Podcasts > Last Podcast On The Left > Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

By Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski

In this Last Podcast On The Left episode, the hosts delve into a range of twisted tales and unravel the motives behind chilling crimes. They explore a cryptocurrency fraud masterminded by a pastor who claimed divine instruction, while also investigating a tragic delivery room incident where a baby's death was ruled a preventable homicide.

The hosts further dissect a murder staged as self-defense, a premeditated killing carried out with meticulous planning, and a fatal hit-and-run crash with a shocking excuse involving defecation. Amidst these grim accounts, they touch on the psychology of serial killers, exploring the role of impulse control and flawed strategies that often lead to their downfall.

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

1-Page Summary

Cryptocurrency fraud

Pastor Eli Regalado and his wife Caitlin stole over $1.3 million from their Christian community in Denver by creating and selling a cryptocurrency called index coin. Regalado claims God instructed him to initiate this fraud scheme which netted $3.2 million from about 300 investors.

Baby decapitation case update

A doctor facing potential involuntary manslaughter charges decapitated a baby during birth by pulling too forcefully. Initially ruled uncertain criminally, further investigation determined the baby's death was preventable, leading to the homicide ruling. Marcus Parks expresses sympathy but highlights the painful reminder of delivery risks.

Pastor's wife defends fraud

Eli Regalado's wife defends spending hundreds of thousands from the crypto scam funds on home renovations, claiming it was the Lord's instruction. The fraud secured $3.2 million overall, with $1.3 million spent on personal expenses like the renovation.

Fatal hit-and-run blamed on defecation

Driver Julie Ann Budge, who killed two cyclists in a hit-and-run, blamed her uncontrollable defecation medical condition for swerving, though she also had fentanyl in her system.

Murder staged as self-defense

Charles Calvert staged his girlfriend Marsha Linsky's murder scene to appear defensive, but discrepancies like a lack of chopped onions unveiled his poorly executed attempt. Calvert remains calm despite violently killing Linsky.

Premeditated 37-stab murder

David Shroitman followed a rare, written step-by-step plan to murder Mary Rose Feeley, stabbing her 37 times. His documented intentions ultimately contributed to the suspect's swift apprehension.

Serial killer psychology

Henry Zebrowski notes many serial killers exhibit poor impulse control, though exceptions like Kuklinski demonstrate patience. Marcus Parks adds that most are caught due to inadequate planning rather than low intelligence.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Pastor Eli Regalado and his wife Caitlin orchestrated a fraudulent scheme involving a cryptocurrency called index coin, which they created and sold to members of their Christian community in Denver. They claimed that God guided them to carry out this scheme, which resulted in them stealing over $1.3 million from investors. The fraud scheme amassed a total of $3.2 million from approximately 300 individuals, with a significant portion of the funds being used for personal expenses rather than the intended investment purposes.
  • Julie Ann Budge, the driver involved in a hit-and-run incident, claimed that her actions were influenced by a medical condition causing uncontrollable defecation. This condition may have led to her swerving on the road, resulting in the tragic accident. Additionally, it was mentioned that she had fentanyl in her system at the time of the incident.
  • Charles Calvert staged his girlfriend Marsha Linsky's murder scene to make it look like an act of self-defense. By manipulating the evidence and creating a false narrative, he attempted to deceive investigators and avoid being held responsible for her death. However, inconsistencies in his story, such as the absence of certain expected elements like chopped onions, ultimately exposed his deceitful actions. Despite his efforts to appear innocent, the truth behind the murder was revealed through careful scrutiny of the crime scene and his behavior.

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Cryptocurrency fraud

In a shocking turn of events, a Colorado pastor admits to a fraudulent scheme that has significantly impacted his Christian community in Denver.

Pastor admits stealing over $1 million through crypto scam

Eli Regalado and his wife Caitlin have been charged with creating and selling a cryptocurrency named index coin, which they had marketed to the Christian community with the assertion that investing in it was a divine path to wealth. This scheme led to the theft of more than $1.3 million from investors who were convinced by the religiously framed pitch. Marcus Parks discusses how the scam was tied to the Victorious Grace Church, an online-only church without a physical location, and revealed that the scammed money was used for substantial personal luxury purchases, such as jewelry and a costly home renovation project.

Indeed, $3.2 million was reportedly collected from about 300 people, and following these revelations, the pastor and his wife have had their financial accounts frozen as a result of the fraudulent activities.

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Cryptocurrency fraud

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The pastor and his wife faced legal charges for creating and selling a fraudulent cryptocurrency, resulting in the theft of over $1.3 million from investors. Their financial accounts were frozen as a consequence of the fraudulent activities. The pastor admitted to the fraud but claimed he was instructed by God to carry out the scheme, adding a complex layer to the case. The legal repercussions for the pastor and his wife are ongoing as they navigate the consequences of their actions.
  • Justifying criminal actions based on divine instruction involves individuals claiming that their illegal behavior was guided or commanded by a higher power, such as God. This defense intertwines religious beliefs with c ...

