Digest

This episode delves into the chilling case of the murders of Long-Win and Hong Li, an elderly couple brutally slain in their apartment. The investigation initially points towards a gang-related robbery gone wrong, but the staged crime scene and the victims' background raise suspicions. The episode explores the victims' immigrant story, their successful sewing business, and their financial struggles after losing a major contract. Seeking spiritual guidance, they turn to Daphne Wright, a spiritual advisor, who promises to help them overcome their financial woes. However, the investigation takes a dark turn when a 16-year-old, Willie Gillery, confesses to participating in the murders alongside his uncle, Bobby Gillery, at the behest of Daphne Wright. Daphne, it is revealed, had a financial dispute with the victims and orchestrated the murders to collect on their life insurance policies. The episode details the confessions of both Willie and Bobby, revealing Daphne's manipulative tactics and her role as the mastermind behind the murders. The investigation uncovers a ledger detailing Daphne's fees for spiritual services, including curse removal, further solidifying her involvement. Chao Tran, the son-in-law of the victims, testifies against Daphne, claiming she had a controlling influence over his family and that his mother-in-law was willing to sacrifice herself to pay off Daphne's debt. The episode concludes with Daphne Wright's conviction for capital murder and her sentencing to life in prison without parole. The episode also provides updates on the sentences of Willie Gillery and Bobby Gillery.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Rex Heurman and the Brutal Murder of an Elderly Couple

The episode introduces the case of Rex Heurman, an accused serial killer connected to the Gilgo Beach murders, and then delves into the discovery of an elderly couple, Long-Win and Hong Li, brutally murdered in their apartment. The scene is described as one of the most gruesome and violent the investigating officers have ever encountered.

00:07:23

The American Dream Turns into a Nightmare and Seeking Spiritual Solutions

The episode explores the background of the victims, Long-Win and Hong Li, who immigrated from Vietnam to pursue the American dream. They established a successful sewing business but faced financial difficulties after losing a major contract. The episode highlights the family's belief in traditional Vietnamese spiritualism and their attempt to seek help from a spiritual advisor, Daphne Wright, to overcome their financial woes.

00:11:49

The Investigation Begins and A Staged Crime Scene

The episode details the initial investigation by Arlington police, who find evidence suggesting a possible gang-related robbery gone wrong. However, the brutality of the crime raises suspicions. The episode reveals the detectives' growing skepticism about the gang theory due to the seemingly staged nature of the crime scene. They suspect a more personal motive and begin to investigate the family's financial situation.

00:21:59

A New Lead Emerges and Willie Gillery's Confession

The episode introduces a new lead in the case: Willie Gillery, a 16-year-old who was arrested for horse theft. His DNA matches evidence found at the crime scene, reigniting the investigation. The episode recounts Willie Gillery's confession, revealing that he participated in the murders with his uncle, Bobby Gillery, at the behest of Daphne Wright, a spiritual advisor who claimed the victims owed her money.

00:30:26

The Mastermind: Daphne Wright and Bobby Gillery's Confession

The episode focuses on Daphne Wright, the alleged mastermind behind the murders. Detectives investigate her background and discover she was a spiritual advisor who offered services to help businesses and families. The episode details Bobby Gillery's confession, confirming his involvement in the murders and implicating Daphne Wright as the orchestrator. He reveals that Daphne had a financial dispute with the victims and orchestrated the murders to collect on their life insurance policies.

00:35:59

A Shocking Accusation, Daphne Wright's Arrest, and Chao Tran's Testimony

The episode presents a shocking accusation by Bobby Gillery, who claims that Chao Tran, the son-in-law of the victims, provided Daphne Wright with the key to the apartment. This revelation throws the investigation into a new direction. The episode describes Daphne Wright's arrest and the discovery of a ledger detailing her fees for spiritual services, including removing and applying curses. This evidence further strengthens the case against her. The episode focuses on Chao Tran's testimony, where he claims that Daphne Wright had a controlling influence over him and his family. He alleges that his mother-in-law, Hong Lee, was willing to sacrifice herself to pay off Daphne's debt.

00:42:45

A Deal with the Devil, Daphne Wright's Trial, and The Verdict

The episode explains the deal offered to Chao Tran in exchange for his testimony against Daphne Wright, Bobby Gillery, and Willie Gillery. This deal is seen as necessary to secure a conviction against Daphne. The episode recounts Daphne Wright's trial, where Chao Tran's testimony plays a crucial role in portraying her as a greedy woman who orchestrated the murders for financial gain. The episode concludes with the verdict of Daphne Wright's trial, where she is convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The episode also provides updates on the sentences of Willie Gillery and Bobby Gillery.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial theory behind the murders of Long-Win and Hong Li?

  The initial theory was that the murders were a gang-related robbery gone wrong, based on evidence found at the scene, such as a blue bandana and a beer bottle.

• Why did the detectives become skeptical of the gang theory?

  The detectives became skeptical because the crime scene seemed too staged and the brutality of the murders was unusual for typical gang activity.

• Who was Daphne Wright, and what role did she play in the murders?

  Daphne Wright was a spiritual advisor who claimed to help businesses and families. She allegedly orchestrated the murders of Long-Win and Hong Li to collect on their life insurance policies after they failed to pay off a large debt they owed her.

• What was the motive behind the murders?

  The motive was financial gain. Daphne Wright allegedly wanted to collect on the victims' life insurance policies to recoup the money she claimed they owed her.

• What was the outcome of the case?

  Daphne Wright was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Willie Gillery pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and is serving a 20-year sentence. Bobby Gillery was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Chao Tran was offered immunity in exchange for his testimony against the others.

Show Notes