Dog Days of Murder

Paula Quintana

 Dog Days of Murder is a true crime podcast where the animals aren’t just part of the story — they help solve it. Hosted by Paula Quintana and cohosted by Ein the corgi, each episode explores real cases where animals played a role in uncovering the truth. 

  1. 6h ago

    Episode 2 - The Cattle Con

    When Wisconsin brothers Nick and Justin Diemel traveled to Missouri in July 2019, they were expecting to settle a business dispute involving their family's cattle operation. Instead, they vanished. Their disappearance launched a complicated investigation involving an abandoned rental truck, a troubled cattle farmer, and a financial arrangement that was far more sinister than anyone initially realized. As investigators began untangling the deception, hundreds of cattle became an unexpected part of the story, helping expose a trail of fraud that would lead authorities toward the truth. In this episode of Dog Days of Murder, the unlikely heroes don't have paws. They have hooves. 1. U.S. Department of Justice, Western District of Missouri. “Cattle Fraud Scheme Resulted in Two Murders.” May 18, 2021. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/cattle-fraud-scheme-resulted-two-murders 2. U.S. Department of Justice, Western District of Missouri. “Braymer Man Sentenced to 32 Years for Cattle Fraud Scheme That Led to Murders.” April 24, 2023. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/braymer-man-sentenced-32-years-cattle-fraud-scheme-led-murders 3. United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. United States v. Garland Joseph Nelson, Nos. 23-2177 and 23-2207. July 1, 2024. https://media.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/07/232177P.pdf 4. Homicide 360. “Cattle Check (Nicholas and Justin Diemel).” September 29, 2026. Featuring former Clinton County Sheriff Larry Fish and federal prosecutor Kathleen Mahoney. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homicide-360/id1896047177?i=1000792147384 5. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home. “Nicholas Diemel.” Obituary and family remembrance. https://www.muehlboettcher.com/obituaries/nicholas-diemel 6. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home. “Justin Diemel.” Obituary and family remembrance. https://www.muehlboettcher.com/obituaries/justin-diemel 7. FOX4 Kansas City / WDAF, Makenzie Koch. “Remains Found in Caldwell County and Nebraska Identified as Murdered Wisconsin Brothers.” November 22, 2019. Article retained in our research notes; direct article URL not independently verified. 8. KSHB 41 Action News. “Clinton County Sheriff: Human Remains Found on Braymer Farm.” July 31, 2019. https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/caldwell-county-sheriff-to-provide-update-on-missing-wi-brothers-death-investigation 9. KSHB 41 Action News, Melissa Greenstein. “Braymer Man Charged with Stealing Missing Wisconsin Brothers’ Truck.” July 26, 2019. Article retained in our research notes; direct article URL not independently verified. 10. KSHB 41 Action News, Melissa Greenstein and McKenzie Nelson. “Braymer Man Charged with Murder in Wisconsin Brothers’ Deaths.” November 2019. https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/braymer-man-charged-with-murder-in-wisconsin-brothers-deaths 11. FOX 11 News / WLUK, Brian Kerhin. “Diemel Brothers’ Killer Sentenced on Federal Mail Fraud and Firearm Convictions.” April 24, 2023. Also available through WTAQ's republication. https://wtaq.com/2023/04/24/629619/ 12. Associated Press. “Sheriff: Remains Are Those of 2 Missing Wisconsin Brothers.” November 22, 2019. https://abc17news.com/news/crime/2019/11/22/sheriff-remains-are-those-of-2-missing-wisconsin-brothers/ 13. WTAQ News. “Dental Records Confirm Missing Brothers’ Identities.” November 22, 2019. https://wtaq.com/2019/11/22/dental-records-confirm-missing-brothers-identities-2/ Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  2. 5d ago

    Bonus Episode - Chris Lambert stops by!

