155: Sickening Parents Arrested for Incest, Oregon Serial Killer & Trial Updates
In this episode of SERIALously, the discussion centers around ongoing criminal investigations and suspects. A suspected serial killer in Oregon, Jesse Calhoun, is named as a person of interest in several women's murders in Portland. Details emerge about the alleged crimes of John Dehart and Sarah Miller, involving charges of sexual assault, torture, and incest of child victims as young as four years old.
The episode also covers updates on high-profile criminal trials and cases. The disturbing Chad Daybell trial and details of the Karen Reed trial for the death of her boyfriend, a Boston police officer, are discussed. Other disturbing cases of sexual abuse and violence, including a strangulation attack and further allegations of sexual abuse and incest, are explored.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 16, 2024 episode of the SERIALously
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1-Page Summary
Ongoing criminal investigations and suspects
Suspected serial killer in Oregon
Several women's murders in Portland over the past year have raised suspicions of a serial killer. Jesse Calhoun, previously released early from prison, was named as a person of interest. The victims' mothers believe these deaths were connected and are seeking justice.
Alleged crimes of John Dehart and Sarah Miller
John Dehart and Sarah Miller face charges of sexual assault, torture, and incest involving child victims as young as four years old, including their own children. According to the victims, Dehart and Miller subjected them to horrific abuse, threats, and confinement.
High-profile criminal trials and developments
Chad Daybell trial
Disturbing details have emerged in Chad Daybell's trial, including his referring to his genitalia as "the Storm" and law enforcement connecting his relatives to the children's last known whereabouts. Jailhouse calls revealed an optimistic "project timeline" hinting at foreknowledge of the events.
Karen Reed trial
In Karen Reed's trial for the death of her boyfriend John, a Boston police officer, witness testimonies have been inconsistent. The defense suggests Karen may have been framed due to an altercation at the party where John died. New details like a "black blob" sighting could impact the case's direction.
Disturbing cases of sexual abuse and violence
Strangulation attack on Grace Johnston
Keir Johnston told his wife Grace he was leaving her, leading to an argument where he pinned her down and strangled her. Grace survived, but Keir pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
Allegations of sexual abuse and incest
John Dehart and Sarah Miller face charges of sexually abusing and torturing multiple children, including forcing them into sexual acts, threatening them, and confining them. One victim said their mother assured them the abuse was normal.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by creating a safety protocol for yourself and your loved ones, which might include regular check-ins, sharing your location with trusted individuals, and having a code word for emergencies. This is especially relevant if you're concerned about the patterns of crime in your area; by establishing a safety net, you can ensure that if something unusual happens, someone will quickly notice and act.
- Educate yourself on the signs of abuse and manipulation to better support and protect those around you, particularly children. This could involve taking an online course or reading up on the subject, so you can recognize red flags in behavior or communication that might otherwise go unnoticed. By being informed, you can become a more vigilant and supportive member of your community, ready to offer help or report suspicions when necessary.
- Develop critical thinking skills to assess information and testimonies critically, which can be done through exercises like analyzing news articles or debates for inconsistencies or biases. This can help you understand the complexities of legal cases and the importance of reliable evidence. By practicing these skills, you become better equipped to discern truth from falsehood in everyday situations, fostering a more just and informed society.
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Ongoing criminal investigations and suspects
Oregon communities and law enforcement are grappling with the suspicion of a serial killer and the troubling allegations of heinous crimes involving children.
Suspected serial killer in Oregon
Several women's deaths in Oregon over the past year have raised suspicions of a possible serial killer, with a person of interest named Jesse Calhoun who was previously released from prison early.
In Oregon, the families of four women found murdered are demanding justice, believing that the deaths, which all occurred within three months in the Portland area, might be the work of a serial killer. Jesse Calhoun, who is currently imprisoned for unrelated crimes, was identified as a person of interest. Previously, Calhoun was released early from incarceration due to participation in fighting the 2020 wildfires in Portland and considerations regarding COVID-19. Still, this decision by the former governor now comes under scrutiny amidst fears that Calhoun may be linked to these murders. Although Calhoun has yet to face charges connected to the killings, the victims' mothers have been conducting their investigations, highlighting the pattern of these suspicious deaths, with possible developments in the case emerging soon.
Alleged crimes of John Dehart and Sarah Miller
John Dehart and Sarah Miller have been charged with sexual assault, torture, and incest involving multiple child victims in their home.
Meanwhile, John Dehart and Sarah Miller face severe accusations of abusing their own children in a string of despicable acts. After a witness in a separate case came forward last December, police learned of the alleged crimes which took place when the victims were as young as four years old. Dehart is now up against 15 charges, and Miller faces 13, including r ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Ongoing criminal investigations and suspects
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by creating a neighborhood watch program that focuses on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities. Start by gathering a small group of interested neighbors, discuss the types of suspicious behaviors to look out for, and establish a communication chain for sharing information quickly and effectively. For example, use a messaging app to alert each other about unusual activities or unknown individuals in the area.
