160: The “Bad Breath Rapist”, Mom Murders 4 Year Old with Mountain Dew & Gang Orders Hit on Charlie Adelson
In this episode on SERIALously, the hosts delve into sobering cases of family members committing crimes against vulnerable relations - including a mother who caused her daughter's death through neglect, and another who physically abused her elderly mother.
The episode also examines high-profile cases where family members turned against each other. Details emerge on Toon Kit Lee, known as the "Bad Breath Rapist," who evaded capture for 16 years after assaulting a coworker. Another segment covers the Adelson family, where Charlie is accused of orchestrating his brother-in-law's murder amid a contentious custody battle involving his sister.
Rounding out the discussion are updates on the Chad Daybell case, where cult ties allegedly led to the murders of his wife's children. These chilling cases shed light on the vulnerability some family members face and the depths others will go to harm loved ones.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 30, 2024 episode of the SERIALously
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1-Page Summary
Cases Involving Child/Vulnerable Family Member Neglect or Abuse
Tamara Banks Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter of Daughter
Tamara Banks, an Ohio mother, was sentenced to 9-13.5 years for neglect leading to 4-year-old Carmody's death from undiagnosed diabetes. Carmody's diet of Mountain Dew and baby formula caused severe health issues, highlighting a pattern of neglect as Tamara's son nearly died from a diabetic episode in 2011.
Elderly Woman Abused by Daughter in Florida
Elizabeth Benavides faces charges for abusing her 96-year-old mother, overMedicating her with sedatives and failing to feed or care for her properly. Authorities found bruises and recordings of the mother admitting Elizabeth hit her, sparking debate over Benavides' $15,000 bond.
Cases Involving Family Members Committing Crimes Against Other Family Members
"Bad Breath Rapist" Evaded Authorities for 16 Years
Toon Kit Lee, dubbed the "bad breath rapist" after raping a coworker in 2005, was convicted in 2007 but fled. He evaded capture for 16 years before being found living under an alias in California, unbeknownst to the woman he was with.
Man Murdered Pregnant Sister, Dismembered Body
Jack Ball allegedly invited his pregnant sister Bethany for dinner but murdered her, dismembering her body. His journals suggest a moral/religious motive against her pregnancy. Ball was charged with murdering Bethany and her unborn child.
High-Profile Criminal Cases with Complex Family Dynamics
Adelson Family Murder Case Updates
Charlie Adelson was convicted of orchestrating his brother-in-law Dan Markell's murder to aid his sister Wendy in a divorce and custody battle. His mother Donna was arrested trying to flee the country, implicating her involvement during jailcalls with Charlie. Prosecutors suspect Wendy, a lawyer, manipulated the case.
Chad Daybell Trial Nearing Verdict
In the cult-related case of Chad Daybell, accused of killing his wife's children, the podcast host anticipates a guilty verdict but no death penalty, mirroring the sentence for his wife Lori Vallow.
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Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your awareness of elder abuse by volunteering with organizations that support the elderly, which will help you recognize and report signs of mistreatment. By spending time with seniors, you'll learn to identify the physical and emotional signs of abuse, such as unexplained bruises or changes in mood, which can often go unnoticed. This hands-on experience will empower you to act as an advocate for their well-being in your community.
- Develop a basic understanding of common health emergencies like diabetic episodes by taking a free online first aid course. This knowledge will prepare you to recognize and respond to urgent medical situations among friends and family. For example, you'll learn to identify the symptoms of a diabetic emergency and the immediate steps to take, potentially saving a life before professional help arrives.
- Create a personal safety net by setting up regular check-ins with family members, especially those who might be vulnerable or isolated. This can be as simple as a weekly phone call or text message to ensure they are safe and well-cared for. These check-ins not only provide peace of mind but also create a routine that can alert you to any sudden changes that might indicate a problem, such as a family member not answering at the usual time.
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Cases Involving Child/Vulnerable Family Member Neglect or Abuse
Recent criminal cases have highlighted the severe consequences of neglect and abuse toward children and vulnerable family members.
Mother in Ohio Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter
Tamara Banks, a mother from Ohio, has faced the legal repercussions of neglect resulting in the tragic death of her young daughter.
Death of 4-year-old from untreated diabetes
Carmody, Tamara Banks' four-year-old daughter, died of diabetic ketoacidosis due to undiagnosed and untreated diabetes. Tamara was sentenced to 9 to 13.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The indictment also included charges of murder and child endangerment.
Unhealthy diet contributing to severe health issues
Investigators found that Carmody's diet, primarily a mixture of Mountain Dew and baby formula, caused her to have severely rotted teeth, indicating profound neglect. Notably, this was not the first time Tamara's neglect regarding diabetes had endangered her children. In 2011, another of her sons suffered a near-fatal diabetic episode, spotlighting a recurring pattern of neglect. Tamara's statement in court, "I thought I was taking care of her," was a disheartening admission considering the circumstances of Carmody's diet. Christopher, Carmody's father, has taken a plea deal and is scheduled for sentencing.
Elderly Woman Abused by Daughter in Florida
In a starkly different, yet related case, Elizabeth Benavides was arrested in Florida for the abuse and neglect of her 96-year-old mother.
Excessive sedative dosage and physical abuse
Elizabeth was charged with neglect after a tenant in the home alerted authorities about the elderly woman's poor condition, which included multiple bruises and the dangerous overmedication ...
