MURDERED: Paula Thompson | Des Moines, IA 2020 episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 9, 2025 · 26 MIN

MURDERED: Paula Thompson | Des Moines, IA 2020

from Obscura: A True Crime Podcast · host Justin Drown

Paula Thompson's fatal confrontation with her son reshaped Des Moines' narrative of domestic violence. Includes 911 calls. Paula Marie Thompson, a compassionate claims processor beloved by many, lived with her son Christopher, sharing a home that did not portend the tragedy to come. On March 13, 2020, Des Moines, Iowa witnessed a tragic crescendo of domestic tension as Christopher violently ended his mother's life with a crowbar. The act, a symbol of fractured familial bonds, left profound shockwaves. The immediate investigation utilized vital 911 calls and testimonies as detectives worked diligently to piece together the timeline and motives leading to Paula's untimely death. The subsequent trial unveiled deep issues within the household, culminating in a guilty verdict that pursued justice ruthlessly, yet without eradicating the void left behind. This episode incorporates 911 call recordings and courtroom statements. Listener discretion advised. Support Obscura:Patreon | Website | Apple PremiumOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Chime: https://www.chime.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/obscura* Check out Time4Learning: https://www.time4learning.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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MURDERED: Paula Thompson | Des Moines, IA 2020

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This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on December 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Paula Thompson's fatal confrontation with her son reshaped Des Moines' narrative of domestic violence. Includes 911 calls. Paula Marie Thompson, a compassionate claims processor beloved by many, lived with her son Christopher, sharing a home that...

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