- Educate yourself on the legal processes related to crime and incarceration by attending local community meetings with law enforcement. These meetings often provide insights into how decisions are made regarding prisoner release and what measures are in place to protect the community. Take notes and ask questions to better understand the system, which can empower you to advocate for changes if needed.
- Support victims' families and raise a ...
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High-profile criminal trials and developments
The trials of Chad Daybell and Karen Reed are underway, revealing shocking details and stirring public interest while raising numerous questions about the circumstances around two separate but equally disturbing cases.
Chad Daybell trial
Chad Daybell's trial reveals deep and troubling details, while law enforcement testimonies link his relatives to the children's last known whereabouts.
Disturbing "sexual and romantic story" and law enforcement connections
During the investigation, it was disclosed that Chad Daybell referred to his genitalia as "the Storm" in descriptions pertaining to his affair with a woman named Elena. Testimonies from law enforcement indicated that Alex Cox's, Chad's brother-in-law, phone records placed him at the scene on the last day that JJ and Ty Lee were seen alive, creating a harrowing timeline that leads to Daybell’s property.
Jail call recordings and the "project timeline"
Jailhouse recordings from June 8th, the day before the discovery of the children’s remains, pointed to Daybell's eerily optimistic perspective on what he and Lori Vallow referred to as a "project timeline," which casts a grim shadow on their intent and possible foreknowledge of the events. The trial recaps are sequencing these narratives into headline highlights for the audience, with correspondent Lindsay providing observations from within the courtroom.
Karen Reed trial
In Karen Reed's trial, conflicting testimonies and new evidence present a complex picture of the night when her boyfriend John, a Boston police officer, died.
Witness inconsistencies and defensive suggestions
Witness Julie Albert's inconsistency regarding her presence at the party at 34 Fairview Road where John died, along with her observations about the house's interior the following morning, could significantly impact the jury's perception of her credibility.
Moreover, the defense has implied that Karen Reed is victim to a frame-up, indicating an altercation at the hous ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
High-profile criminal trials and developments
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The disturbing details of Chad Daybell's affair may be sensationalized and could detract from the factual legal matters at hand.
- The connection of Alex Cox to the children's last known whereabouts is based on phone records, which may not provide the full context of his presence or actions.
- Jailhouse recordings may be open to interpretation, and the so-called "project timeline" could be unrelated to the children's demise.
- In Karen Reed's trial, conflicting testimonies are common in complex cases, and inconsistencies do not necessarily indicate falsehood or guilt.
- Witness inconsistencies may be due to human error or memory issues rather than an intent to deceive.
- The defense's implica ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by practicing analyzing complex scenarios, such as those presented in crime stories or legal dramas. Start by writing down the key points and evidence from a story, then try to piece together the timeline and relationships between characters. This exercise can help you understand the importance of details and connections in real-life situations.
- Improve your observational abilities by playing "spot the difference" with real-world scenarios. For example, when you're out for a walk, try to notice changes in your neighborhood, like new signs or altered landscapes. This can train you to be more aware of your surroundings and spot inconsistencies or new elements, much like witnesses do in legal cases.
- Develop your communication s ...
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Disturbing cases of sexual abuse and violence
Recent reports have shed light on horrific cases of sexual violence, illustrating the gravity and complexity of domestic and sexual abuse.
Strangulation attack on Grace Johnston by husband Keir
Keir Johnston’s attack on his wife Grace Johnston is a deeply disturbing instance of attempted murder within a domestic setting.
Keir Johnston told his wife Grace he was leaving her, which led to an argument where he pinned her to the ground and strangled her.
After informing Grace that he was leaving her, Keir and Grace Johnston had an argument that escalated dramatically. Keir pinned Grace to the ground and proceeded to strangle her.
Grace survived the attack, but Keir has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
Despite the violent assault, Grace Johnston survived the ordeal. Her husband, Keir, was pulled off of her by a witness who intervened during the second strangulation attempt after Keir threatened to "finish her off." Following these events, Keir Johnston has pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder.
Allegations of sexual abuse and incest against child victims
The case of John Dehart and Sarah Miller brings to light the harrowing experiences of child victims subjected to sexual abuse by their own parents.
John Dehart and Sarah Miller have been charged with a range of crimes involving the sexual abuse and torture of multiple child victims, including their own child.
John Dehart and S ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Disturbing cases of sexual abuse and violence
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of abuse to better recognize and support those who might be suffering in silence. Start by reading materials from credible organizations dedicated to preventing domestic and sexual violence. This knowledge can empower you to notice red flags in the behavior of friends, family, or even acquaintances, enabling you to offer support or intervene when appropriate.
- Develop a personal safety plan that includes strategies for de-escalating potentially dangerous situations. This might involve learning conflict resolution techniques or self-defense basics. Having a plan in place can provide you with a sense of control and preparedness, which is especially important if you find yourself or someone you know in a threatening scenario.
- Create a resource ...
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