Digest

This episode of "Small Town Murder" delves into the chilling case of Cody Posey, a 14-year-old boy who killed his father, stepmother, and stepsister after enduring years of severe abuse. The episode begins with the discovery of a bloody crime scene at the ranch of renowned news anchor Sam Donaldson, where the ranch caretaker, Delbert Paul Posey, is missing. The investigation reveals a disturbing history of violence and abuse within the Posey family, with Cody as the primary victim. The episode explores the unique characteristics of Hondo, New Mexico, where the ranch is located, highlighting the stark contrast between wealthy ranchers and impoverished ranch hands. The hosts discuss the limited entertainment options available in Hondo, focusing on the annual Hondo Fiesta and Enchilada Dinner, the Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days, and the Smokey the Bear Historical Park. The episode then delves into the troubled past of Delbert Paul Posey, revealing his multiple marriages, his history of violence towards his son Cody, and the tragic death of his parents in a murder-suicide. The episode recounts the tragic death of Carla Posey, Delbert Paul's ex-wife, in a car accident, and the profound impact of the tragedy on Cody's young life. The episode highlights the extent of Delbert Paul's control over Cody, as he claims custody of him after Carla's death, despite relinquishing parental rights. The aunt, who had been caring for Cody, is denied access to him, revealing the ongoing abuse and manipulation Cody endures at the hands of his father. The podcast delves into the troubled life of Cody, describing the constant criticism and abuse he faced from his father and stepmother. Slim Britton, a cowboy who worked on the ranch, testifies about witnessing Paul's physical abuse of Cody, including throwing a heavy coat at him, wrapping his hands with a hay hook, and slapping him with a glove. The episode culminates in the discovery of the crime scene, where the bodies of Paul, Tri, and Maralía are found buried in a manure pile. Cody is missing, but an anonymous tip leads the police to his friend's house, where he has been staying for two days. Cody confesses to the murders, revealing the extent of the abuse he suffered and his desire to escape the situation. The podcast shares a transcript of Cody's interrogation, where he details the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father and stepmother, including being choked, hit with a fly swatter, and forced to shoot a puppy. He also reveals that his father forced him to have sex with his stepmother. The episode explores the community's knowledge of the abuse Cody suffered, with a family friend, Rosie Aragon, revealing that she knew something would happen sooner or later because of the abuse. Sam Donaldson, the friend who discovered the crime scene, denies any knowledge of the abuse, while Paul's brother, Verlin, blames Cody's mother for implanting the idea of abuse in his mind. The podcast discusses the memorial for Mara Leoth, a young girl who was killed in the case, and the analysis of Delbert's computer, revealing searches for numerous porn websites, including those focused on incest. The episode follows Cody's journey through juvenile detention, his trial, and his eventual sentencing as a juvenile. The prosecution argues for an adult sentence, while the defense presents evidence of years of abuse and argues for a juvenile sentence. The judge ultimately sentences Cody as a juvenile, citing evidence of PTSD and depression, as well as the situational nature of the violence. The episode concludes with a discussion of the video game lawsuit filed by Cody's family against Sony and Rockstar Games, claiming that Grand Theft Auto Vice City contributed to Cody's actions. The lawsuit is ultimately dismissed for lack of legal basis. The episode also discusses Cody's release from custody, his current life, and the wrongful death lawsuit filed against him by his family.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Advertisement

This segment begins with an advertisement for Wondery Plus, highlighting the benefits of subscribing to the service. It then introduces the podcast "Small Town Murder" and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wisman.

00:00:27

Hondo, New Mexico: A Bloodbath at a Famous Man's Ranch

The episode focuses on a gruesome discovery at the ranch of Sam Donaldson, a renowned news anchor. The ranch caretaker is missing, and blood is found throughout the property, leading to a chilling investigation.

00:05:05

Hondo, New Mexico: A Town of Extremes

The hosts delve into the demographics and characteristics of Hondo, New Mexico, revealing a town with a stark contrast between wealthy ranchers and impoverished ranch hands. The town's unique population distribution and high unemployment rate are discussed.

00:11:18

Hondo's Real Estate Market: A Look at the Properties

The hosts explore the real estate market in Hondo, highlighting the prevalence of large properties with acreage and the lack of traditional housing options. They analyze the pricing of various properties, including a manufactured home on three acres and a ranch with riverfront access.

