True Crime Cat Lawyer
by Elyse Lopez
Lawyer by day, crazy cat lady by night. A true crime podcast hosted by a lawyer and her mustache bow-tie kitty focused on cases from the Pacific Northwest.
Episodes
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Marisela Botello
Connect with Us Episode written by Elizabeth Atwood. Sources: Marisela Botello murder trial: Lisa Dykes guilty of murder, sentenced to life in prison | FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth Texas Woman Killed Woman She Saw in in Bed with Boyfriend Lisa Dykes found guilty of Marisela Botello-Valadez murder |...
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Rhonda Casto
Rhonda Casto was a young mother who absolutely adored her baby daughter. Even though she was very unhappy in her relationship with her baby's father, Stephen Nichols, Rhonda tried to make the best of the situation for her baby girl. Sadly, Rhonda didn't make it out of the situation. This is the...
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Chanin Starbuck
Chanin and Clay Starbuck went through a lot during their two marriages (yes, they married and divorced and then remarried each other). Unfortunately, the second time wasn't the charm and the couple was headed for a second divorce. Chanin received custody of the couple's 3 minor children and Clay...
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Randy Roth
Randy Roth had a lot of wives over the years. Some left willingly, one he divorced. But today's episode is about the two wives Randy killed. And his motive was one of the classics: money. Connect with Us Episode Written by Elizabeth Atwood. Show Notes: Randy Roth - Wikipedia Janis Louise Brasel...
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TCCL Presents: Cascadia Crime & Cryptids
Hello and welcome back to True Crime Cat Lawyer…kind of. We’re still on our break but we didn’t want to leave you hanging without content so we’re sharing episodes from some of our favorite true crime podcasts! This week, we’re highlighting another PNW podcast we’ve collaborated with before:...
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TCCL Presents: Coffee & Cases
Hello and welcome back to True Crime Cat Lawyer…kind of. We’re still on our break but we didn’t want to leave you hanging without content so we’re sharing episodes from some of our favorite true crime podcasts! This week, we’re highlighting Coffee & Cases. Hosted by Allison and Maggie, Coffee &...
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TCCL Presents: United States of Murder
Hello and welcome back to True Crime Cat Lawyer…kind of. We’re still on our break but we didn’t want to leave you hanging without content so we’re sharing episodes from some of our favorite true crime podcasts! True Crime Cat Lawyer presents...United States of Murder! Hosted by Ashley and Lacey,...
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Jami Sherer & Devan Schmidt
TW: Domestic Violence For this episode, we head to Washington State to cover a no-body homicide and a suspicious death. Connect with Us This episode was written by Elizabeth Atwood. ___________________________________ Sources: Not guilty verdict in Devan Schmidt murder trial |...
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Genetic Genealogy: Susan Galvin, Jody Loomis, and Krisann Baxter
For the past few years, the true crime world has been fascinated by the use of genetic genealogy as a way to solve cold cases. The most famous example is the Golden State Killer. Today's episode covers three cases from Washington State, all of which were solved using forensic genealogy methods....
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Tracey Brazzel & Patti Berry
TW: Mentions of sexual violence On May 27, 1995, Tracey Brazzel was seen leaving Kodiak Ron’s Pub (in Everett, Washington) around 1:45 a.m. She was never heard from again. Nearly two months later, on July 31, 1995, Patti Berry was last seen leaving her job at Honey’s Adult Entertainment Club…
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Isaac Zamora
September 2, 2008 started out as a normal day but it would eventually result in the death of 6 people and the permanent scarring of many more. We head to Alger, Washington to cover the 2008 Skagit County shootings committed by Isaac Zamora. Sponsors: The Waxing Crescent | Instagram | Facebook...
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Tricia Patricelli & Sara Barrett
TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Today's episode covers two tragic domestic-violence related murders. Sadly, domestic violence isn't isolated to one group of people. It can affect anyone, at anytime. If you are in need of resources for domestic violence, please contact The Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text...
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Kendy Howard
On February 2, 2021, Daniel Howard called 911 to report that his soon-to-be-ex-wife Kendy had shot herself. Howard told 911 dispatchers that he found Kendy in the bathtub with a gunshot wound in her mouth. Earlier that day, Kendy had gotten her nails done and she was in the midst of scheduling...
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Alillia Minthorn & Daisy Heath
Indigenous women are 2.5 times more likely to experience violent crimes and at least 2 times more likely to experience rape and sexual assault. Today's case takes us to the Yakama Reservation in Washington State. We cover the tragic murder of Alillia Minthorn along with the unsolved murder of…
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Stephanie Brenner-Creswell & Christine Blais
TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Today we head to Washington State to cover a jealous ex and a coworker, both of whom were involved in the murders of two young women. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact The Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 8788. Sponsor:...
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Kassie Dewey
TW: Domestic Violence Today's case takes us to Spokane, Washington to discuss the case of Kassie Dewey. Listen now to find out whether Kassie's employer could have done more to prevent her murder. Sponsors: Connect with Us This episode was written by Melissa Tulloch....
