Podcasts > Murder, Mystery & Makeup > The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

By Bailey Sarian

In this episode of Murder, Mystery & Makeup, the Harubi family of Oklahoma is explored — a seemingly affluent and respected clan until their teenage son Allen commits the unthinkable, gunning down his entire family. The hosts detail the paradox of Allen's privileged upbringing versus his long history of criminal tendencies unchecked by his parents.

The grisly events of the murders are recounted, including Allen's chilling rationale of wanting to inherit the family estate to pay off debts and fund his lavish lifestyle. Investigating officers reveal key evidence leading to Allen's confession and eventual sentencing to multiple life terms. This compelling case sheds light on the darker side of privilege and the tragic consequences of unchecked greed.

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The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

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The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

1-Page Summary

The Harubi Family

Affluence and Community Standing

The Harubi family of Duncan, Oklahoma were affluent, with John Harubi as a respected local newspaper publisher known for community service. His wife Joy, affectionately called "Tinker," worked as a private investigator devoted to good causes. Their daughter Catherine, 17, was admired as a smart, likable high school student and athlete.

Allen's Background

Their son Allen, 18 or 19, had a strained relationship with Catherine due to his problematic behavior from a young age: lying, stealing, violence against his mother, credit card fraud, and flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media. Despite his crimes, his parents shielded Allen from consequences.

The Murders

Events of the Murders

One day, Allen shot and killed his mother and sister at home. Upon his father John's return, Allen shot and killed him too, staging the scene to appear as a robbery gone wrong. The bodies went undiscovered for nearly four days.

Allen's Motives

According to Detective John Byers, Allen confessed he killed his family to inherit their estate and pay off a $3,000 debt to a loan shark after his parents cut him off financially. The district attorney believed greed motivated Allen's desire to become the sole heir.

Investigation and Sentencing

Discovery and Evidence

A housekeeper found the bodies and police linked Allen to the murders based on toll records, stolen checks in his dorm, and a notebook with forged signatures.

Sentencing

Though Allen expressed little remorse, after prosecutors dropped the death penalty request at the family's wishes, he pled guilty to avoid trial. In 2016, Allen received three consecutive life sentences, condemned by his grandfather as inherently evil.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Duncan is a city in Stephens County, Oklahoma, United States. It is located in the south-central part of the state, known for its oil and agriculture industries. Duncan has a population of around 22,000 people and is situated about 80 miles south of Oklahoma City.
  • Toll records are data collected from toll booths or electronic toll collection systems that track vehicles passing through specific points. In this case, the toll records were used to establish Allen's whereabouts and movements around the time of the murders, helping to link him to the crime scene through his travel patterns. This evidence played a crucial role in the investigation by providing a timeline of Allen's movements and potentially placing him in proximity to the crime scene.
  • The decision to drop the death penalty request in Allen's case was influenced by the family's wishes and their preference to avoid a lengthy trial process. This choice may have been made to spare the family from further trauma and to bring a quicker resolution to the legal proceedings. Additionally, the prosecution might have considered the strength of the evidence and the likelihood of a guilty plea in their decision-making process.
  • Allen's grandfather condemning him as inherently evil suggests a deep-seated belief that Allen's actions were not just a result of circumstances or mistakes but rather a reflection of his fundamental character. This condemnation implies a strong moral judgment that sees Allen's behavior as stemming from a core aspect of his being, indicating a profound disappointment and disapproval of his actions. It reflects a belief that Allen's actions were not just isolated incidents but rather indicative of a broader moral failing or flaw in his character. This condemnation may also indicate a sense of betrayal or shock at the extent of Allen's actions and the impact they had on the family.

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The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

The Harubi family background and dynamics

The Harubi family, based in Duncan, Oklahoma, was known for their affluence, community involvement, and dynamic family roles, ranging from local business endeavors to individual contributions to the community.

The Harubi family members and their roles

John Harubi was the father and publisher of local newspapers, known as a trustworthy and charitable community member

John Harubi, at age 50 during the story, continued the family tradition as a publisher of local weekly newspapers. After selling the Duncan Banner, a paper owned by his family for three generations, in 1997, the Harubi family led a comfortable life. In 2007, John kept the family's newspaper legacy alive by purchasing two other local papers, the Marlowe Review and the Comanche County Chronicle. His contributions extended beyond his professional life, as he served as the vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association and actively participated in the Boy Scouts and charity work. John's persona in the community was of a man who was trustworthy, loyal, friendly, cheerful, and widely regarded as a good guy.

