Digest

The podcast delves into the tragic case of Scott Sessions, a musician found murdered in rural Colorado. The investigation reveals a complex web of relationships, including a volatile ex-boyfriend, Heather Frank, and a potential love interest. The episode explores the complexities of romantic relationships, highlighting the potential for vulnerability, neediness, and control. The investigation begins with the discovery of Scott's body, burned and with a severe laceration to the neck, indicating a brutal crime. Investigators trace Scott's last known location to a grocery store parking lot, where his car is found. They discover his last communication was with Heather Frank, who had invited him to her home the night he disappeared. Surveillance is placed on Heather and her ex-boyfriend, Kevin Eastman, whose history of violence and a domestic violence warrant raise suspicion. Heather's suspicious behavior, including calling in sick the day after Scott disappeared and unusual travel patterns with Eastman, further fuels suspicion. Cell phone data places both Heather and Eastman's phones in the area where Scott's body was dumped, leading investigators to suspect their involvement. Despite lacking hard evidence, investigators continue to gather information and monitor their movements. They obtain search warrants for Heather's house and arrest warrants for both her and Eastman, but observe them leaving her house and traveling to a remote farm. Eastman's suspicious activity during the night leads to his arrest for filling a gas can, likely to burn more evidence. During his interview, Eastman initially appears cooperative but changes his story, claiming that Scott had assaulted Heather. While the interview is ongoing, investigators discover Heather's body at the farm, burned and wrapped in plastic. Eastman breaks down upon learning of Heather's death. Investigators search Heather's condo and find a crime scene, with blood evidence indicating that Scott was likely killed at the doorway. Eastman is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and related charges. He is found guilty on all counts and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Investigators believe that Heather was not directly involved in the murders but was likely forced to assist in covering up Scott's murder. The episode concludes by discussing the "If I Can't Have You, No One Will" mentality often seen in domestic violence homicides, highlighting the dangers of possessive and controlling behavior in relationships.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Scott Sessions and the Complex Web of Relationships

The podcast introduces the case of Scott Sessions, a musician found murdered in rural Colorado. The investigation reveals a complex web of relationships, including a volatile ex-boyfriend, Heather Frank, and a potential love interest. The episode explores the complexities of romantic relationships, highlighting the potential for vulnerability, neediness, and control.

00:00:48

The Discovery of Scott Sessions' Body and the Investigation Begins

Lieutenant Donnie Robbins, a veteran homicide investigator, recounts the discovery of Scott Sessions' body in a remote area. The body was burned and had a severe laceration to the neck, indicating a brutal crime. A missing person's report for Scott Sessions is filed, leading to his identification as the victim. The investigation intensifies as investigators search for clues about his disappearance and the motive behind his murder.

00:09:35

The Suspect Emerges: Heather Frank and the Surveillance Begins

Investigators discover Scott's last communication was with a woman named Heather Frank. They learn that she had invited him to her home the night he disappeared, raising suspicion about her involvement. Donnie places surveillance on Heather Frank and her ex-boyfriend, Kevin Eastman. Background checks reveal Eastman's history of violence and a domestic violence warrant against him.

00:18:34

The Search Warrant, Eastman's Escape, and the Arrest

Investigators obtain search warrants for Heather's house and arrest warrants for both her and Eastman. However, they observe them leaving her house and traveling to a remote farm, raising further suspicion. Donnie observes Eastman's car moving suspiciously during the night, leading him to believe that evidence is being destroyed. He confronts Eastman at a gas station, where he is arrested for filling a gas can, likely to burn more evidence.

00:22:51

Eastman's Interview, Heather's Body, and the Crime Scene

Eastman is interviewed and initially appears cooperative. However, his story changes, and he claims that Scott had assaulted Heather. While the interview is ongoing, investigators discover Heather's body at the farm, burned and wrapped in plastic. Eastman breaks down upon learning of Heather's death. Investigators search Heather's condo and find a crime scene, with blood evidence indicating that Scott was likely killed at the doorway.

00:35:21

Eastman's Trial, Conviction, and the Aftermath

Eastman is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and related charges. He is found guilty on all counts and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Investigators believe that Heather was not directly involved in the murders but was likely forced to assist in covering up Scott's murder. Donnie reflects on the tragedy and the possibility of saving Heather's life if they had acted sooner. The episode concludes by discussing the "If I Can't Have You, No One Will" mentality often seen in domestic violence homicides. This possessive and controlling mindset can lead to deadly consequences when individuals feel their control slipping.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the key pieces of evidence that led to Kevin Eastman's arrest and conviction?

  Key evidence included cell phone data placing both Eastman and Heather's phones at the crime scene, security footage showing Eastman's car near the area where Scott's body was found, and the discovery of Heather's body at the farm where Eastman was seen tending a burn pit.

• What was the motive behind Kevin Eastman's actions?

  The prosecution argued that Eastman killed Scott Sessions in a jealous rage after learning about his relationship with Heather. He then killed Heather to silence her and prevent her from revealing his involvement in Scott's murder.

• How did the investigators' strategy of putting Eastman at ease during the interview help them gather evidence?

  By keeping Eastman talking and appearing relaxed, investigators were able to gain his trust and elicit information that ultimately led to his confession and the discovery of Heather's body.

• What are some of the challenges and ethical considerations that law enforcement faces when investigating domestic violence homicides?

  Investigators must carefully balance the need to gather evidence and protect potential victims while also respecting the rights of suspects. They must be aware of the complexities of abusive relationships and the potential for manipulation by both victims and perpetrators.

• What are some of the warning signs of a potentially abusive relationship?

  Warning signs include controlling behavior, jealousy, isolation, threats, physical violence, and a pattern of escalating aggression. It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse.

Show Notes