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Alyssa Dodd & Britney Galindez
Today's episode takes us to Washington State, where we cover the cases of Alyssa Dodd and Britney Galindez, both of whom were murdered for no reason. Sponsors: Ziggy's Cat Lounge | Buy Tickets | Instagram | Facebook __________________________ Sources: Arrest made in slaying of Seattle teen in...
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Tina Stewart & Makayla Young
TW: Domestic Violence & Miscarriage Today's episode takes us to Spokane, Washington to cover the senseless and tragic murders of Tina Stewart and Makayla Young. Connect with Us Sponsors: Bridge Nine Candle Co. Dolly's Remedy | Instagram Sources:...
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Sarah Clark & Tanner Pehl
Some of us are extremely fortunate to have amazing coworkers. Others of us have terrible coworkers who make it difficult to come to work everyday. But no matter how bad your coworker is, you probably don't think that they're capable of murdering you. Tune in to hear the case of Sarah Clark and...
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Kaelin Glazier & Regina Krieger
This episode covers the cases of Kaelin Glazier and Regina Krieger. Investigators initially dismissed both teens as runaways, despite pleas from their families and friends. Law enforcement should've escalated the investigations, but instead left crucial evidence uncollected because of their…
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Monica Murrah & Mikarah Sanders
TW: Domestic Violence Today's episode covers the cases of Monica Murrah and Mikarah Sanders. Both were senselessly and tragically murdered by people who were supposed to love them. Sponsor: PNW Cookie Co. | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Us -----------------------------------------------------...
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Sam Martinez
1.5 million high school students in the U.S. experience hazing every year. 47% of college students have already experienced hazing before their freshman year. 55% of college students involved in fraternities, sororities, teams, and other student organizations experienced hazing - but only 1 in 10...
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The Careaga Family
We covered this case almost 3 years ago on our Patreon. At the time, the case was unsolved and there wasn’t a lot of information available to the public. Since then, there have been multiple arrests and a trial. This is the case of the Careaga family murders. Connect with Us Check out our fan...
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Denise & Darold Stenson
This episode takes us to Sequim, Washington to cover the murders of Denise Stenson and Frank Hoerner. Connect with Us Podcast Perks ____________________________________________ Sources: Jury deliberates in retrial of 1993 double killing | Peninsula Daily News amnesty.org High court throws out...
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Alisha Canales-McGuire
TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE On September 20, 2017, 24-year-old Alisha Canales-McGuire was shot in the doorway of her sister’s home while she was babysitting her 2 nieces and nephew. The family’s live-in nanny was also in the home that night and she called 911. Alisha was dead by the time police…
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Richard Gillmore
TW: SEXUAL ASSAULT/RAPE April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month. According to the Center for Disease Control, sexual violence affects millions of people every year in the United States. According to RAINN, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. 1 in 4 women have...
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Mandy Stavik
TW: RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT Today's case takes us to Acme, Washington. Amanda (Mandy) Stavik was 18 years old, recently graduated high school, and had just started as a freshman at Central Washington University. She had her whole life ahead of her. But tragically, that life was cut short when she…
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Jerry Brudos
TW: GRAPHIC SEXUAL & PHYSICAL VIOLENCE This episode examines the life and crimes of Jerry Brudos - aka the “Lust Killer” or “Shoe Fetish Slayer.” Connect with Us Etsy Sticker Sh ------------------------------------ Sources: Wikipedia The Lust Killer by Ann Rule The Shoe Fetish Slayer by Jack...
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Mary Kay Letourneau
TW: Sexual Abuse/Rape of a Child This episode covers the life and crimes of Mary Kay Letourneau. This episode discusses the sexual abuse/rape of a child; while no details are discussed, please listen with caution as this is a sensitive subject. Connect with Us National Sexual Assault Hotline:...
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Katy Benoit
TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Katy Benoit was only 22 years old when she died. She should’ve had her whole life ahead of her. But sadly, a violent man with a history of mental health issues took that opportunity away from her. Domestic Violence Hotline Connect with Us...
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Keith Hunter Jesperson
TW: SEXUAL & GRAPHIC PHYSICAL VIOLENCE This episode covers the case of Keith Hunter Jesperson aka the Happy Face Killer. Keith was active in the 80's and 90's while working as a truck driver. He got away with the first murder he committed because two innocent people actually confessed to the...
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Karyme Barreto-Sabalza, Shai’India Harris, & Amara Marluke
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Dating violence is more common than you might think, especially among teens and young adults. 1 in 10 high schoolers have experienced some form of dating violence. This episode covers the cases of Shai'India Harris, Karyme…
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Missing in the PNW
February 3rd is National Missing Persons Day. According to Namus (the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System), there are nearly 23,400 missing persons in the United States and its territories as of June 2023. Today's episode covers the cases of Deborah Sykes, Patricia Swanberg, Kelsey...
