129: 22-Year-Old Riley Strain Missing After Nashville Bar & Joe Rogan Podcast Guest Arrested with Human Head in Freezer
In the SERIALously podcast, the hosts cover a range of disturbing crimes and allegations. The episode delves into the charges against Stefan Stearns for heinous sex crimes against 13-year-old Madeline Soto, as well as the potential re-examination of the Scott Peterson case. It also discusses the mysterious disappearance of University of Missouri student Riley Strain in Nashville.
The podcast touches upon gruesome murders, including Earline Tucker's alleged killing of her mother and the dismemberment case involving criminal justice advocate Sheldon Johnson. Additionally, it explores suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, who had raised safety concerns about the 787 Dreamliner production.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 14, 2024 episode of the SERIALously
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1-Page Summary
Case Updates
Stefan Stearns Faces Charges for Heinous Sex Crimes Against Madeline Soto
Stefan Stearns, the stepfather of 13-year-old Madeline Soto who went missing in February, has been charged with 60 counts of sex crimes against her dating back to 2019, including sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse materials confirmed to be of Madeline. Murder charges have not yet been filed.
Scott Peterson Case Re-Examined for Potential Exoneration
The LA Innocence Project believes new evidence could exonerate Scott Peterson, convicted of murdering his wife Lacey and unborn son in the early 2000s. Peterson's lawyers are seeking DNA testing on key evidence and allege his constitutional rights were violated. Hearings on these issues are scheduled in the coming months.
University of Missouri Student Riley Strain Missing in Nashville
Riley Strain, a 6'5" University of Missouri student, went missing after being overserved at a Nashville bar during a fraternity conference. Surveillance footage shows him stumbling, and despite searches using technology and public appeals, his whereabouts remain unknown after his phone died.
Disturbing Murder Cases
Earline Tucker Accused of Ripping Out Her Mother's Heart
Police found Earline Tucker naked outside her Florida home near what appeared to be a human organ. Inside, her deceased mother Lucille had chest trauma, and the organ was identified as her heart. Earline allegedly made disturbing statements about issues with her skin color motivating the killing.
Criminal Justice Advocate Sheldon Johnson Arrested for Gruesome Murder
After advocating for criminal justice reform following his release from prison, Sheldon Johnson was arrested for brutally murdering and dismembering a former prison rival, Colin Small. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, and Johnson was seen entering Small's apartment with cleaning supplies before remains were discovered.
Corporate Misconduct Allegations
Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett's Mysterious Death
Former Boeing employee John Barnett, who had testified about serious safety issues with the 787 Dreamliner production, was found dead shortly after a deposition in a lawsuit against Boeing. Barnett's lawyers find the death suspicious and inconsistent with his character, given his desire for accountability at Boeing over quality failures and incomplete inspection procedures.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The LA Innocence Project is a legal organization dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions, often using DNA evidence. They work to reform the criminal justice system to prevent future miscarriages of justice. The organization is part of a broader network of Innocence Projects across the United States.
- Scott Peterson, convicted of murdering his wife Lacey and their unborn son, is being re-examined for potential exoneration based on new evidence and claims of constitutional rights violations. The LA Innocence Project is involved in seeking DNA testing on key evidence to potentially prove his innocence. Hearings are scheduled to address these issues in the near future.
- "Overserved at a bar" means that someone has been given or consumed more alcohol than is legally allowed or considered safe in a bar or similar establishment. This can lead to intoxication levels that impair judgment, coordination, and overall cognitive function. Bars and servers have a responsibility to monitor patrons' alcohol consumption to prevent overconsumption and potential harm. Being overserved can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and dangerous situations.
- Chest trauma typically involves injuries to the chest area caused by a forceful impact or injury. This can result in damage to the structures within the chest, such as the ribs, lungs, or heart. In the context of a crime scene, chest trauma may indicate physical harm inflicted on the chest region, potentially leading to serious internal injuries.
