesser sentence. He was released from custody in October 2021.
How did Justine discover Ben's violent past?
Justine discovered Ben's violent past after he asked her for clean urine. She googled him and found information about his previous abuse of other women.
What happened to Richard Barron and his caretaker, Donald Griffith?
Richard Barron and his caretaker, Donald Griffith, were found deceased at Richard's house. The police suspect that Ben had broken in, held them hostage, and then killed them.
Show Notes
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