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Dick Kitchel
A high school teenager goes to a party one night in October and never comes home. 10 days later, his body is found floating in the Willamette River. Who killed Dick Kitchel? Connect with Us --------------------------- A Murder In My Hometown by Rebecca Morris
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Kyron Horman
It's been almost 14 years since Kyron Horman went missing from Skyline Elementary. This case had a profound impact on the Portland, Oregon community. Even though it's been almost 14 years, Kyron's mom Desiree has never stopped fighting to find her son. If you have any information on the...
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2023 Portland Serial Killer
We all recognize that there are probably serial killers out there in 2023/2024, but we don’t really hear about them the way we did in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. So, imagine everyone’s surprise when evidence started to creep up in 2023 that there might be a serial killer in Portland, Oregon. Anyone…
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Nancy Moyer
This was one of the first cases I knew I wanted to cover when I started this podcast. But when I started to really dive into this case, my head started spinning. There are so many twists and turns - it’s hard to know what rabbit holes are worth going down. This is the mysterious disappearance of...
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Vickie Black & Mindy Tran (Collab with Cascadia Crime & Cryptids)
**Apologies for the audio quality in some parts** TW: Child Sexual Assault & Murder Today's episode is a special one because Winston and I had the lovely Caro and Sarah from Cascadia Crime & Cryptids on our show to discuss the cases of Vickie Black and Mindy Tran, both out of British Columbia,...
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Manny Ellis Trial: Update #5
This episode covers the week of 11/13 - 11/16. This week was the beginning of the defense's cases. Defense attorneys for Burbank, Collins, and Rankine offered other eyewitness testimony from the night Manny died, officers' testimony from the 2015 and 2019 incidents where Manny was arrested, a...
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Michael Francke
Today’s case is one we covered when we first started the show. I’d always planned on re-recording it and now seemed like the perfect time since so much has happened since our initial recording. Unfortunately though, this case (which is more than 30 years old) remains unsolved. But a man named…
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Manny Ellis Trial: Update #4
This episode covers the trial from 10/30 - 11/8, when the prosecution rested its case. Some highlights include the testimony of former Pierce County medical examiner, Dr. Clark, along with a use of force expert, John Ryan. Manny's Episode Connect with Us
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James Smith & Linda Malcom
This episodes covers the only 2 unsolved murders in Port Orchard, Washington. Although Port Orchard is described as a "pleasant waterfront community," these 2 unsolved murders have left last impacts on the tightknit community. Tips for James Smith's Case: Contact Port Orchard PD at 360-876-1700....
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Manuel Ellis Trial: Update #3
This episode covers the trial in Manny Ellis' death from 10/16-10/20. The week started off with the conclusion of Dr. Mitchell's testimony. The week ended with a brief return of Grant Fredericks. Listen to Manny's Episode Connect with Us
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Arpana Jinaga
Halloween isn’t all about candy and pumpkins. Unfortunately, 17% more crime is committed on Halloween. And violent crime is 50% higher on Halloween than any other day of the year. Halloween can also bring out the sinister nature of people, resulting in senseless and brutal murders. Which brings…
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Sarah Parks, Brandy Ebanez & CJ Fowler
TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the U.S. 77% of pregnant homicide victims are killed during the 1st trimester - meaning that they are killed early on in their pregnancy. This…
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Manuel Ellis Trial: Update #2
This episode covers week two of the trial, including the testimony of Manny's mom, Marcia, along with two of the state's most crucial lay witnesses, one of whom recorded one of the videos in the case. The Pierce County death investigator who responded to the scene on the night Manny died also...
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Manuel Ellis Trial: Opening Statements & Update #1
This episode is part of our coverage in the trial of Manny Ellis' death. We cover opening statements along with the first week of the trial, including the testimony of Manny's sister, Monet. Manny's Episode Connect with Us
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Barbara Thomas & the Redmond 5
Today’s case takes us to Redmond, Oregon to discuss an extremely messy and senseless case that shows just how dangerous “mob mentality” can be. But it’s also a case that shows us why youth offenders are treated differently. Because, as we know, our brains don’t fully develop until our mid-20s.…
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Gabriela Jimenez-Vargas & Jessie Cavett
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This episode covers two tragic cases of domestic violence in Oregon. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or log on to The Hotline. Sponsor: Doodle Witch Join the…
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Manuel Ellis Trial: Jury Selection
This episode is part of our coverage of the trial of Manny Ellis' death. In our last episode, we previewed the trial. In this episode, we cover the last two weeks of jury selection, as the parties whittled 150 prospective jurors down to the final 12 jurors and 4 alternates. Opening statements are...
About this show
Lawyer by day, crazy cat lady by night. A true crime podcast hosted by a lawyer and her mustache bow-tie kitty focused on cases from the Pacific Northwest.
Hosted by
Elyse Lopez
Categories