- Sheldon Johnson was charged with murdering and dismembering Colin Small in New York City. Small's dismembered torso and feet were found in a freezer and a blue bin in his apartment. Johnson, a former gang member and criminal justice activist, was arrested for the murder, manslaughter, weapon possession, and concealing Small's body. The incident involved surveillance footage showing Johnson entering and leaving the apartment multiple times with cleaning supplies and a blue bin containing Small's body parts.
- A deposition in a lawsuit is when a witness gives sworn testimony outside of court, usually in a lawyer's office, which can be used as evidence in the case. It is a way to gather information before trial and can involve answering questions under oath. Depositions are a common part of the legal process in the United States and Canada, allowing both sides to learn about the other's evidence and prepare for trial.
- The 787 Dreamliner is a commercial airplane manufactured by Boeing. It is known for its extensive use of composite materials, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient than traditional aircraft. The Dreamliner has faced various production issues and safety concerns over the years, leading to investigations and whistleblower reports. John Barnett, a former Boeing employee, raised concerns about safety issues related to the 787 Dreamliner production before his mysterious death.
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Case updates and new developments
Recent reports bring new revelations and ongoing concerns in notable criminal cases, as well as a pressing missing person's search.
Update on the Madeline Soto case: Stepfather charged with heinous sex crimes against a child
Madeline, a 13-year-old girl who went missing at the end of February after being dropped off at school by Stefan Stearns, her mother's boyfriend, is now at the center of a harrowing case. Stearns was arrested on unrelated charges two days after Madeline's disappearance, found in possession of child content which included videos and images confirmed to be of Madeline.
Stefan Stearns is now facing 60 sex crimes against Madeline, some of which date back to 2019. The charges against him include eight counts of sexual battery on a child under 12, five counts of sexual battery with a child between 12 and 18, seven counts of lewd acts, and 40 counts of possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child. The investigation remains ongoing, and murder charges have not been filed.
Scott Peterson case resurfaces with new potential evidence for exoneration
Scott Peterson's case, dating back to the early 2000s when he was convicted of murdering his wife Lacey and their unborn son Connor, has received new attention. The LA Innocence Project believes fresh evidence could lead to his exoneration. Peterson's lawyers are seeking independent DNA testing on the carpet and a blood-stained mattress from a burnt orange van.
During a Zoom court appearance, his legal team filed for post-conviction discovery and alleges that his constitutional rights were violated. There are upcoming hearings scheduled concerning these issues, including one for DNA testing in the following month and a discovery hearing in July.
Disappearance of University of Missouri student Riley Strain in Nashville
Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student, went missing in downtown Nashville during a visit for a fraternity conference. Last seen leaving a bar and stumbling across the str ...
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Case updates and new developments
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Stefan Stearns is facing charges related to 60 sex crimes against Madeline Soto, including sexual battery and possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child. The charges range from sexual battery on a child under 12 to lewd acts, with some offenses dating back to 2019. The investigation is ongoing, and murder charges have not been filed in connection with Madeline's disappearance.
- The new evidence sought for Scott Peterson's potential exoneration includes independent DNA testing on specific items from the crime scene, such as a carpet and a blood-stained mattress from a van. Peterson's legal team believes that this new testing could provide crucial evidence that may challenge his conviction. They argue that this evidence, if favorable to Peterson, could support claims of his innocence and potentially lead to his exoneration. The focus on obtaining and analyzing this new evidence is a key aspect of the ongoing legal efforts to reassess Peterson's case.
- "Post-conviction discovery" is a legal process where new evidence is sought after a conviction has been made. It allows the convicted individual to request further investigation or examination of evidence that could potentially impact their case. This can include DNA testing, witness interviews, or other methods to uncover information that may not have been available during the original trial. The goal is to ensure that all relevant evidence is considered and that justice is served accurately.
- The Innocence Project is a no ...
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Disturbing and unusual murder cases
In two separate and horrifying incidents, Earline Tucker was accused of murdering her mother in a twisted killing, and criminal justice advocate Sheldon Johnson was arrested for a gruesome murder.
Earline Tucker accused of murdering her mother by ripping out her heart
The Florida police encountered a chilling scene upon their arrival at the Tucker residence.
