Digest

This episode of Casefile Presents introduces "Troubled Waters," a new podcast that delves into the mysterious death of Louisa Ewanetus, a young woman found dead in a creek in Melbourne, Australia. The podcast, led by seasoned private investigator Julia Robsen, uncovers a gripping narrative full of intrigue, including an international kidnapping and a daring escape. The episode then shifts to a separate case involving Richard Beasley, a man who used Craigslist to lure victims to a secluded location, where he would kill them and steal their identities. Beasley's crimes were eventually uncovered when one of his victims, Scott Davis, managed to escape and alert authorities. The investigation led to the discovery of the bodies of three men, Ralph Geiger, David Paulie, and Timothy Kern, all of whom had been lured by Beasley's false job offers. Beasley was eventually arrested and sentenced to death, while his accomplice, Brogan Raffity, was sentenced to life in prison. The episode concludes by highlighting the vulnerabilities of Beasley's victims, who were all middle-aged and struggling financially, making them susceptible to Beasley's deceptive promises. The episode also emphasizes the importance of family and friends in noticing when someone goes missing, as the victims' loved ones played a crucial role in bringing Beasley's crimes to light.

Outlines

00:00:00

Louisa Ewanetus's Untimely Death

This Chapter introduces the case of Louisa Ewanetus, a 24-year-old woman who died in 2011. Her death was initially dismissed as a drowning accident, but the podcast "Troubled Waters" investigates the circumstances surrounding her death, uncovering a complex and intriguing story.

00:01:35

Jeff Shockling's Encounter

This Chapter introduces Jeff Shockling, a 37-year-old man who encounters a wounded stranger at his mother's house. The stranger, David Paulie, is seeking a fresh start and has recently taken a job as a caretaker on a secluded ranch in Ohio. This encounter sets the stage for a series of events that will lead to a shocking discovery.

00:16:26

Scott Davis's Job Offer

This Chapter introduces Scott Davis, a 48-year-old man who also responds to the same Craigslist ad that caught David Paulie's eye. Scott, seeking to help his mother, accepts the job offer and travels to Ohio to meet his new employer, Jack. However, the meeting takes a sinister turn when Jack attempts to shoot Scott in the woods.

00:27:53

Deborah Bruce's Discovery

This Chapter introduces Deborah Bruce, David Paulie's twin sister, who is searching for her missing brother. She comes across an article about Scott Davis's attempted murder and realizes that David had also responded to the same Craigslist ad. This connection leads to a renewed investigation and the discovery of David's body.

00:31:00

Tracking Down Jack

This Chapter details the investigation into the identity of Jack, the mysterious ranch owner. Investigators use the Craigslist ad to trace Jack's IP address, leading them to a house in Akron, Ohio. They discover that Jack is actually Ralph Geiger, a homeless man who had been lured by Richard Beasley, the true mastermind behind the scheme.

00:33:31

Brogan Raffity's Involvement

This Chapter introduces Brogan Raffity, a 16-year-old boy who was Beasley's accomplice. Brogan admits to meeting Scott Davis at Shoney's diner but denies any knowledge of the shooting. However, a search of his home reveals a briefcase containing weapons and a poem that suggests his involvement in the murders.

00:36:38

Richard Beasley's Past

This Chapter delves into the background of Richard Beasley, revealing his troubled past and his manipulative relationship with Brogan Raffity. Beasley, a former churchgoer, had a history of criminal activity and used his charisma to exploit vulnerable individuals.

00:45:33

The Murder of Ralph Geiger

This Chapter details the murder of Ralph Geiger, who was lured by Beasley under the pretense of a caretaker job. Brogan Raffity confesses to witnessing Beasley shoot Ralph in the woods and helping him bury the body.

00:47:19

Beasley's Craigslist Scheme

This Chapter reveals Beasley's elaborate scheme to lure victims through Craigslist ads, offering them seemingly idyllic jobs on a secluded ranch. He targeted vulnerable individuals, including David Paulie, Scott Davis, and Timothy Kern, and killed them for their possessions and identities.

01:08:56

The Victims' Stories

This Chapter reflects on the impact of Beasley's crimes on the victims and their families. The episode highlights the close relationships the victims had with their loved ones and how their disappearances sparked investigations that ultimately led to Beasley's arrest and conviction.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main focus of the "Troubled Waters" podcast?

  The "Troubled Waters" podcast investigates the mysterious death of Louisa Ewanetus, a young woman found dead in a creek in Melbourne, Australia. The podcast explores the circumstances surrounding her death, uncovering a complex and intriguing story.

• How did Richard Beasley lure his victims?

  Richard Beasley used Craigslist to post fake job ads, offering seemingly idyllic jobs on a secluded ranch. He targeted vulnerable individuals, including middle-aged men who were struggling financially and had few personal ties.

• What role did Brogan Raffity play in Beasley's crimes?

  Brogan Raffity was Beasley's accomplice. He helped Beasley lure victims, witnessed the murders, and assisted in burying the bodies. He was initially charged with multiple crimes but later pleaded guilty to one count of complicity to murder and one count of attempted murder.

• What led to the discovery of Beasley's crimes?

  One of Beasley's victims, Scott Davis, managed to escape and alert authorities. The investigation led to the discovery of the bodies of three men, Ralph Geiger, David Paulie, and Timothy Kern, all of whom had been lured by Beasley's false job offers.

• What was the outcome of Beasley's trial?

  Richard Beasley was convicted of three counts of aggravated murder and one count of attempted murder. He was sentenced to death, with his sentence yet to be carried out.

• What was the impact of Beasley's crimes on his victims and their families?

  Beasley's crimes had a devastating impact on his victims and their families. The victims were all middle-aged men who were struggling financially and had few personal ties. Their families were left heartbroken and searching for answers. The episode highlights the importance of family and friends in noticing when someone goes missing, as the victims' loved ones played a crucial role in bringing Beasley's crimes to light.

• What were some of the vulnerabilities of Beasley's victims?

  Beasley's victims were all middle-aged men who were struggling financially and had few personal ties. They were susceptible to Beasley's deceptive promises because they were desperate for a fresh start and a better life.

• What was the significance of the surrogate family relationship between Beasley and Brogan Raffity?

  Beasley had a surrogate family relationship with Brogan Raffity, who was dependent on Beasley's affection and approval. This relationship allowed Beasley to manipulate and control Brogan, making him complicit in his crimes.

• How did Scott Davis confront Beasley in court?

  Scott Davis delivered a victim impact statement in court, confronting Beasley about his crimes. He called Beasley a liar, a thief, and a murderer, and said that he was the one who got away.

• What is the significance of the "Troubled Waters" podcast?

  The "Troubled Waters" podcast highlights the importance of investigating seemingly ordinary deaths and the power of family and friends in noticing when someone goes missing. It also serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of individuals who are struggling financially and the dangers of trusting strangers.

Show Notes