Talk Murder With Me Natalie DeGroot

Caterham, England. February 17, 2014. Lorin LaFave was at a loss. Her 14-year-old son, Breck, hadn't been himself for a while. It all began when he joined an online gaming club, headed by Lewis Daynes, an 18-year-old unemployed computer engineer. Daynes's influence on Breck was powerful - he began skipping activities he once enjoyed, he isolated himself from his family and friends, he was constantly irritated and argumentative.
Lorin did everything she could to put an end to the friendship. She installed parental controls on their home computers and tried to ban Breck from using Daynes's server. She even called the police, fearing that Breck was being groomed by Daynes. But her efforts were in vain.
Those who had the power to help Breck failed to do so, and the consequences were devastating.
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Learn more about what The Breck Foundation is doing to keep young people safe online.
You can find sources for this episode here.
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Colorado Springs, Colorado. June 11, 2022. 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw reported her 28-year-old coworker, Joshua Johnson, to her manager at Walgreens. Johnson had been making advances unwanted towards Riley, which were making her seriously uncomfortable at work. This wasn't the first time she had made a report about him either.
She asked for her schedule to be changed so that she would no longer have to work with Johnson. But when she asked for extra hours, her manager told her that this would mean crossing paths with Johnson.
Three weeks later, she was found murdered in the break room at work.
This case is currently ongoing. Joshua Johnson had a preliminary hearing on September 16, in which detectives working the case testified that no one other than Johnson could be responsible for Riley's murder.
A judge ruled the evidence given at the hearing sufficient for Johnson to go to trial. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov 15, where he will plead guilty or not guilty.
I'll post any updates on my Instagram.
The Murder of Riley Whitelaw (my blog post on this case)
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Sources
GoFundMe Page - In Loving Memory - Riley 
Riley Whitelaw Obituary
Preliminary hearing for suspect in Colorado Springs Walgreens homicide
Arrest papers: Teen found dead at Colorado Springs Walgreens allegedly had concerns about suspect since last year
Teenage Walgreens employee in Colorado Springs reported coworker before she was found dead in breakroom
A Walgreens Employee Was Accused Of Killing A Teenage Coworker Who Had Rejected His Advances
Docs: Teen asked not to work with coworker facing charges for her murder at Walgreens
Joshua Johnson charged with first-degree murder in killing of teen co-worker at Walgreens
‘There Was Blood Everywhere’: Walgreens Employee Charged with Killing Teen Co-Worker Who Told Management His ‘Advances’ Made Her ‘Uncomfortable’
Riley Whitelaw funeral service scheduled in Colorado Springs
Teen employee killed inside Walgreens in Colorado Springs was stabbed more than 40 times
Autopsy report reveals horrific new information on murder of teen at Colorado Springs Walgreens
Labor attorney raises concerns about handling of complaint before murder at Colorado Springs Walgreens
Labor attorney weighs in on girl allegedly murdered by coworker in Colorado Springs Walgreens
Man Allegedly Killed Teen Walgreens Coworker Who'd Rejected His Advances
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Cheshire, Connecticut. July 23, 2007. Cheshire has pretty much everything you'd want if you were looking for a quiet, peaceful place to raise a family. The houses are spacious, the lawns are well-manicured and leafy trees line the streets. But what's most attractive about Cheshire is that it's safe. At least, that's what Bill and Jennifer Petit thought - it seemed like the perfect place to raise their two daughters, Hayley and Michaela. And it was, until one night in late July 2007 when all hell broke loose. What Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes insisted was only going to be a home burglary, escalated into a frenzy of violence and ultimately, murder. What spurred the two men to carry out such heinous acts? And could the police have done more to stop them?
The Cheshire Home Invasion Murders (my blog post on this case)
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Sources for this episode:
The Cheshire Murders Documentary
Connecticut Murder Suspect’s Ex-girlfriend Speaks Out
Sister of Komisarjevsky Girlfriend Testifies about Concern Over Relationship
Komisarjevsky’s Religious Upbringing Detailed in Court
Petit murder suspect had long, troubled history of drugs, crime
Two Portraits of Triple Killer, Offered to Jurors, Are at Odds
Defense in Connecticut home invasion case aims to shift blame
Steven Hayes, once on death row for Cheshire triple killing, resentenced to 6 life terms in prison
Joshua Komisarjevsky, convicted in Cheshire triple killing, seeks a new trial
CT Supreme Court hears Cheshire killer Komisarjevsky’s argument for new trial
Steven Hayes from Death Row: ‘I just snapped’ at scene of Cheshire home invasion
Revisiting The Grisly Cheshire Murders
The Survivor
Connecticut town finds hope, healing 10 years after gruesome Petit family murders
Connecticut Home Invasion Convict Is Undergoing Gender Transition in Prison
The Petit Family Foundation
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Albuquerque, New Mexico. August 23, 2016. When Victoria Martens stepped off the school bus that Tuesday, her mother, Michelle, should have been waiting for her. But there was no sign of her, so Victoria made her own way home. It was Victoria's 10th birthday, so she was probably anticipating presents and cake, as any 10 year old would. For Victoria, however, the last year had been pretty terrible. Michelle, while she loved her daughter, wasn't very good at putting her first. She had a way of getting involved with bad people. They exploited Michelle's vulnerability and trusting nature and then they turned to Victoria. Michelle had called social services five separate times that year to report incidents involving her boyfriends.
