COJ #114 - Lt. Misty Carausu, the Inspiring Investigator from Netflix’s ‘American Nightmare’ on Doing the Most

Just over a year ago, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell from “True Sunlight Podcast,” watched the hit Netflix documentary “American Nightmare” about Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, the California couple who were immediately dubbed “LIARS” by police — and the media — after reporting a home invasion and the subsequent kidnapping and rape of Denise in 2015.

Mandy and Liz were blown away by the documentary, and especially by the work of a woman named Misty Carausu. After months of being scolded and vilified in the headlines — which affected their careers and relationships — Denise and Aaron found vindication in the form of Misty, who at the time was a brand new criminal investigator from a police agency 40 miles south of where they lived. Misty wowed audiences of “American Nightmare” with her tenacity and devotion to her job. And she showed what can happen when police come from a place of BELIEVING victims instead of treating victims like suspects.

After helping investigate a home invasion in her jurisdiction, Misty discovered a connection between the suspect in her case and Denise and Aaron’s case, proving that Denise and Aaron were telling the truth all along. Today, we're diving deeper to discover more beneath the surface of this harrowing story and how we can inspire more women like Misty to Protect and Serve. 

🥽 Let's Dive In... 🦈

Find More From Misty Here:

instagram.com/misty_carausu

Real Crime Profile: Victim F Part 8 - Sergeant Misty Carausu

Episode Resources

Lt. Misty Carausu featured in Netflix's documentary American Nightmare

“Meet the detective who solved 'American Nightmare' case, victims credit her for 'saving us'” - KCRA 3, Jan 19, 2025

“Detective Who Cracked Vallejo ‘Hoax' Kidnap Case a ‘Bulldog,' Dublin Police Lieutenant Says” - NBC Bay Area, July 14, 2015

“Timeline: Matthew Muller and the ‘American Nightmare’ Vallejo kidnapping case” - KRON 4, Jan 7, 2025

“How the "American Nightmare" victims helped get kidnapper Matthew Muller to confess to more crimes” - CBS News, Jan 8, 2025

“Convicted ‘American Nightmare’ rapist pleads guilty to two more home invasions” - Los Angeles Times, Jan 17, 2025

Reid Technique Article from ScienceDirect

“Alameda sergeant improves lactation space and support in county” - Our Milky Way, Nov 28, 2021

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