192: Husband Drugs Wife & Has 72 Men Rape Her, Idaho 4 Updates, Man Throws Coffee on Baby, & Georgia School Shooting
In this episode of the SERIALously podcast, disturbing criminal cases are examined. The case of Dominic Pelico, accused of drugging and assaulting his wife over a decade while having numerous men assault her unconscious body, is explored. Additional cases discussed include updates on the search for missing toddler Elijah Vu, the sinister attack on baby Luca in Australia, and developments in the prosecutions against Brian Koberger and Barry Morphew.
The podcast also delves into legal issues surrounding high-profile cases, including procedural decisions that impact potential trial delays or outcomes. While recounting these harrowing cases, the episode navigates the challenges and complexities within the criminal justice system. Content warning: the cases involve disturbing details of abuse.
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1-Page Summary
Disturbing crimes and criminal cases
The case of Dominic Pelico
Dominic Pelico, 71, is accused of drugging and assaulting his wife Giselle over a decade while inviting over 72 men to assault her unconscious body. Pelico allegedly led a double life, appearing outwardly normal while privately indulging necrophiliac fantasies. When investigated for inappropriate photos, a folder labeled "Abuses" containing over 20,000 images and videos of the assaults was found on his laptop. Giselle, incapacitated by sleeping pills, was unaware of the abuse. According to Sanger-Katz, Pelico admits to the acts but deflects blame onto his wife's lack of interest in "swinging" lifestyles.
The Brian Koberger case in Idaho
The trial of Brian Koberger for crimes in Idaho must be relocated from the county where they occurred, due to the judge siding with the defense's concerns over biased jurors from heavy media coverage. The families of victims have expressed frustration over potential delays this move may cause. While the prosecution argued measures could ensure a fair local trial, Barbaro notes the defense seeks to move the trial to Boise.
The case of missing toddler Elijah Vu
In Wisconsin, human remains suspected to be Elijah Vu's have been found, though DNA confirmation is pending. Elijah went missing on February 20th, with his mother's boyfriend Jesse Vang being the last to see him before reporting him missing after punishing him. Vang and Elijah's mother face neglect charges. According to Elijah's grandmother Jody, the remains are likely his though official identification awaits DNA results.
The attack on baby Luca in Australia
A stranger poured hot coffee on 9-month-old Luca during a family picnic in Brisbane, causing severe burns before fleeing. A nurse witnessed the attack and provided first aid. Luca underwent surgery with more potentially needed. Sanger-Katz reports Australian police know the suspect's identity, have CCTV footage, tracked his international travel after the attack, and are collaborating globally to apprehend him.
The Barry Morphew case and legal developments
The prosecuting DA in the Barry Morphew case, where he's accused in his wife's disappearance, has been disbarred for ethics violations including inappropriate public comments about the open case and allegedly withholding evidence from the defense. According to Barbaro and Sanger-Katz, this casts uncertainty over whether Morphew will be recharged despite evidence suggesting his involvement, potentially impacting accountability.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by creating a digital safety plan that includes regular checks of your devices for spyware and unauthorized access, which could help prevent situations like the one involving Dominic Pelico. Start by researching the most common forms of digital surveillance, then install reputable security software on your devices, and regularly update your passwords and privacy settings.
- To support fair trial processes, educate yourself on the importance of jury impartiality by reading about high-profile cases and their challenges with jury selection. This knowledge can help you understand the judicial system better and advocate for fair trial rights when discussing such topics with peers or on social media platforms.
- Increase awareness of child safety in public spaces by starting a local awareness campaign that focuses on preventing accidents like the one involving baby Luca. Collaborate with local cafes and restaurants to create posters or table cards that remind patrons to be mindful of their surroundings and the safety of children.
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Disturbing crimes and criminal cases
The intricacies and the horrifying nature of two separate criminal cases have sparked conversations on the disturbing aspects of crime.
The horrific case of a French man who drugged and raped his wife for over a decade
The case of Dominic Pelico
Dominic Pelico is a 71-year-old French man facing accusations of drugging and assaulting his wife, Giselle, over a decade. Between 2011 and 2020, Pelico allegedly invited over 72 men into his home to assault his unconscious wife. The case surfaced in November 2020 when Pelico was investigated for taking unauthorized photos up women’s skirts. This led to the discovery of a folder on his laptop labeled "Abuses," containing over 20,000 images and videos of the assaults.
Pelico allegedly led a double life: publicly appearing as a model citizen while being self-centered and manipulative in private, with fantasies of necrophilia. He took pictures of women without consent and sought men through an online chat board to assault Giselle while she was incapacitated. A sleeping pill-laced Giselle was completely unaware, mistaking her symptoms – including weight loss, hair loss, and memory gaps – for a serious illness. Pelico's trial is currently delayed due to his hospitalization for abdominal pain.
Around 50 of the accused men have been identified and charged, while the identities of 22 remain unknown. Pelico admits to the acts but has attempted to deflect blame by stating that his wife's disinterest in "swinging" led to his actions. He lamentably claims that his life is ruined due to the case coming to light, suggesting they might have continued a seemingly happy marriage otherwise.
