Patricia Brown

Patricia Brown

Update: 2024-10-202
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This episode of Killer Siki delves into the chilling murder of Fred Brown, a seemingly ordinary man found dead in a roadside ditch in North Carolina. The investigation initially focused on robbery as the motive, but as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a dark secret: Fred's troubled marriage. His co-worker, Kenneth Vaughn, revealed that Fred feared his wife, Pat, might have him killed due to their financial struggles and her extravagant spending, particularly on exotic birds. Fred confided in Kenneth that he believed Pat would be better off with him dead. Suspicion fell on Pat after investigators learned about her volatile behavior towards Fred and the housekeeper's testimony about her constant cursing at him. However, they lacked concrete evidence to prove her involvement. Three years after Fred's murder, a confession letter written by Leroy Wetzel, Pat's sister's ex-husband, surfaced in Pennsylvania. The letter detailed how he killed Fred at Pat's request, revealing a chilling conspiracy driven by greed. Leroy Wetzel, a man with a criminal history, confessed to killing Fred, claiming that Pat had hired him for money. He revealed that Pat was motivated by greed and wanted to collect on Fred's life insurance policy. Pat's sister, Sheila, was also implicated in the plot, having facilitated the connection between Leroy and Pat. The trial resulted in Pat's conviction for first-degree murder and a life sentence. She died in prison in 2002. Leroy and Sheila were also convicted and sentenced to prison. This episode of Killer Siki exposes the dark side of human nature, highlighting the devastating consequences of greed and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their desires.

Outlines

00:00:00
The Case of Fred Brown: A Murderous Conspiracy

This episode of Killer Siki introduces the case of Fred Brown, a beloved man found murdered in a roadside ditch in North Carolina. The episode explores the investigation, the suspects, and the shocking truth behind Fred's death, revealing a complex web of greed, marital strife, and a confession letter that led to the conviction of his wife, Pat, for orchestrating his death.

00:00:40
The Discovery and Initial Investigation

The episode details the discovery of Fred Brown's body by construction workers in High Point, North Carolina. The victim was found face down with multiple gunshot wounds, and investigators initially suspected robbery as the motive. They begin their investigation, interviewing Fred's family and friends, learning that he was a well-liked man with no known enemies. His wife, Pat, claims they had a happy marriage and is shocked by his death.

00:18:52
Fred's Troubled Marriage and Suspicions Arise

Fred's co-worker, Kenneth Vaughn, reveals that Fred was having marital problems with Pat. They argued about finances and Pat's excessive spending, particularly on exotic birds. Fred confided in Kenneth that he feared Pat might have a hitman kill him. Suspicion falls on Pat after investigators learn about her volatile behavior towards Fred and the housekeeper's testimony about her constant cursing at him. However, they lack concrete evidence to prove her involvement.

00:28:00
The Confession Letter and Leroy Wetzel's Involvement

Three years after Fred's murder, a confession letter written by Leroy Wetzel, Pat's sister's ex-husband, surfaces in Pennsylvania. The letter details how he killed Fred at Pat's request, revealing a chilling conspiracy driven by greed. Leroy Wetzel, a man with a criminal history, confesses to killing Fred, claiming that Pat had hired him for money. He reveals that Pat was motivated by greed and wanted to collect on Fred's life insurance policy.

00:39:08
The Trial and Aftermath

Pat and her sister, Sheila, are arrested for their involvement in Fred's murder. Sheila confesses to the plot and testifies against Pat. Pat maintains her innocence but is found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. She dies in prison in 2002. Leroy and Sheila are also convicted and sentenced to prison. This episode of Killer Siki exposes the dark side of human nature, highlighting the devastating consequences of greed and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their desires.

Keywords

Exotic Birds


Exotic birds are non-native birds kept as pets. They are often prized for their unique appearance, colors, and songs. In this case, Pat's obsession with exotic birds played a significant role in her financial struggles and ultimately led to her husband's murder.

Hitman


A hitman is a person hired to kill another person. In this case, Fred feared that Pat might hire a hitman to kill him due to their marital problems.

Life Insurance


Life insurance is a contract that provides financial protection to beneficiaries upon the death of the insured person. In this case, Pat's desire to collect on Fred's life insurance policy was a key motive for his murder.

Murder for Hire


Murder for hire is the act of paying someone to kill another person. In this case, Pat hired Leroy Wetzel to kill her husband, Fred Brown.

Conspiracy


A conspiracy is a secret plan by two or more people to commit an unlawful act. In this case, Pat, Sheila, and Leroy conspired to murder Fred Brown.

Greed


Greed is an excessive desire for more than what one needs or deserves. In this case, Pat's greed for money and a luxurious lifestyle led her to plot her husband's murder.

Cold Case


A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. Fred Brown's murder was initially a cold case until Leroy Wetzel's confession letter surfaced.

Q&A

  • What was the motive behind Fred Brown's murder?

    Fred Brown was murdered for money. His wife, Pat, wanted to collect on his life insurance policy and use the money to fund her lavish lifestyle, including her obsession with exotic birds.

  • How did investigators uncover the truth behind Fred's murder?

    The case was initially a cold case, but a confession letter written by Leroy Wetzel, Pat's sister's ex-husband, surfaced three years after the murder. The letter detailed how he killed Fred at Pat's request.

  • What role did Pat's sister, Sheila, play in the murder?

    Sheila was involved in the conspiracy to murder Fred. She helped facilitate the plot by connecting her husband, Leroy, with Pat. She also testified against Pat at her trial.

  • What was the outcome of the trial?

    Pat was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. She died in prison in 2002. Leroy and Sheila were also convicted and sentenced to prison.

Show Notes

Robbery is assumed when a man is found dead until a letter reveals a more sinister possibility.

Season 30 Episode 21

Originally aired: Mar 6, 2022

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Patricia Brown

Patricia Brown