Joy Harubi, also known as Tinker, was the mother and a licensed private investigator who was active in the community

Joy Harubi, at 48 years old, was more than a former school teacher and a writer for the local paper. Also known affectionally as Tinker, she was a licensed private investigator who was deeply devoted to her friends and committed to good causes in the society. The community regarded her as a dedicated individual intent on serving both her family and her neighbors.

Catherine Harubi was the younger daughter, described as a smart and likable high school student

Catherine, the 17-year-old younger daughter of the Harubi family, was a junior at Duncan High School. Described as smart, loyal, funny, and invariably smiling, she was actively involved in the school's volleyball team. Her positive reputation led her family to have high aspirations for her future, including the hope that she would attend college and pursue a successful career.

Allen Haribi was the older son, known for problematic and deceptive behavior from a young age

Allen ...

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The Harubi family background and dynamics

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

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Actionables

  • You can foster trust within your community by volunteering for a local initiative. By dedicating a few hours each week to a cause you care about, you'll not only contribute positively but also build a reputation as someone who is reliable and committed, much like being a trustworthy community member.
  • Enhance your problem-solving skills by taking an online course in investigative techniques. While you may not become a licensed private investigator, learning the basics of investigation can sharpen your attention to detail and analytical thinking, which are valuable in both personal and professional settings.
  • Join a r ...

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Allen Harubi's problematic behavior and criminal activities

Allen Harubi’s troubling past and criminal activities are brought to the forefront as various instances of deceit, violence, and materialistic obsession unfold throughout his life.

Allen's history of troublemaking and deception

From a young age, Allen showed signs of law-breaking and deception.

As a teenager, Allen stole his grandmother's car, gave police false information, and lied about his accomplishments

At age 13, Allen stole his grandmother's car, leading to an encounter with law enforcement. Later, at 15, he got stopped for speeding and provided the police with a false name and birthday. He also faced charges for obstructing an officer because he didn't have his wallet, which translated into charges for speeding, having no license, and lacking insurance.

Allen was also untruthful about his personal achievements. He claimed he was the fifth-ranked high school tennis player in his state, which his coach refuted by explaining Allen wasn't that skilled. Moreover, Allen boasted about becoming a male model and being featured in W Magazine, which was, in fact, a fabrication.

Allen had a violent outburst where he attacked his mother, but his parents did not press charges

A violent incident occurred where Allen attacked and choked his mother, Joy, during a dispute, reportedly over money. Although police were involved, no charges were forwarded due to the family's influence in local media.

Allen's obsession with spending and materialism

Allen's fixation with spending and flaunting his possessions was evident through his fraudulent actions and social media presence.

Allen engaged in credit card fraud, using his grandmother's information to rack up large expenses on trips and purchases

In 2013, Allen exploited his grandmother's personal information to obtain an American Express credit card, which he used for various unapproved purchases, including a lavish six-week European trip to Rome, Naples, and Paris. Despite being convicted for $5,000 in fraudulent transactions on his grandmother’s card, the reality pointed to a staggering $80,000. Allen was mandated to pay restitution after pleading guilty to credit card theft.

On social media, Allen often bragged about his luxury lifestyle, indicated by his lavish expenditures. He stayed at a distinguished hotel in Paris, posted a picture of a $4,000 watch near the Eiffel Tower, and referenced "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" while socializing there.

Allen frequently bragged about his lavish spending and materialistic possessions on social media

His social media accounts were a testament to his spending habits, where he frequently boasted about his apparently boundless wealth. This was supported by his instruments of luxury, such as owning a Rolex watch, donning Louis Vuitton shoes, and flaunting expensive wallets with monogrammed initials. His associations with excessive luxury were highlighted with the hashtag #expensive, and he described himself as a shopaholic, conveying the ...

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Allen Harubi's problematic behavior and criminal activities

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Allen Harubi engaged in a series of criminal activities, including stealing his grandmother's car, committing credit card fraud, and forging checks. These actions led to legal consequences such as facing charges for obstructing an officer, credit card theft, and violating probation. Despite these criminal behaviors, Allen continued to flaunt a lavish lifestyle on social media, showcasing his materialistic obsessions while engaging in deceitful and unlawful acts.
  • Allen faced legal consequences for his actions, including charges for credit card fraud and theft. He was convicted for fraudulent transactions on his grandmother's credit card and was required to pay restitution. Additionally, he violated probation terms by traveling out of state, which further compounded his legal troubles. Allen's criminal behavior, such as stealing checks and forging signatures, led to suspicions of forgery and financial misconduct.
  • In some cases, influential families or individuals may have connections or power within local media outlets. This influence can potentially impact how legal proceedings are handled, including whether charges are pressed or how cases are portrayed in the media. This influence might lead to preferential treatment or leniency in certain situations, affecting the outcome of legal matters. Such dynamics can sometimes create disparities in how justice is administered based on social status or connections.
  • Allen's social med ...