    Chris Lambert of Your Own Backyard Stops by Dog Days of Murder! What happens when two podcasters get together to talk about music, murder, and everything in between? A conversation that lasts over an hour! I'm thrilled to welcome Chris Lambert, creator and host of the acclaimed true crime podcast Your Own Backyard, to Dog Days of Murder. We start with a side of Chris that some true crime fans may not know about: his music! Chris joins me to talk about his new album, Southervisions, his family history, and the stories behind his songs. Then we turn to Your Own Backyard, the groundbreaking podcast that helped renew attention to the disappearance of Kristin Smart and contributed to the investigation that ultimately led to Paul Flores's conviction. Chris shares his experiences researching the case, his relationship with the Smart family, and the role of cadaver dogs in the investigation. It's an engaging, candid conversation with a remarkably talented storyteller, and I'm so excited to share it with you! You can watch the interview on YouTube at the link below. Find Chris Lambert: New album, Southervisions: https://chrislambert.bandcamp.com/album/southervisionsChris's music: https://chrislambert.bandcamp.comYour Own Backyard: https://www.yourownbackyardpodcast.comConnect with Dog Days of Murder: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dog_days_of_murder/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DogDaysofMurderThank you for listening, and as always... Ein, grab your leash! 🐾 Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  3. Oct 12

    Episode 1 - The Gift

    In July 2000, a young Florida woman named Misty Morse vanished under circumstances that left investigators searching for answers. As detectives began piecing together her final hours, they encountered conflicting accounts, complicated relationships, and questions that seemed to lead in more than one direction. In the Season 3 premiere of Dog Days of Murder, an unusual piece of evidence would ultimately help investigators unravel the mystery of what happened to Misty Morse. Thank you to Joshua Whipp for the idea of Paula-Tics!  Sources 1. Oxygen — Dog Hair on Duct Tape Used to Bind Florida Murder Victim Lands Killer Behind Bars (2021). Reporting on Misty's disappearance, the investigation, Chiba, and the forensic evidence. 2. Huck v. State — Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal (2004). The published appellate opinion, detailing trial evidence, legal arguments, and the court's decision. 3. Forensic Identification of Canine Hairs: Is Heteroplasmy Significant? — Joy Halverson, DVM, MPVM, and colleagues. Scientific presentation discussing canine mitochondrial DNA evidence, including the Morse/Huck case. 4. WFTV — Killer Tries to Use TV Show to Get New Trial (2011). Reporting on Huck's post-conviction proceedings and his effort to obtain a new trial. 5. Florida Supreme Court — Brent Huck's Brief on Jurisdiction (Case No. 04-2046). Court filing presenting Huck's arguments for further appellate review. 6. Dog DNA Cracks Misty Morse's Indian River Murder" Forensic Factor (Season 7, Episode 6, 2023). Documentary covering the murder of Misty Morse, the investigation, and the forensic evidence, featuring Dr. Joy Halverson. Watch my interview on PawWatch Live here  Check out what the Paw Watch Registry is all about here Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  4. Sep 27

    Living Is For Everyone

    Bonus Episode In this special episode of Dog Days of Murder, Paula sits down with Emily Bernie, founder of LIFE Animal Rescue. Emily shares how one pregnant dog changed the course of her life when she was just 17, leading to the creation of LIFE—Living Is For Everyone. They talk about more than three decades of animal rescue, international rescue efforts, the heartbreaking realities rescuers face, and the lives that have been changed along the way. Visit us at our weekly adoption location at PetSmart: PetsMart in Westlake Village, CA Every Saturday From 10am to 5pm 5766 Lindero Canyon Rd If you are unable to come to PetsMart, please contact us at:  lifeanimalrescue@gmail.com And you can visit lifeanimalrescue.org to see what L.I.F.E. is all about. Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  5. Sep 14

    Episode 10 - Hot Dog!

