Investigated - The Pearson Family Murders

Sonya Paz

Join Sonya Paz and Marek Kasprzyk, your hosts of a new podcast: "Investigated".They will delve into some of the most interesting true crime cases starting off with the investigation and case of the notorious James Arthur Pearson, a man who killed his family... told by the friend of these victims, Sonya Paz.Sonya is an accomplished artist turned investigating researcher whose childhood friend was murdered, who has spent years investigating to bring closure to these victims.Marek is a licensed private investigator in California with expertise in criminal defense investigation and over 40 years under his belt of over 5,000 cases.The first story of this podcast will detail the relentless pursuit of justice that ultimately led to his apprehension. With real interviews of law enforcement that led the case, to the witnesses who helped authorities apprehend this perpetrator.Follow "Investigated" now for a front-row seat to learn the twists and turns of this unbelievable story.  Season one airing on February 15th. Be sure to follow us through Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. 

  1. 07/22/2024

    Investigated Update and Season 2 Coming Soon

    Hey everyone! We are excited to come back with Season 2 with new cases and stories! We wanted to let you know that our summer season break is almost over and we are in the process of recording new episodes coming real soon. Be sure to stay subscribed and follow us on apple iTunes or wherever you're listening to your podcasts. Just to reminder that we still have the ongoing GoFundMe page for Pauline Paula and Marianne. If you've heard all of our episodes so far, then you will know that on episode 14, we had announced a new GoFundMe so that we can get Pauline Paula and Maryanne their own gravestones with all of their names on it. These ladies have not been properly recognized for over 50 years and we really want to help make this happen. All we need is your help to donate whatever you can toward this amazing cause to have their names on a grave stone so that they can be remembered forever. Check out the draft of the gravestone we need help raising funds for: https://investigatedpod.com/remembering-the-pearson-women/ Thank you so much for your consideration. Please continue to enjoy the show. Visit https://InvestigatedPod.com for all information and more show notes and upcoming episodes. Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1 min

  2. 05/16/2024

    S1 E14: Casefiles, Gravestones and Memorials

    We are at our Season 1 finale of this multi series podcast that tells the wild and tragic tale of three families that were destroyed by James Arthur Pearson. The trail of devastation he had left after he murdered his wife Pauline and two daughters, Paula and Marianne Pearson in Santa Clara in 1969.  Sonya interviews Arlene Ruesch's daughter Vickie who has a few things to share about the case and her recollections of when Pearson was in Cedar City, Utah. "He left a trail of damage and pain in his wake with every move that he made, and all of the lies and deceit and theft, everywhere went with him. It was just never ending and of course and the very worst of it was the tragic and inexcusable brutal murders of his first wife and his two daughters." "The kidnapping of an innocent 11 month old baby... and then the kidnapping again of this same innocent 7 year old boy, leaving a devastated mother behind "... Three families destroyed by one completely evil horrible person..." ~ Excerpt from episode from Arlene Ruesch's Daughter, Vickie We are excited to share a passion project that Sonya has been working on to remember the Pearson Women so that they will not be forgotten and will keep their memory alive forever. We published an obituary in the SJ Mercury News on Mothers Day, May 12, 2024.   We have created a fundraiser to have a headstone dedicated to them which will include all three of their names.  You can donate through out GoFundMe to donate this for them. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Visit https://InvestigatedPod.com for all information and more show notes. SOURCES: "California Slay Victims Buried Here" Article written on April 25, 1974. Valley News Dispatch, Natrona Heights, PA. Obituary in Natrona Heights, PA: "Mrs. Pearson, Daughters are Buried"  Obituary written on April 25, 1974. Valley News Dispatch, Natrona Heights, PA.  True Detective Magazine - March 1980 Edition Written by Austin Allen  "Bag of Bones Murder Case"  Visit True Crime Database for history of the magazine Front Page Detective Magazine - July 1974 Edition Written by Coburn Gale  "Jim's New Life Started as a Massacre"  Visit True Crime Database for histo Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1h 9m

  3. 05/09/2024

    S1 E13: Recollections

    We have gathered up the questions, feedback and inquiries from our listeners and will be providing a lot of shout outs and reflecting on many aspect of this case, some new updates and learn more about Paula Pearson, her achievements and academics.  Sonya and Marek share some behind the scene moments and share a bit of the details and surprises of our upcoming Episode 14 and an announcement of a passion project that Sonya is working on where you can be part of this upcoming project!  Many people are starting to remember the Pearson women and are reaching out to us, please send us a note via our contact form if you remember them from the Seattle WA, Pendleton OR, Salem OR, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA and beyond. If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! "I really just wanted to know where the details of the poster came from the FBI...I did reach out and got a phone call back from one of the media liaisons at the Federal Bureau of Investigations and my question was where did they get these fingerprints from and where would they have gotten Pearson's photo "... ~ Excerpt from episode from Sonya Paz SOURCES  "Now, Late Reporter is Forever with Bay" Article written by Scott Herhold, July 3, 2012. San Jose Mercury News. Emil Edgren- Photographer: Official website: http://www.emiledgren.com Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    50 min