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The murder of the Harubi family and Allen's motives

The brutal murder of the Harubi family gripped the community as details surfaced about the events and the chilling motives behind the crime.

The events of the herders

On a day that turned tragic, Allen Harubi committed an unthinkable act that cost the lives of his own family members.

Allen shot and killed his mother and sister at their home, then waited for and killed his father upon his return

Catherine was outside washing her car when she heard a noise and entered the house, only to be met by her brother Allen who shot her in the head, killing her instantly. Allen's mother lay dead nearby. Allen spent the next hour in the house with the bodies of his mother and sister until his father, John, returned home. When John walked into the deadly scene, Allen shot him once, watched him fall, and then shot him a second time.

Allen attempted to stage the crime scene to make it look like a robbery

Subsequently, Allen staged the house to give the impression that a robbery had taken place. He left with the murder weapon and the home surveillance equipment, which he disposed of in a lake or in the family's storage unit. The bodies remained undiscovered for nearly four days, during which time five spent nine-millimeter shell casings were left at the scene, an indictment of the violence that had occurred.

Allen's stated motives for the murders

A dark narrative emerged from the investigation, revealing Allen's motives rooted in desperation and greed.

Allen confessed that he killed his family to inherit the family's estate and pay off a debt to a loan shark

Allen, who was under suspicion for a pending stolen check complaint, conf ...

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The murder of the Harubi family and Allen's motives

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Counterarguments

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Actionables

  • You can create a personal financial management plan to avoid falling into debt, which might include setting a strict budget, tracking expenses, and establishing an emergency fund. By doing this, you'll have a clear understanding of your financial situation, which can prevent the kind of desperation that leads to poor decision-making. For example, use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to monitor your spending habits and adjust them accordingly.
  • Engage in open conversations with family members about financial expectations and inheritance to prevent misunderstandings. This could involve setting up a family meeting to discuss financial planning and the future of the family estate. By having these discussions, you ensure that everyone is on the same page and reduce the potential for conflict over financial matters.
  • Educate yourself on the legal and ethical i ...

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The spoiled brat got rid of his whole family to keep on spending! | Mystery & Makeup

The investigation, arrest, and sentencing of Allen Harubi

Allen Harubi's case unfolds as a housekeeper's grim discovery led to Harubi's confession, arrest, and eventual sentencing for the murder of his family members.

The discovery of the murders and Allen's initial response

The tragedy came to light when the family housekeeper stumbled upon the bodies and immediately alerted the authorities by calling 911. Upon being informed of his family's murders, Allen exhibited signs of distress. He was observed crying and appeared upset as he cooperated with the police, spending time with a chaplain confessing his sins. However, his cooperation took a turn as his actions began to arouse suspicion.

The investigation and evidence against Allen

Allen’s behavior landed him in custody overnight due to a complaint about a suspected stolen check and a breach of his probation terms for credit card fraud. Investigators, pursuing a hunch, procured Allen’s toll records which revealed his travel from college to his hometown of Duncan, twice on the day of the murders. Further, a search of Allen's dorm room unveiled a stash of four stolen checks hidden under his bed, and a notebook filled with practice signatures.

Amid mounting police pressure, Allen waived his façade, confessing to the gruesome murders, although he expressed little remorse for the horrific act.

Allen's sentencing and the aftermath

As the legal procedures unfolded, Allen was charged not only with concealing stolen property but also announced as the sole suspect behind his family’s murders. The district attorney noted an absence of genuine remorse from Allen, citing his regret was merely about the consequences he faced rather than the atrocious crime itself, a sentiment underscored by recalling an earlier assault Allen committed against his mo ...

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The investigation, arrest, and sentencing of Allen Harubi

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Counterarguments

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Actionables

  • You can enhance your critical thinking skills by analyzing true crime cases. Start by reading case files available in the public domain, then list out the evidence presented and create a timeline of events. This exercise can help you understand the process of gathering and interpreting evidence, which is a valuable skill in both personal and professional contexts.
  • Develop empathy and understanding of the criminal justice system by volunteering with organizations that support the wrongfully accused. By engaging with these groups, you'll gain firsthand insight into the complexities of legal proceedings and the importance of due process, which can shape your perspective on justice and fairness in society.
  • Improve your ...

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