Digest

This episode of Small Town Murder Express delves into the case of David Vines, who was convicted of murdering his wife, Dawn. The podcast begins with an introduction to the case and the hosts, James Petra Gallo and Jimmy Whistman, who provide updates on upcoming live shows and promote their Patreon page. The episode then focuses on the relationship between David and Dawn, which was marked by drug use, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. The hosts detail the events leading up to Dawn's disappearance, including David's confession to tying her up and putting duct tape over her mouth, claiming she died accidentally from choking on her own vomit. The podcast then reveals the shocking details of how David disposed of Dawn's body, boiling her remains in a vat of boiling water for four days and then mixing them with restaurant waste. The episode continues with a discussion of the trial, Vines's defense strategy, and the jury's verdict of second-degree murder. The podcast concludes with a look at Vines's parole hearing in 2021, where he expressed remorse for his actions but was ultimately denied parole.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Case Overview

This chapter introduces the case of David Vines and Dawn, highlighting their troubled relationship and the events leading up to Dawn's disappearance.

00:01:00

Small Town Murder Express: Introduction and Live Show Announcements

The hosts introduce the podcast and announce upcoming live shows in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and a virtual live show. They also promote their Patreon page for bonus content.

00:03:37

This Week's Murder: David Vines and Dawn

The hosts introduce the case of David Vines and Dawn, a couple who moved to Lomita, California, and whose relationship was marked by drug use, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence.

00:45:10

David's Confession and Suicide Attempt

David confesses to tying up Dawn and putting duct tape over her mouth, claiming she died accidentally from choking on her own vomit. He later attempts suicide by jumping off a cliff but survives.

00:55:39

David's Hospital Bed Confession and the Gruesome Discovery

David confesses to boiling Dawn's remains in a vat of boiling water for four days and then mixing them with restaurant waste.

00:58:15

The Case of David Vines: Trial and Defense

This chapter details the case of David Vines, who was accused of murdering his wife, Dawn. The podcast discusses the events leading up to Dawn's death, including Vines's confession to restraining her with duct tape. The chapter also focuses on the trial and Vines's defense strategy, which involved claiming he was under the influence of Ambien and alcohol.

01:10:13

The Verdict and Sentencing

The jury found Vines guilty of second-degree murder. The podcast discusses the sentencing and Vines's subsequent appeals.

01:11:45

Parole Hearing and Confession

This chapter covers Vines's parole hearing in 2021. He expressed remorse for his actions and claimed that he had been working on becoming a better person. However, the parole board denied his request.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the relationship like between David Vines and Dawn?

  Their relationship was marked by drug use, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. Dawn was a heavy drinker and drug user, and David was known to be controlling and abusive.

• What happened to Dawn?

  Dawn disappeared in October 2009, and her disappearance was later investigated as a homicide. David confessed to tying her up and putting duct tape over her mouth, claiming she died accidentally from choking on her own vomit.

• What was David's motive for killing Dawn?

  David claimed he snapped after finding Dawn stealing money from the restaurant. However, the investigation revealed that he had a history of drug use and violence, and that he had been trying to hire a hitman to kill Dawn.

• What happened to David after he attempted suicide?

  David survived the suicide attempt and was taken to the hospital. He was later arrested and charged with Dawn's murder.

• What was David Vines's defense strategy in the trial?

  Vines's defense was based on the claim that he was under the influence of Ambien and alcohol at the time of Dawn's death. He argued that the drugs caused him to act irrationally and that he did not intend to kill her.

• What was the outcome of Vines's parole hearing in 2021?

  The parole board denied Vines's request for parole. Despite his expressions of remorse and claims of rehabilitation, the board determined that he was still a danger to society.

• What was the most shocking detail revealed in Vines's confession?

  The most shocking detail was Vines's confession that he boiled Dawn's body in a vat of boiling water for four days and then mixed her remains with restaurant waste. This gruesome act highlights the brutality and depravity of the crime.

Show Notes