Counterarguments

...

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Baby decapitation case update

Doctor's actions ruled a homicide

A tragic case has taken a significant turn with new developments regarding a baby that was decapitated during birth. After a thorough investigation into the incident, it has now been officially ruled as a homicide.

Initially, the death of the baby was uncertain in terms of criminal charges. However, after consulting with an OBGYN who had completed over 9,000 deliveries, investigators concluded that the baby’s death was preventable and should not have occurred. The baby was alive at the time of decapitation, which was caused by a "fractured dislocation with complete transection of the upper cervical spine and spinal cord" when the baby got caught in the vaginal canal.

The incident itself occurred when the doctor tried to pull the baby out too forcefully during birth, resulting in the decapitation. Following the event, staff at the hospital wrapped the decapitated baby tightly in a blanket to make it appear unharmed and encouraged the parents to cremate the body without opting for an autopsy. The parents were only made aware of the decapitation several days after the delivery and after the mother had left the hospital.

The doctor responsible for the delivery may now face charges of inv ...

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Baby decapitation case update

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Involuntary manslaughter charges typically involve causing someone's death unintentionally but through reckless or negligent actions. Unlike murder or voluntary manslaughter, there is no intent to kill in involuntary manslaughter cases. The charge often arises when a person's actions lead to someone's death without premeditation or malice aforethought. It is a criminal offense that holds individuals accountable for causing death due to their careless behavior.
  • A visiting practitioner is a healthcare provider who practices at a facility where they are not a permanent employee. They typically have their own practice but may see patients at other locations for convenience or to serve a specific patient population. This arrangement allows patients to access specialized care without needing to travel far. Visiting practitioners often have agreements with the facility to use their resources and provide care to patients who choose to see them there.
  • The staff wrapping the decapitated baby in a blanket to hide the harm is a disturbing and unet ...

Counterarguments

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Pastor's wife defends fraud, says money went to home renovation

In the wake of accusations surrounding the misuse of funds, a pastor's wife has come forth to defend the use of the money secured through questionable means. Eli, the pastor's wife, asserts that a significant sum, in the range of a few hundred thousand dollars, was channeled towards a home remodel—a project she claims was instructed by the Lord.

Investigations reveal that out of the $3.2 million obtained through the scheme, $1.3 mi ...

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Pastor's wife defends fraud, says money went to home renovation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The funds in question were obtained through a scheme that involved questionable means, implying that they were acquired through deceitful or illegal methods. This raises concerns about the legitimacy and ethical nature of the money acquired by the pastor's wife for the home renovation project. The source of the $3.2 million mentioned in the text is not explicitly stated, but it is indicated that $1.3 million of this amount was used for personal expenses, including the home renovation.
  • The pastor's wife, Eli, claims that the home renovation project was instructed by the Lord, suggesting she believes it was a divine directive. This implies that she sees the use of the funds for the renovation as part of a spiritual or religiou ...

Counterarguments

  • The claim that the home renovation was instructed by the Lord is highly subjective and cannot be substantiated, raising concerns about using such a defense to justify the allocation of funds.
  • The use of funds obtained through questionable means for personal benefit, regardless of the intended purpose, is typically considered unethical and may be illegal, suggesting that the defense lacks a strong moral or legal foundation.
  • The allocation of $1.3 million for personal expenses from funds obtained through a scheme could be seen as a misappropriation of resources, especially if those funds were intended for charitable or religious purposes.
  • The defense does not address the potential breach of trust with the com ...

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Fatal hit-and-run blamed on uncontrollable defecation

Julie Ann Budge was arrested for the deaths of two cyclists, Matthew and Adam Bullard, whom she hit while driving under the influence. Initially reported as a tragic accident, the defense later introduced her medical condition of uncontrollable defecation as a factor ca ...

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Fatal hit-and-run blamed on uncontrollable defecation

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Uncontrollable defecation, also known as fecal incontinence, is a medical condition where a person has difficulty controlling their bowel movements. In the context of driving, if someone experiences a sudden and uncontrollable bowel movement, it can lead to distraction, discomfort, and loss of focus, potentially causing them to swerve or lose control of their vehicle. This condition can be triggered by various factors such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or underlying health issues, impacting an individual's ability to maintain control while driving. In the case mentioned, the defense argued that Julie Ann Budge's uncontrollable defecation played a role in the tragic accident by contributing to her loss of control behind the wheel.
  • Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid pain medication often used for severe pain management. When fentanyl is found in someon ...

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Man arrested for girlfriend's murder; badly staged crime scene

In a shocking turn of events, Charles Michael Calvert, a 60-year-old Indiana man, is apprehended for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Marsha Linsky, after a poorly executed attempt to construct a self-defense scenario at the crime scene.

