Digest

This episode of Sort and Scale delves into the chilling double homicide of Philip Brewer and Jody Fortuna in Gillette, Wyoming. The story unfolds through a tangled web of relationships, fueled by jealousy and resentment. Philip and Jody were close friends, but their friendship was complicated by their shared circle of friends, including Mike Montano, who had a volatile relationship with Philip. The situation was further complicated by the fact that all three men had a history of sleeping with each other's girlfriends. In September 2016, Jody traveled to Gillette to visit Mike, who had a job for him. The group, including Philip and his girlfriend Shelby Warren, spent several days drinking and partying, leading to arguments and tension. After a night of heavy drinking, Philip, Jody, and Mike left Shelby's house, and Shelby assumed they went to Mike's mobile home. Days later, both men were reported missing. Over a month later, police received a report of a pickup truck parked on the edge of town that smelled of rotting flesh. Inside the truck, they found dismembered body parts belonging to Philip and Jody. Mike was arrested, and during interrogation, he claimed that Shelby had drugged him and murdered Philip and Jody while he was unconscious. He also implicated his girlfriend, Kylie Collins, claiming she helped him dispose of the bodies. Kylie denied any involvement, but evidence revealed she had helped Mike cover up the crime. Ultimately, Mike pleaded no contest to the murders and was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. Kylie was sentenced to two years in jail for interfering with the police investigation. The episode highlights the devastating impact of these crimes on the families of the victims, particularly Philip's sister, who lobbied to change Wyoming's laws regarding corpse mutilation in her brother's honor. The case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and resentment, and the importance of family and support in the face of tragedy. The episode concludes with a reflection on the motives behind the murders and the lasting impact of the crimes, highlighting the destructive power of jealousy and resentment, and the importance of family and support in the face of tragedy, followed by a brief advertisement for the podcast's website and a listener testimonial about the excellent customer service provided by the podcast's team.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast Sort and Scale, warning listeners about adult themes and violence. It also mentions the upcoming season of Sort and Scale Nightmares, a true crime podcast for bedtime.

00:01:49

The Disappearance of Philip Brewer and Jody Fortuna

This Chapter introduces Philip Brewer and Jody Fortuna, two young men who went missing in Gillette, Wyoming. It details their lives, their friendship, and the complex relationships they had with their friends, including Mike Montano and Shelby Warren. The chapter also describes the events leading up to their disappearance, including a night of drinking and partying with their friends.

00:18:56

The Investigation Begins

This Chapter focuses on the police investigation into the disappearance of Philip and Jody. It details the interviews conducted with Shelby Warren, Mike Montano, and Mike's girlfriend, Kylie Collins. The chapter highlights the inconsistencies in their stories and the growing suspicion surrounding Mike Montano.

00:29:17

The Gruesome Discovery

This Chapter reveals the discovery of Philip and Jody's dismembered bodies in Mike Montano's pickup truck. It describes the shock and grief experienced by the families of the victims, who learned about their loved ones' deaths through social media and news outlets. The chapter also details the medical examiner's findings, confirming that both men had been shot to death before their bodies were dismembered.

00:32:40

Interrogations and Accusations

This Chapter focuses on the police interrogations of Mike Montano and Kylie Collins. Mike claims that Shelby Warren drugged him and murdered Philip and Jody while he was unconscious. He also implicates Kylie, claiming she helped him dispose of the bodies. Kylie denies any involvement, but evidence reveals she had helped Mike cover up the crime.

01:04:35

Sentencing and Aftermath

This Chapter details the sentencing of Mike Montano and Kylie Collins. Mike pleaded no contest to the murders and was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. Kylie was sentenced to two years in jail for interfering with the police investigation. The chapter also highlights the impact of these crimes on the families of the victims, particularly Philip's sister, who lobbied to change Wyoming's laws regarding corpse mutilation in her brother's honor.

01:07:19

The Legacy of the Murders

This Chapter reflects on the motives behind the murders and the lasting impact of the crimes. It highlights the contrast between Mike's claims of brotherhood with Jody and the actions he took, suggesting that his actions were driven by deep-seated resentment and jealousy. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of family and support in the face of tragedy.

01:10:53

Podcast Advertisement and Listener Testimonial

This Chapter features a brief advertisement for the podcast's website, encouraging listeners to visit for more content and stay safe. It also includes a listener testimonial praising the podcast's customer service for quickly resolving a technical issue with their plus membership.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the motives behind the murders of Philip Brewer and Jody Fortuna?

  The murders were driven by Mike Montano's jealousy and resentment towards Philip Brewer. Montano's volatile relationship with Philip, fueled by their shared circle of friends and history of sleeping with each other's girlfriends, led to a desire for revenge and control, ultimately resulting in the tragic deaths of both Philip and Jody.

• What was the impact of the murders on the families of the victims?

  The murders had a devastating impact on the families of the victims, particularly Philip's sister, who lobbied to change Wyoming's laws regarding corpse mutilation in her brother's honor. The case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and resentment, and the importance of family and support in the face of tragedy.

• What is the significance of the listener testimonial at the end of the episode?

  The listener testimonial highlights the positive impact of the podcast's customer service and its commitment to providing a positive experience for its listeners. It also serves as a reminder that the podcast is not just about crime but also about connecting with its audience and building a community.

Show Notes