  4. 05/02/2024

    S1 E12: Once Upon an Annihilator

    What do you get when you have a true crime podcaster as a guest on our show? You get a fabulous in-depth discussion with Esther Ludlow of the podcast "Once Upon a Crime"! Sonya interviews friend and fellow podcaster Esther Ludlow, who launched her podcast "Once Upon a Crime" in 2016. Her love for storytelling, combined with her interest in true crime and her background in psychology, has made her podcast a favorite among true crime fans eager to discover "the story behind the story of real-life crime." We also address the behaviors and disturbing revelations of what the traits are of a "Family Annihilator" and the evil pattern that Pearson kept replicating while on the run for murder and more. We have more listener inquiries and discovering more and more about the Pearson family. "Very interesting case, very complex perpetrator you have here, I do believe there was premeditation, I don't think he thought he was going to do it that day... then he said, OK now this is what I've got to do, and he knew what he was going to do"...~ Excerpt from interview with Podcaster, Esther Ludlow SOURCES: IN PERSON INTERVIEW: Sonya Paz Interviews True Crime Podcast Host and Creator, Esther Ludlow About Esther: Esther writes, produces, and edits OUAP podcast as a solo venture. She has produced over 300 episodes with over 35 million downloads to date. Once Upon a Crime has been featured in The San Jose Mercury News, Entertainment Weekly, Vulture.com, Uproxx.com,Women’s Health, Marie Claire,and Harper’s Bazaar magazines. You can find all Once Upon a Crime's social media links and listen to subscribe to the podcast at www.truecrimepodcast.com Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1h 12m

  5. 04/25/2024

    S1 E11: Wake of Devastation

    Behavioral aspects are the topics to this abstract case and what we have all wondered about when it comes to James Arthur Pearson. What makes a person tick so that can kill his wife and two daughters and then go on to reinvent himself multiple times thereafter? Sonya interviews Clark Williams, a retired social worker who has turned his skills and experiences into a successful career as a criminologist and amateur sleuth. Dedicated to delivering justice to the friends and family of crime victims, he applies a victim-centered approach to his work. We discuss a listener connection and learn experiences from someone who was friends of Marianne and Paula when they lived in Salem, Oregon, remembering happier times growing up in Oregon. How they viewed Mr. Pearson, his demeanor and attitude. "Nowhere in this story has he done anything remorseful, even after he got caught, he did nothing to help David get reunited with his biological mother". "It's Cruel!" "He articulated words of remorse - he said what he felt would help him get paroled." ~ Excerpt from interview with criminologist Clark Williams SOURCES: IN PERSON INTERVIEW: Sonya Paz Interviews Criminologist Clark Williams. Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1h 28m

  6. 04/18/2024

    S1 E10: Portrayed as an Ogre

    What was Pearson doing after he was convicted and incarcerated?  Sonya and Marek discuss in great detail the information of what happened when James Arthur Pearson was trying to get paroled. (Unthinkable right?) We go over in detail the several suitability hearings Pearson had that spanned almost 10 years and how those hearings played out with the Board of Prison Terms.  We address a listener question about if we know where in the Claremont Avenue home where the murders took place, discussing theories and other possibilities about that dreadful day in September 1969. "He never thought that he would be arrested for his crimes, and only showed remorse after being caught and being portrayed as an Ogre". Excerpt from news article written by Cathie Calvert of the San Jose Mercury News, of a statement made by Sergeant Detective Monte Macer. Spending over 34 years in prison, we also get a glimpse of what Pearson's mindset was along with the programs and other projects he kept himself busy with... including writing a novel.  SOURCES: NEWS ARTICLE: Triple Killer Second Bid For Parole Is Turned Down San Jose Mercury News article written by Maline Hazle March 27, 1987 NEWS ARTICLE: Killer of Wife, Daughters Up For Parole San Jose Mercury News article written by Dale Rodebaugh, March 4 1991 NEWS ARTICLE: Murderer is Granted 2 Year Postponement San Jose Mercury News article written by Cathie Calvert, March 28 1991  We are grateful for the fans and people who love our podcast, we give a "shoutout" to those who have commented on "InvestigatedPod" social media. If you would like a shoutout on the show, please comment on Instagram, TikTok and out other social media channels. We look forward to connecting with you! We would absolutely love it if you would share our podcast on your social media to let others know about this incredible story. Let a friend know what podcast you're listening to and spread the word... we would be eternally grateful! Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    47 min