00:15:06

Things to Do in Hondo: A Limited Selection

The hosts discuss the limited entertainment options available in Hondo, focusing on the annual Hondo Fiesta and Enchilada Dinner, the Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days, and the Smokey the Bear Historical Park.

00:21:54

The Case of the Missing Ranch Manager: Sam Donaldson's Ranch

The episode delves into the case of the missing ranch manager at Sam Donaldson's ranch. The discovery of blood and other evidence leads to a search for the missing caretaker and a potential murder investigation.

00:33:47

Delbert Paul Posey: A Troubled Past

The hosts introduce Delbert Paul Posey, the ranch caretaker, and explore his troubled past. They discuss his multiple marriages, his history of violence towards his son Cody, and the tragic death of his parents in a murder-suicide.

00:47:22

Tragedy Strikes: The Death of Carla Posey

The episode recounts the tragic death of Carla Posey, Delbert Paul's ex-wife, in a car accident. Cody, her son, witnesses her death and blames himself for the incident, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on his young life.

00:51:44

Cody's Fate: A Battle for Custody

Delbert Paul Posey, despite relinquishing parental rights, claims custody of Cody after Carla's death. The aunt, who had been caring for Cody, is denied access to him, revealing the extent of Delbert Paul's control over his son.

00:53:58

The Aftermath: Cody's Life Under Delbert Paul's Control

The episode concludes with a discussion of Cody's life under Delbert Paul's control. The aunt describes the restrictions placed on Cody, including limited contact with family and the denial of gifts and toys. The episode highlights the ongoing abuse and manipulation Cody endures at the hands of his father.

00:56:27

Cody's Troubled Life and Abusive Parents

The podcast delves into the troubled life of Cody, a 14-year-old boy living on a ranch with his father, Paul, and stepmother, Tri. Cody's teachers and a Sunday school teacher describe Paul and Tri as abusive, constantly criticizing Cody and preventing him from participating in sports or academic competitions.

01:02:52

Slim Britton's Testimony: Witnessing Abuse

Slim Britton, a cowboy who worked on the ranch, testifies about witnessing Paul's physical abuse of Cody. He describes Paul throwing a heavy coat at Cody, wrapping his hands with a hay hook, and slapping him with a glove. Slim also mentions Paul's harsh words and lack of affection towards Cody.

01:08:09

The Discovery of the Crime Scene and the Missing Cody

Sam Donaldson, a friend of the family, discovers a bloody crime scene at the ranch and calls the police. The deputies find blood trails, broken eyeglasses, and a backhoe. They later discover the bodies of Paul, Tri, and Maralía, Cody's sister, buried in a manure pile. Cody is missing.

01:12:29

The Autopsy Results: Multiple Gunshot Wounds

The autopsies reveal that Tri, Paul, and Maralía all died from gunshot wounds to the head. Tri had two gunshot wounds, one with a bullet and the other with snake shot. Paul had a single gunshot wound, and Maralía had five gunshot wounds.

01:19:16

Cody's Disappearance and the Anonymous Tip

Cody is missing from the crime scene. An anonymous tip leads the police to Cody's friend's house, where he has been staying for two days. Cody tells the police that he left home on Monday morning and hasn't been able to contact his family.

01:21:55

Cody's Interrogation and the Burn Marks

The police interrogate Cody, who tells them that he left home on Monday morning and hasn't been able to contact his family. He has burn marks on his left shoulder, which he claims he got from leaning against hot metal while welding.

01:24:30

Cody's Confession: The Abuse and the Murders

Cody breaks down and confesses to the murders of his father, stepmother, and sister. He says he was tired of the abuse and that he shot them with a gun he found in his sister's saddle bag. He also reveals that his father had forced him to shoot a puppy and made him repeat the sixth grade.

01:37:32

The Interrogation Transcript: Cody's Account of the Abuse

The podcast shares a transcript of Cody's interrogation, where he details the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father and stepmother. He describes being choked, hit with a fly swatter, and forced to shoot a puppy. He also reveals that his father forced him to have sex with his stepmother.

01:42:19

The Investigation Continues: Searching for the Welding Rod

The investigators search the ranch home but do not find the welding rod that Cody claims his father used to burn him. They also interview Cody's teacher and aunt, who confirm the abuse and express their concern for Cody's well-being.