But on this particular day, Victoria's life turned into a living hell; one she did not make it out of alive. Michelle's new boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, should never have been allowed in Michelle's home, especially with her kids around. Both Kelley and Gonzalez had been in and out of prison for years. Not to mention they both had a fondness for meth.
What happened to Victoria was pure evil. It's especially devastating how so many calls for help went unanswered. 
The Murder of Victoria Martens (my blog post on this case)
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Support me by buying me a coffee ☕
Sources for this episode:
Report: Suspect in N.M. girl's gruesome slaying should have been under supervision
Documents reveal new details surrounding Victoria Martens' death
Justice for Victoria: Where the case stands now
OPINION | Editorial: False confessions mean we need an outside look at APD's Vigil, Martens homicide investigations
Forensic psychiatrist gives insight into Michelle Martens' false statements
Four years after 10-year-old girl is killed, questions linger
UPDATE: Jessica Kelley accepts plea deal in death of Victoria Martens
CYFD received 5 calls about the Martens family before Victoria was killed
Grandparents open up about Victoria Martens' mom
Bombshell plea deal, murder charges dropped in Victoria Martens' case
A shocker in Victoria Martens case » Albuquerque Journal
Jessica Kelley admits to setting girl on fire after she was killed
The Victoria Martens Case: 'We want to make it right for this little girl'
Details emerge in search for 4th Martens suspect
Prosecutors: 'Gang ties are the reason Victoria Martens was killed'
NM struggles with child neglect, abuse » Albuquerque Journal
Expert: Martens' statements were 'contaminated' » Albuquerque Journal
Suspect on trial in Victoria Martens case asks to be released
Civil suit filed by Victoria Martens' grandparents dismissed
Hundreds gather to remember Victoria Martens at public memorial service
Timeline of investigation » Albuquerque Journal
Birthday memorial held for New Mexico girl who was raped, killed
Fabian Gonzales released from jail
Community remembers life of Victoria Martens
Suspect in Victoria Martens case to be sentenced next month | KOB 4
New report: NM among nation's worst in child abuse, maltreatment - Albuquerque Journal
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Newcastle, England. October 12, 2016. When Alice Ruggles saw the Facebook notification appear on her phone, she was intrigued. It was a comment from a handsome stranger on a photo of her on a recent holiday. In the comment, he wrote how beautiful he thought she was. Alice sent the man, whose name was Harry Dhillon, a message introducing herself.
The two began talking every day and at first, things seemed to be going well, but this didn't last long. It became increasingly clear to Alice that Harry was not the kind and thoughtful person she originally thought he was. He was cruel and spiteful. He wanted to have full control over Alice's life. When Alice realized how toxic he really was, she dumped him. But Harry was having none of it. He harassed and stalked Alice relentlessly.
Alice contacted the police about Harry on several occasions. But over and over, they failed to grasp how much danger she was in.
As Alice tried her best to move on, Harry spent all day, every day, convincing himself that if he couldn't have her, nobody could.
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Sources:
Alice Ruggles Trust - Alice's story
DOMESTIC HOMICIDE REVIEW
Alice Ruggles: Police and Army 'failed' stalking victim - BBC News
Alice Ruggles murder: Trimaan Dhillon to serve minimum of 22 years - BBC News
Alice Ruggles murder accused had restraining order - BBC News
Alice Ruggles murder: Police 'failed to investigate concerns properly' - BBC News
Gateshead 'murder' victim Alice Ruggles' funeral to take place today - Chronicle Live
Alice Ruggles' brutal murder shocked the nation - so what's changed in the two years since?
Alice Ruggles' family: police and army could have prevented murder | Crime | The Guardian
Alice Ruggles murder: days before death she felt 'palmed off by police' | UK news | The Guardian
Soldier jailed for stalking and murdering ex-girlfriend Alice Ruggles | Crime | The Guardian
Two police officers disciplined over Alice Ruggles murder case
STALKING PROTECTION ACT 2019 EXPLANATORY NOTES
IOPC Report - Miss Alice Ruggles
Harassment: "Police Information Notices" or "Early Harassment Notices" in England and Wales - House of Commons Library
STALKING AND CRIMINAL LAW
Maxine's 999 Call
Harry's Voicemail to Alice
Alice's Call to Police
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Bellevue, Washington. November 6, 2011. Sky Metalwala's short life was tragically sad. At just 2-years-old, he had already been through a lot. His parents, Julia Biryukova and Solomon Metalwala, were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle over him and his 4-year-old sister Maile. One morning in early November 2011, Sky woke up feeling unwell, so Julia decided to take him to the doctor. On the way there, she ran out of gas. She parked on the side of the road and walked to a nearby gas station, leaving Sky in the car. When she got back to her car, Sky was nowhere to be found. When Julia told the police her story, however, it didn't add up. They had a lot of questions, but Julia refused to talk. Eventually people began to wonder whether Sky had ever been in that car at all that morning...
Instagram: @talkmurderwithme
Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme
Sources:
Sky Metalwala’s disappearance still an active investigation after 3 years
Police: Missing boy not seen for 2 weeks
Sky Elijah Metalwala - The Charley Project
The Disappearance of Sky Metalwala
Missing Washington toddler Sky Metalwala
Police say they have new information in Metalwala case
Sky Metalwala Missing: Dad Thinks Boy's Mother, Julia Biryukova, May Be Involved in Disappearance
Kirkland resident Solomon Metalwala granted custody of daughter, son still missing
Mother of missing child has new baby, declared unfit mother
Music from Purple Planet Music


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