  7. 04/11/2024

    S1 E9: Broken Golf Clubs & Broken Dreams

    Sonya had met and interviewed Retired Santa Clara Police Captain Wayne Britt who was on the front end of the case as it unfolded in March of 1969. Wayne along with Don Sessions, Harry Burns who worked tirelessly to investigate the case and start canvassing the area for clues. He was also present during the autopsy of the three Pearson women.  We are grateful to have met Wayne who recollected so much detail the front end of this case and what they needed to do to be able to gather what they could to start piecing together the story of Pearson's whereabouts.  Marek goes over the autopsies in detail so we can learn about the technicalities of the injuries and how autopsies back in the 1970's are different from how they are documented today.  "There were broken golf clubs in the trash, we definitely know these were our victims, and Pearson was our suspect, so as a result of that, we did get a criminal warrant for Pearson's arrest for the homicide".  Of interview with Retired Santa Clara Police Captain, Wayne Britt.  We are grateful for the fans and people who love our podcast, we give a "shoutout" to those who have commented on "InvestigatedPod"social media. If you would like a shoutout on the show, please comment on Instagram, TikTok and out other social media channels. We look forward to connecting with you!  We would absolutely love it if you would share our podcast on your social media to let others know about this incredible story. Let a friend know what podcast you're listening to and spread the word... we would be eternally grateful!  Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1h 4m

  8. 04/04/2024

    S1 E8: James, Albert & George - The Families and the Aftermath

    This episode travels into the timeline where Pearson spent time in Cedar City, Utah from the early 70s and then makes his way to Biloxi Mississippi after abducting his 11 month old son.  We speak to family members that we're on the front lines of all of Pearson's lies and deceit and learn more about who he was acting as a "family man" and how he was living his life while still on the run as he was wanted for murder. Sonya was interviewed by another podcast this week "As I lLive and Grieve" that focuses on grief and how to deal with loss. This topic works well into this episode, because there is a lot of grieving and families that have been coming to terms with the details of this story. “Theresa and Jacqueline's trauma came from George Watson, Arlene and her children's trauma came from Arthur D . Fore and of course, Pauline, Paula and Maryanne,  were killed at the hands of their father and the trauma that came to their families at the hands of James Arthur Pearson.  Unfortunately David's trauma and grief has been a result from all three." Sources: Newspaper Article: Murder, Abandonment, Now Kidnapping. Written by staff writer Edith Dierhorst Back, The  Sun Herald - August 10, 1978 Newspaper Article: FBI May Join Search For. Missing Child. Written by staff writer Edith Dierhorst Back, The  Sun Herald - September 10, 1978 Exclusive reported interview with Ruesch family members Vickie and Donal and Sonya Paz. Exclusive reported interview with the Biloxi family member Theresa and Sonya Paz. I was also a guest speaker on Kathy Gleason's podcast "As I Live & Grieve" this week on April 2, 2024. Kathy is a lovely lady who hosts this podcast to help others with sharing stories of grief.  This topic is a compliment to today's Investigated episode 8, becasue how many of us are all dealing with the grief of the Pearson women. Be sure to check out "As I Live & Grieve" on Apple Itunes, Facebook and Instagram Do you love "Investigated" podcast? Text us to leave us a review! Support the show Follow Investigated! Website Social Media Instagram YouTube Facebook TikTok If you are new to listening to our podcast, thank you so much, we are happy you are here! It's best to start out podcast from "Episode 1 -More than a Feeling" because you will better understand the details in a chronological order and will be easier to understand the concept of this very complex and abstract story. Thanks for listening! Listen for Free and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts for all episodes and news.

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Join Sonya Paz and Marek Kasprzyk, your hosts of a new podcast: "Investigated".They will delve into some of the most interesting true crime cases starting off with the investigation and case of the notorious James Arthur Pearson, a man who killed his family... told by the friend of these victims, Sonya Paz.Sonya is an accomplished artist turned investigating researcher whose childhood friend was murdered, who has spent years investigating to bring closure to these victims.Marek is a licensed private investigator in California with expertise in criminal defense investigation and over 40 years under his belt of over 5,000 cases.The first story of this podcast will detail the relentless pursuit of justice that ultimately led to his apprehension. With real interviews of law enforcement that led the case, to the witnesses who helped authorities apprehend this perpetrator.Follow "Investigated" now for a front-row seat to learn the twists and turns of this unbelievable story.  Season one airing on February 15th. Be sure to follow us through Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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