    Hansel's life could have ended before it really began. Seized as a puppy from an alleged dog-fighting operation in Ontario, Hansel became one of a group of pit bulls caught in a years-long fight over whether they could—or should—be saved. But when rescuers were finally given the chance to find out who these dogs really were, Hansel showed them something nobody expected. His second chance would take him from Canada to Florida, then to New Jersey, where an unusual partnership, an extraordinary nose, and one very determined pit bull would help investigators connect a series of warehouse fires and lead to arrests  . This week, Paula is joined by Monica for the story of Hansel, the fire department K9 who went from facing an uncertain future to helping solve real crimes—and changing minds about pit bulls along the way. And stay with us through the end of the episode, when we talk about an important effort that could change the way animal abuse follows offenders—and give the rest of us another tool to help protect animals. Sources Daily Paws — Austin Cannon, “Hansel the Pit Bull Barely Escaped Euthanasia. Now, He's Investigating Arson Cases With His Partner,” October 19, 2021. Daily Paws Presents: Warm Fuzzies — “Hansel: The Crime-Solving Arson Dog,” interview with Millville Fire Marshal Tyler Van Leer, November 16, 2023. This was our primary source for Hansel's training, his partnership with Van Leer, and the warehouse arson investigation. Lower Bucks Times — June Portnoy, “Huntingdon Valley resident turns ‘Throwaway’ dogs into a national mission,” January 21, 2026. Background on Carol Skaziak and the Throw Away Dogs Project. CBC News — “From fighting ring to police dogs: Rescued CK pit bulls launch new lives,” January 24, 2020. The Canadian Press / CTV News — “Court battle brewing to save dogs seized in alleged fighting ring,” February 21, 2016. The Chatham Voice — reporting on the October 2015 Morris Line raid, the 31 pit bull-type dogs seized, and the criminal charges that followed. CBC News — reporting on the legal fight and agreement that ultimately allowed the surviving dogs to leave Ontario for rehabilitation. AM800 News — “Multiple Charges Dropped In Alleged Dog Fighting Case,” February 16, 2017. Ontario Dog Owners' Liability Act / Ontario government materials — background on Ontario's breed-specific restrictions involving pit bulls. Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal — “A Critical Review of Canines Used to Detect Accelerants Within an Arson Crime Scene.” Used for background on ignitable-liquid detection dogs, canine alerts, handler influence, and the need for laboratory confirmation. American Humane — 2021 Hero Dog Awards information on Hansel, the Law Enforcement and Detection Hero Dog of the Year, and Boone, the 2021 overall American Hero Dog. Organizations & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Throw Away Dogs ProjectStand Up for Pits FoundationPaw Watch RegistryWho’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

    Episode 10 - Hot Dog!

  6. Sep 7

    Episode 9 - I've Been Stolen

    In January 2013, a five-year-old girl disappeared from her Philadelphia elementary school after being released to a woman claiming to be her mother. When the child was found the next morning, she had survived an unimaginable ordeal—and remembered far more than her captor could have expected. Among the details she gave investigators were pieces of a neighborhood, a house she couldn't see…and a talking bird. This is the story of a remarkably brave little girl, the detectives who listened to her, and Marty, a loud blue-and-yellow macaw who became an unlikely part of a very serious investigation. Sources  Associated Press / Fox News — February 2013 reporting on the arrest of Christina Regusters and the talking bird's role in the investigation. This is also where attorney Tom Kline said the bird became one of the investigation's focal points. NBC10 Philadelphia — Sarah Glover and Vince Lattanzio, “Christina Regusters Found Guilty on All Counts in Child Kidnapping & Rape Trial,” September 2014. The Philadelphia Inquirer — 2014 trial coverage detailing Detective Daniel O'Malley's investigation, the child's neighborhood drive, 6243 Walton Avenue, and Marty. This was our strongest source for Marty's actual investigative role. The Philadelphia Inquirer — Matt Gelb, “Christina Regusters gets 40 years' prison in 'horror show',” October 5, 2015. CBS News / Associated Press — “Kindergarten kidnapper says, ‘I'm not a monster,’ gets 40 years in prison,” October 6, 2015. Pennsylvania Superior Court — Commonwealth v. Christina Regusters, No. 869 EDA 2016 (2017), appellate opinion. 6ABC Action News — February 2013 coverage of Regusters's arrest and Animal Control's confiscation of the macaw as evidence. The Philadelphia Inquirer — “Questions remain about abduction of girl, 5,” February 17, 2013; identifies Marty as a blue-and-yellow macaw and discusses the bird as evidence. L.R. v. School District of Philadelphia — federal civil-rights litigation concerning Bryant Elementary's release of the child and the Third Circuit's qualified-immunity ruling. Philadelphia School Reform Commission — May 17, 2018 official meeting record authorizing the $5 million settlement of the family's civil-rights litigation. Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  7. Aug 31