Earline found naked outside their home standing over what appeared to be a human organ
Officers found Earline Tucker naked outside her home, near what appeared to be a human organ. They escorted her inside to get dressed and discovered the deceased body of her mother, Lucille Tucker, with evident chest trauma and an organ on the floor, which was later identified as the majority of a heart.
Earline Tucker reportedly made disturbing comments about killing her mother during the police interview and when left alone in the interview room. She suggested that her mother had been mean to her due to issues with Earline's skin color. Earline stated she loved her mother's black skin color but that her mother did not reciprocate that love for Earline’s color. Furthermore, Earline disclosed that she cut out her mother's heart to "inspect" it and refused to speak to a white officer. When a black officer was assigned, she expressed an inability to give up power and control to a black man.
Shocking reversal for criminal justice reform advocate Sheldon Johnson
In what seems to be a dramatic departure from his advocacy work, Sheldon Johnson has been arrested for a brutal murder.
Johnson arrested for gruesome murder of former prison rival, after years in prison and recent advocacy work
On March 7th, Sheldon Johnson was taken into custody after a wellness check led the police to a dismembered torso in a blue storage bin and a head in a freezer in a Bronx apa ...
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Disturbing and unusual murder cases
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Clarifications
- Earline Tucker was accused of murdering her mother by ripping out her heart, displaying disturbing behavior and making unsettling comments during the investigation. Sheldon Johnson, a criminal justice advocate, was arrested for a brutal murder involving dismemberment, a shocking turn of events given his previous work in advocacy.
- Earline Tucker's mental state appeared disturbed, as she made comments about her mother's treatment of her based on skin color and showed signs of a possible mental break. Sheldon Johnson's motivations for the murder seemed to be linked to a past rivalry from his time in prison, as the victim was believed to be one of his former adversaries.
- Earline Tucker expressed feelings of love towards her mother's black skin color ...
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Corporate misconduct and whistleblower issues
The case of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, who was found dead after raising significant safety concerns about the production of Boeing aircraft, has brought to light the complex and troubling issues surrounding corporate misconduct and the protection of whistleblowers.
Boeing whistleblower John Barnett found dead shortly after testifying against company
Barnett raised safety concerns about 787 Dreamliner production issues, including high failure rates for oxygen systems
John Barnett, a former safety and quality control manager for Boeing, publicly disclosed alarming safety issues at Boeing's North Charleston plant. A long-time Boeing employee, Barnett’s whistleblowing focused on the 787 Dreamliner, revealing a 25 percent failure rate of emergency oxygen systems which, in the event of cabin depressurization, could result in passenger suffocation. Despite reporting these issues to management, Barnett claimed that they took no action. His revelations prompted a 2017 FAA review that substantiated some of the claims and directed Boeing to take corrective measures.
Barnett's lawyers claim his death is suspicious and do not believe it was suicide
Barnett had been experiencing a hostile work environment at Boeing, leading him to file a lawsuit for retaliation. Recently, he expressed concerns to the media over Boeing's decision to rapidly return the 737 Max 9 jets to service after a new aircraft delivered to Alaska Airlines lost a door panel mid-flight.
After testifying in a deposition as part of a major lawsuit against Boeing, John Barnett was found dead in South Carolina. He was scheduled for further questioning on the day of his death. Barnett had been a vocal critic of the 737 and 787 programs, citing incomplete jobs, removal of inspection steps ...
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Corporate misconduct and whistleblower issues
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Clarifications
- John Barnett, a former Boeing employee, raised safety concerns about the 787 Dreamliner's emergency oxygen systems. Despite reporting these issues and prompting an FAA review, Barnett faced a hostile work environment and filed a lawsuit for retaliation. His death, which occurred after testifying in a lawsuit against Boeing, is considered suspicious by his lawyers, who doubt it was a suicide. Barnett's criticisms of Boeing's production processes and his concerns about the 737 and 787 programs added complexity to his case.
- Boeing has faced documented issues with production quality, including multiple failures in FAA audits and reports of not follo ...
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