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Cases Involving Child/Vulnerable Family Member Neglect or Abuse
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of neglect and abuse to better recognize them in your community. Start by reading materials from credible organizations like the American Psychological Association or the National Center on Elder Abuse to understand the physical and behavioral indicators of mistreatment. For example, unexplained injuries or changes in behavior can be red flags that prompt you to reach out to authorities or support services.
- You can volunteer with local organizations that support at-risk individuals. Look for local shelters, advocacy groups, or community centers that work with children and the elderly. By volunteering, you'll not only provide direct assistance but also become more attuned to the needs and challenges faced by these vulnerable populations. For instance, participating in a program that offers companionship to the elderly can help you spot potential neglect or abuse situations.
- You can create a personal protocol for action if you suspect neglect o ...
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Cases Involving Family Members Committing Crimes Against Other Family Members
Several shocking incidents have surfaced where individuals committed heinous crimes against their own family members, which has led to widespread dismay and calls for justice.
A man in Massachusetts who was convicted of rape in 2007 evaded authorities for 16 years before being caught.
Fugitive "Bad Breath Rapist" Caught After 16 Years
Toon Kit Lee, known as the "bad breath rapist," kidnapped and raped a coworker in 2005. He was convicted in 2007 but then fled, managing to evade capture for 16 years. The nickname "bad breath rapist" was given due to the victim's description of Lee, which helped authorities identify him. In 2023, Lee was finally found living under an assumed identity in Diablo, California. Astonishingly, the woman he was living with had no knowledge of his criminal past.
A man in Georgia allegedly murdered his pregnant sister and dismembered her body.
The Tragic Murder of Bethany
Jack Ball in Georgia allegedly murdered his pregnant sister Bethany after inviting her over for dinner. When she did not return or answer phone calls, her worried mother visited Jack's house, only to encounter a chilling scene. Blood was found all over the home, and various tools, including a saw, a hatchet, and knives, were scattered around, hinting at the brutality of the crime.
Authorities later found Jack Ball with blood on him and a self-inflicted knife wound near a shed. Bethany's dismembered remains were located in different areas around the locality. Jack's journals revealed his disdain for his sister's pregnancy, which seemed to imply a moral or religious motive for his actions. At approximately 17 to 18 weeks pregnant, Bethany was expecting her first child. ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Cases Involving Family Members Committing Crimes Against Other Family Members
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by creating a safety protocol for check-ins during outings with friends or coworkers, especially in new or unfamiliar situations. Establish a system where you and your friends share your location with each other through a smartphone app when meeting someone new or going to an unfamiliar place. This creates a safety net, so someone always knows where you are.
- You can contribute to a safer community by volunteering with local organizations that focus on preventing violence and supporting victims. Look for groups that offer educational programs or community watches and offer your time to help with their initiatives. Your involvement can help raise awareness and potentially prevent crimes in your neighborhood.
- You can protect your personal ...
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High-Profile Criminal Cases with Complex Family Dynamics
The legal world is abuzz with two high-stakes trials involving family dynamics and allegations of murder: the Adelson family murder case and the Chad Daybell trial.
Updates in the Adelson family murder case reveal more alleged involvement by the family members.
Charlie Adelson was convicted for orchestrating the murder of his brother-in-law, Dan Markell, which many believe was motivated to aid his sister, Wendy Adelson, amid a contentious divorce and custody battle with Dan. The Adelson family's affluence and Charlie's high-profile career as a Ferrari-owning periodontist at the Adelson Institute have brought significant media attention to the case. Throughout the trial, Charlie maintained that he was being extorted by hitmen connected to the Latin Kings and denied involvement, despite his conviction and sentence to life in prison.
Charlie Adelson's mother and potential involvement of his sister
Notably, Charlie's mother, Donna Adelson, was later arrested at the airport on suspicion of trying to flee the country, after being implicated in the murder plot during recorded jail calls with Charlie. The case has unraveled a complex web of family dynamics, with indications that Wendy Adelson, a lawyer, might also have been involved due to careful maneuverings that have made her difficult to prosecute. Donna was arrested at Miami International Airport with a one-way ticket to Vietnam and is now awaiting trial without bail, and Charlie has been moved to South Dakota for protection.
Rising suspicions and plans to leave the country
There seems to be a consensus that Wendy Adelson had a role in manipulating the murder case, and she is now believed to be moving to Austin, Texas, with some speculating about plans to evade prosecution. Georgia Capelman, the lead prosecutor, is said to have a competitive edge to see Wendy tried. With the prosecution progressing systematically through the hitmen, the middle woman, and Charlie, anticipation mounts that Wendy could be next. Donna's foiled attempt to board a plane to Dubai with the i ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
High-Profile Criminal Cases with Complex Family Dynamics
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by analyzing high-profile court cases in the news, focusing on the evidence presented and the legal arguments made, to better understand the complexities of the justice system.
- By doing this, you'll be able to form your own opinions based on facts rather than media narratives. For example, take notes on a current trial, list the key points of both the prosecution and defense, and then try to predict the outcome before the verdict is announced. This exercise will help you appreciate the intricacies of legal proceedings and the importance of evidence over speculation.
- You can practice ethical decision-making by creating hypothetical scenarios where you're faced with tough choices, similar to those in the podcast, and discussing them with friends or family to explore different perspectives.
- This activity encourages you to think deeply about your values and how they influence your decisions. For instance, imagine you're in a situation where you have to choose between loyalty to a family member and doing what's legally right. Debate the pros and cons of each option with others to gain insight into the moral dilemmas that can arise in real life.
- You can develop a better understanding of the criminal justice system by ...
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