    Episode 8 - Trust The Dog

    When police in New Lenox, Illinois, began investigating a man suspected of downloading child sexual abuse material, their search led them to Timothy Mol—and eventually to his home. But investigators didn’t arrive alone. With them was Boone, a three-year-old Labrador with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and a nose trained to find the things people don’t want found. What Boone discovered that day would take the investigation in an unexpected direction. Trust the Dog. OUR Rescue — “ESD K9 Boone,” May 13, 2024. Chicago Sun-Times — reporting on Boone, Daniel Codd and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office electronic-storage-detection K9 program, including Boone’s training, early searches and work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. FOX 32 Chicago — reporting/interview with Daniel Codd on Boone’s work, training and case history, including his work throughout Illinois. Patch / New Lenox — reporting on Timothy Mol’s February 2024 arrest and the search of his New Lenox home. New Lenox Police Department — information regarding the investigation, search and charges involving Timothy Mol. Will County booking records — Timothy Mol booking/charge information, including the March 2025 record. Jordan Detection K9 — background on Todd Jordan, ESD K9 training, Bear, and the development of the electronic-storage-detection K9 program. Reporting/background on ESD K9 Bear and the Jared Fogle investigation — regarding Bear’s role in locating electronic evidence during the search of Fogle’s home. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) — terminology and information regarding child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Illinois covert-recording/privacy-law resources — background regarding unauthorized recording and expectations of privacy, particularly in restrooms and when minors are involved. OUR Rescue — organizational information regarding its mission and sponsorship/support of electronic-storage-detection K9s. Help & Resources If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. Suspected child sexual exploitation or CSAM The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) operates the CyberTipline for reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation, including CSAM and child sex trafficking. Reports can be made through the CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). NCMEC's call center is available 24 hours a day.  Suspected child abuse or neglect The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 for people experiencing, witnessing or concerned about child abuse. Call or text 1-800-422-4453; you can also use live chat through the website. Childhelp can provide support and help determine how and where to make an official report in your state.  If you believe you are being secretly recorded Recording and privacy laws vary by state and by the circumstances involved. If you believe someone is recording you without your consent in a place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, consider contacting local law enforcement or a qualified attorney for guidance about the laws and options available where you live. Additional music by Dmitri Kolesnikov (The_Mountain) Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

  8. Aug 24

    Episode 7 - Blood Will Tell

    When 22-year-old Raquel Rivera and her boyfriend, Jay Johnson, are murdered inside their South Park home in Seattle, their six-month-old puppy, Chief, is found gravely wounded nearby. Police soon identify suspects, but an unusual piece of evidence raises a question investigators have never faced before: Can the blood of a dog help identify a killer? What follows will put Chief at the center of a groundbreaking forensic investigation—and make his case part of criminal justice history. Sources:  Darrell Glover, “Man Gets 26 Years in Murder Case Using Dog’s DNA,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 9, 1998.  Elaine Porterfield, “Life Term for Convicted Killer in Dog DNA Case — Not ‘Drop of Remorse,’ Judge Says of Leuluaialii,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 3, 1998.  Elaine Porterfield, “Dog DNA Helps Convict 2 in Murder of Couple, Pet,” Deseret News / Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September 17, 1998. “Dog’s DNA Helps Convict 2 of Murders,” Los Angeles Times, September 17, 1998.  Florangela Davila, “2 Life Terms in South Park Murders,” The Seattle Times, October 3, 1998. “Court Disallows Use of Dog DNA,” The Seattle Times, October 14, 2003. State v. Leuluaialii / State v. Tuilefano, Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, Nos. 43507-8-I & 43769-1-I, decided October 13, 2003. Forensic Files, Season 7, Episode 17, “Chief Evidence.” Joy Halverson and Christopher Basten, “A PCR Multiplex and Database for Forensic DNA Identification of Dogs,” Journal of Forensic Sciences (2005).  National Institute of Justice, Animal DNA / Non-Human DNA forensic training materials. Find a Grave memorials for Chief Johnson, Raquel Eloise Rivera, and Jay Dedric Johnson. The Chief memorial also supplied some biographical detail about him. Who’s your pet? We’ll say hi! 🐾 Follow along and stay connected: 📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com TikTok: @dog.days.of.murde If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:  ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder www.dogdaysofmurder.com coming soon! Music by Vibe Depot and Mircea Iancu

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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

 Dog Days of Murder is a true crime podcast where the animals aren’t just part of the story — they help solve it. Hosted by Paula Quintana and cohosted by Ein the corgi, each episode explores real cases where animals played a role in uncovering the truth. 

Information

  • Creator
    Paula Quintana
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dog Days of Murder
  • Show Website
    Dog Days of Murder

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