Upon responding to a 911 call about a stabbing, law enforcement officials discover Linsky deceased with a significant gash on her head and neck area, and her right thumb nearly severed. Calvert, with wet hair, suggesting recent washing, meets the officers outside the home. The interior is in disarray, featuring a broken crock pot, bloody kitchen knives, and food items strewn about, seeming to indicate a struggle.

During the emergency call, Calvert alleges that during an altercation, where both he and Linsky held knives, she "came at him." Despite his claims, no evidence suggests any efforts on his part to aid Linsky post- ...

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Man arrested for girlfriend's murder; badly staged crime scene

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Clarifications

  • In the context of the text, the absence of chopped onions in the kitchen despite an onion peel in the trash raises suspicion. This detail suggests a discrepancy in the account provided by the suspect, Charles Michael Calvert, regarding the events leading to his girlfriend's death. It implies a potential inconsistency in his narrative or actions during the incident, adding complexity to the investigation. The presence of an onion peel in the trash but no chopped onions visible could indicate a possible attempt to manipulate or fabricate aspects of the crime scene.
  • Calvert's calm declaration hinting at unsettling tranquility post-incident suggests that his demeanor was unexpectedly composed and lacking the expected emotional distress or urgency typically associated with such a tragic event. This unusual behavior can raise suspicions about his involvement or emotional connection to the situation. It may indicate a disconnect between his actions and the gravity of the circumstances, potentially pointing towards a lack of genuine remorse or shock. Such behavior can be perceived as abnormal or suspicious in the context of a violent crime scene.
  • An attempt to construct a self-defense scenario at a crime scene typically involves staging the evidence in a way that suggests the perpetrator acted in s ...

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

37-stab murder carried out according to detailed, written plan

In a grim case in Somerville, New Jersey, David C. Shroitman is charged with the first-degree murder of Mary Rose Feeley. On January 30th, 2024, outside of her apartment, Shroitman allegedly enacted a chilling step-by-step plan that culminated in Feeley’s stabbing death, where she was brutally stabbed 37 times.

Investigators quickly honed in on Shroitman as the primary suspect. Discovery of a white garbage bag over the front seat of his car, accompanied by a black gator and duct tape, cemented their suspicions.

The case has garnered particular attention due to the suspect’s decision to document his murderous intentions in a written plan, a move considered rare and surprisingly clumsy by t ...

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37-stab murder carried out according to detailed, written plan

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Clarifications

  • The hosts of the case discussion are individuals who lead or participate in a formal conversation or analysis about a specific legal case or crime. They often provide insights, opinions, and analysis based on their expertise in law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields. These hosts may include legal experts, law enforcement officials, journalists, or other professionals with relevant knowledge and experience.
  • The white garbage bag, black gator, and duct tape found in the suspect's car are significant because they could potentially be linked to the crime scene or used in the commission of the murder. These items may serve as physical evidenc ...

Counterarguments

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Relaxed Fit: True Crime Round-Up - Murder & Onions

Serial killer psychology

Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks delve into the psychological patterns that can be observed in serial killers, focusing especially on issues of impulse control and planning with respect to the capture of these criminals.

Impulse control issues common

Zebrowski points out that a common characteristic among criminals, particularly serial killers, is some form of impaired impulse control. He notes, however, that there are exceptions to this pattern—such as Richard Kuklinski and the BTK killer—who exhibit patience and strategic thinking, which are considered rare traits in serial killers.

Most killers caught due to lack of planning

Parks expands on the conversation by addressing the common belief that many criminals are caught because they are "stupid." He emphasizes that it is not necessarily a lack of ...

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Serial killer psychology

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Richard Kuklinski, also known as "The Iceman," was an American criminal and convicted murderer who committed multiple killings between 1980 and 1984. He earned his nickname due to freezing the body of one of his victims to mislead investigators about the time of death. Kuklinski led a double life, appearing as a loving family man while engaging in violent criminal activities, including luring victims with the promise of business deals before killing them.
  • The BTK killer, also known as Dennis Rader, was a notorious American serial killer who murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991 in Kansas. BTK stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill," which wa ...

Counterarguments

  • While impulse control issues are indeed common among serial killers, it's important to consider that not all individuals with impulse control problems engage in criminal behavior, and not all serial killers have notable impulse control issues.
  • The cases of Richard Kuklinski and the BTK killer, while informative, may not be representative of all serial killers and could be outliers rather than indicative of a subset with patience and strategic thinking.
  • Intelligence is a multifaceted concept, and while lack of planning is a significant factor in the capture of many serial killers, it's possible that other aspects of intelligence, such as emotional or social intelligence, play a role in their criminal behavior and eventual apprehension.
  • The assertion that many serial killers are caught due to a lack of planning might oversimplify the complex interplay of factors that lead to their capture, whi ...

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