Updates on the Brian Koberger case in Idaho
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Disturbing crimes and criminal cases
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can increase your awareness of dual behavior by observing inconsistencies in people's actions versus their public image, which might help you detect manipulative tendencies in those around you. Start by noting down behaviors of acquaintances that seem contradictory and discuss these observations with a trusted friend to gain perspective without jumping to conclusions.
- Enhance your understanding of the legal system by following a high-profile case in your area, tracking its progress, and noting how media coverage might influence public perception. This could involve creating a timeline of events and discussing with peers how media narratives can shape our understanding of justice.
- Support victim advocacy by volunteering your time ...
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Updates on ongoing criminal investigations
The case of missing toddler Elijah Vu
In Two Rivers, Wisconsin, police are continuing their investigation into the case of Elijah Vu, who was reported missing on February 20th.
Human remains found, identity pending confirmation
A deer hunter has found human remains on private property in Two Rivers, which are suspected to be Elijah's. However, DNA testing is pending to confirm the identity. Both Jesse Vang, the boyfriend of Elijah's mother, Katrina, and Katrina herself have been charged with child neglect and are currently jailed as they have not posted bond. Vang was reported to be the last person to see Elijah when he told the toddler to stand next to his bed and pray as punishment. Elijah's grandmother, Jody, has expressed that it's likely the remains are his, but confirmation awaits DNA results.
Implications for Elijah's family
Once the identity of the remains is confirmed, if they are indeed Elijah's, his family can finally begin the grieving process and seek justice, bringing an end to a period of painful uncertainty.
The disturbing random attack on a baby in Australia
A disturbing incident occurred in Brisbane, Australia when a stranger poured hot coffee on a 9-month-old baby, Luca, during a family picnic and fled the scene.
Details of the attack and victim recovery
On August 31st, Luca and his family were congregated at a park for a picnic when a man approached and poured hot coffee on him, causing burns, before running away. A nurse witnessed the attack, provided first aid by running his burns under cold water, and Luca was promptly taken to a hospital. The baby suffered sev ...
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Updates on ongoing criminal investigations
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by setting up a neighborhood watch program to keep an eye out for suspicious activities and share important updates. By organizing regular meetings with your neighbors, you can establish a communication chain that can be used to report unusual behavior or share safety tips, similar to how communities work with law enforcement to track suspects.
- Improve your family's emergency preparedness by creating a comprehensive emergency plan that includes DNA samples for identification purposes. Collecting DNA samples from family members and storing them in a safe place can be a proactive measure to assist in future identification if ever needed, much like DNA testing is used in forensic investigations.
- Protect your children from potenti ...
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The Barry Morphew case and related legal developments
The legal battle surrounding Barry Morphew, a man accused in the disappearance and presumed death of his wife, has taken a significant turn due to recent developments with the prosecuting district attorney.
The district attorney who led the prosecution against Morphew has been disbarred for ethics violations
The District Attorney, Linda Stanley, who was at the forefront of the prosecution against Barry Morphew, has been disbarred after a series of ethics violations. These ethical breaches have had serious implications on the case.
The DA, Linda Stanley, made inappropriate public comments about the open Morphew case and allegedly withheld evidence from the defense
Among the ethical violations, Linda Stanley made inappropriate public comments about the still-open Morphew case. Additionally, allegations have surfaced that she might have withheld critical evidence from Morphew's defense team. The combination of these actions has cast a shadow over the legal proceedings and raised questions about their fairness and impartiality.
This development casts uncertainty over whether Morphew wi ...
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The Barry Morphew case and related legal developments
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The disbarment of a district attorney does not necessarily invalidate the evidence against an accused individual; the legal system has mechanisms to address such issues without compromising the integrity of the case.
- Ethical violations by a prosecutor do not imply that the accused is innocent; they are separate issues that should be addressed independently.
- The legal process includes checks and balances, such as appeals and the possibility of a new trial, which can help ensure that justice is served even if there were procedural errors in the initial trial.
- The presumption of innocence remains until proven guilty; thus, any public comments made by the DA, while inappropriate, do not determine the outcome of the case, which should be based on evidence and due process.
- The disbarment of the DA could lead to a more scrupulous and careful prosecution if the case is reassigned, potentially strengthening the integrity of the legal process mo ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your understanding of legal ethics by researching the rules and consequences of ethical violations for legal professionals. Start by visiting the website of your local bar association or legal regulatory authority to learn about the ethical standards for attorneys. This knowledge can help you form informed opinions on legal matters you encounter in the news or in conversation, and understand the importance of ethics in the justice system.
- You might consider starting a journal to reflect on the importance of transparency and accountability in your own life. Use this journal to note instances where you could have been more transparent in your personal or professional interactions. Reflect on how withholding information, even unintentionally, can lead to misunderstandings or mistrust, drawing parallels to the significance of these values in larger societal contexts, such as the legal system.
- You can develop critical thinking skills by analyzing ...
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