01:46:55

The Community's Knowledge of the Abuse

The podcast explores the community's knowledge of the abuse Cody suffered. A family friend, Rosie Aragon, says she knew something would happen sooner or later because of the abuse. She also reveals that Cody was not allowed to have friends over or go to their homes.

01:49:02

Sam Donaldson's Denial of the Abuse

Sam Donaldson, the friend who discovered the crime scene, denies any knowledge of the abuse. He describes the family as "all-American" and says he never witnessed any abuse.

01:50:44

Paul's Brother's Denial and the Community's Silence

Paul's brother, Verlin, denies any knowledge of the abuse and blames Cody's mother for implanting the idea of abuse in his mind. He also claims that the teachers and school counselors never reported any abuse.

01:54:13

Mara Leoth's Memorial

The podcast discusses the memorial for Mara Leoth, a young girl who was killed in the case. Her biological father, Jake, is described as a decent human being who deeply loved his daughter.

01:56:45

Delbert's Computer Analysis

The podcast delves into the analysis of Delbert's computer, revealing searches for numerous porn websites, including those focused on incest. The nature of the searches is unclear, but it raises questions about Delbert's potential involvement in the case.

01:57:59

Cody's Time in Juvenile Detention

Cody is arrested for the murders and spends 18 months in juvenile detention. During this time, he is involved in 10 fights and spends 80 days in solitary confinement. Despite this, staff members testify that he is amenable to treatment and cooperative.

01:59:38

The Trial Begins

The trial begins, and the judge rules that evidence of Cody's pornographic searches is admissible. The prosecution focuses on the brutality of the murders and Cody's actions after the killings, painting him as a cold and callous individual.

02:04:58

The Defense's Argument

The defense argues that Cody killed his family members because they acted as a unit, including his stepsister, who they claim was complicit in the abuse. They present evidence of years of physical and emotional abuse, including burns inflicted on Cody in an attempt to force him to have sex with his stepmother.

02:07:16

Verlin's Testimony

Verlin, Cody's brother, testifies for the prosecution, claiming he never heard his brother express hate for Cody or saw him physically abuse him. This testimony is questioned, as hate and abuse can exist without being openly expressed.

02:10:30

Defense Witnesses Testify

The defense calls 14 witnesses to testify about the abuse Cody endured. They describe his tense and withdrawn behavior around his father and corroborate claims of abuse with shovels, rocks, hay hooks, and other implements.

02:12:04

Cody Takes the Stand

Cody takes the stand and tells a dramatic series of stories about a life of persistent physical abuse and verbal belittlement. He recounts his mother's funeral, where his father demanded custody of him despite Cody's pleas for protection from abuse.

02:15:15

Psychological Testimony

Defense psychologists and psychiatrists testify that Cody's ability to reason and control himself was diminished by anger and fear at the time of the killings. They attribute his actions to chronic depression, PTSD, and physical and sexual abuse.

02:19:18

The Verdict

The jury finds Cody guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his stepsister, second-degree murder in the death of his stepmother, and voluntary manslaughter in the death of his father. They also find him guilty of four counts of evidence tampering.

02:22:16

Reactions to the Verdict

The family reacts to the verdict with a mix of emotions. Cody's aunt collapses from crying and is taken out of the courtroom on a stretcher. Cody's uncle, Verlin, is pleased with the verdict, while Cody's former stepmother expresses support for him.

02:24:19

The Sentencing Phase

The sentencing phase begins, with the prosecution arguing for an adult sentence for Cody, which would mean a minimum of 47 years in prison. The defense argues for a juvenile sentence, which would allow Cody to be released at age 21.

02:26:09

Public Support for Cody

Family members and supporters of Cody hold a rally outside the courthouse, pleading for a juvenile sentence. They hold signs, pray for him, and even travel from Hawaii to show their support.

02:27:02

The Sentencing Hearing

The prosecution calls a psychologist who testifies that he does not believe Cody is amenable to treatment, citing his psychopathic traits. The defense counters with their own psychologists, who argue that the psychopathy checklist is not a reliable predictor of future behavior in adolescents.

02:29:13

Victim Impact Statements

Victim impact statements are given, with Verlin expressing his belief that Cody killed his stepsister to prevent her from refuting the abuse allegations. He describes Cody as a cold-blooded murderer and a danger to society.

02:31:34

Cody's Apology

Cody apologizes to the judge and pleads for an opportunity to better himself. He expresses regret for his actions and outlines his goals of graduating high school, studying computer science, and helping other abused children.

02:35:08

The Judge's Decision

The judge sentences Cody as a juvenile, citing evidence of PTSD and depression, as well as the situational nature of the violence. He acknowledges that Cody's actions were horrific but believes he is amenable to rehabilitation.

02:37:15

Reactions to the Sentence

The reactions to the sentence are mixed. The county sheriff criticizes the decision, arguing that it sends a message that juveniles can get away with murder. Cody's biological father, Jake, expresses forgiveness and believes Cody deserves a chance to grow up.

02:39:39

The Video Game Lawsuit

The podcast discusses a lawsuit filed by Cody's family against the video game company, Sony, and Rockstar Games, claiming that Grand Theft Auto Vice City contributed to Cody's actions. The lawsuit is ultimately dismissed for lack of legal basis.

02:42:22

Cody's Release

Cody is released from custody at age 21 after obtaining his high school degree and completing college credits. He has no disciplinary issues and serves as a mentor to other youths.

02:43:47

The Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The family files a wrongful death lawsuit against Cody, seeking $87 million in damages. They state that they do not plan to collect on the judgment but want to ensure that Cody cannot profit from his story.

02:44:39

Cody's Current Life

The podcast discusses a book, "Blind Eye," which is a thinly fictionalized version of Cody's story. Cody is currently living in Texas and working in the tire industry. He has also attended college.

02:54:34

Small Town Murder Wrap Up

The hosts wrap up the episode, thanking their listeners and encouraging them to spread the word about the podcast. They also remind listeners to follow them on social media and to check out their website for more information.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main focus of this episode of "Small Town Murder"?

  The episode focuses on the tragic story of Cody Posey, a 14-year-old boy who killed his abusive father, stepmother, and stepsister after years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

• What are some of the unique characteristics of Hondo, New Mexico?

  Hondo is a small town with a stark contrast between wealthy ranchers and impoverished ranch hands. The town has a unique population distribution, with a high median age and a lack of residents in younger age groups. The unemployment rate is also significantly higher than the national average.

• What is the significance of the Lincoln County Wars in the context of this episode?

  The Lincoln County Wars, a period of violence in the 1870s, are significant because they occurred in Lincoln County, where Hondo is located. The town's history is intertwined with the events of the wars, and the episode mentions the involvement of Billy the Kid in the conflict.

• What is the nature of the relationship between Delbert Paul Posey and his son, Cody?

  Delbert Paul Posey has a history of violence and abuse towards his son, Cody. He has beaten Cody on multiple occasions, both physically and verbally, and has shown a lack of concern for his well-being. The episode highlights the devastating consequences of this abusive relationship on Cody's life.

• What is the significance of the car accident that results in the death of Carla Posey?

  The car accident that results in the death of Carla Posey is a turning point in the episode. Cody witnesses his mother's death and blames himself for the incident, adding to the trauma he has already experienced. The accident also leads to Delbert Paul Posey claiming custody of Cody, further isolating him from his family and support system.

• What is the overall message of this episode of "Small Town Murder"?

  This episode of "Small Town Murder" explores the dark side of small-town life, highlighting the prevalence of violence, abuse, and neglect. The episode also emphasizes the importance of protecting children from harm and the devastating consequences of child abuse.

• What kind of abuse did Cody suffer at the hands of his father and stepmother?

  Cody suffered physical abuse, including being hit with a hay hook, slapped with a glove, and choked. He was also emotionally abused, with his father constantly criticizing him and preventing him from participating in activities he enjoyed. Additionally, Cody was sexually abused by his father, who forced him to have sex with his stepmother.

• Why did Cody kill his family?

  Cody killed his family because he was tired of the abuse he suffered. He felt that he would be better off without them in his life. He also felt that his father was a danger to him and that he needed to protect himself.

• Why didn't anyone intervene to help Cody before the murders?

  The podcast explores the community's silence surrounding the abuse. While many people knew about the abuse, they did not report it to the authorities. This silence allowed the abuse to continue and ultimately led to the tragic murders.

Show Notes