Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

Struck on the head with an iron skillet and stabbed multiple times, Brenda Powell’s life comes to a shocking and tragic end at the hands of her daughter. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the perplexing aspects of this chilling homicide that has captivated public interest. They explore the unique role an 'ear witness' plays in the investigation and scrutinize the difficult transition Sydney experienced from high school to college, as well as the financial and emotional challenges involved. Armed with Morgan's forensic expertise and Mack's keen investigative insights, the duo crafts an episode filled with emotional depth, compelling narrative, and sharp analysis. As they walk you through key moments, witness testimonies, and the complicated criminal landscape, they raise important questions about family dynamics, criminal psychology, and the advancements in forensic science.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20—Joe Scott Morgan sets the tone by reflecting on the impact of sounds and memories on a murder investigation. He introduces Brenda Powell's brutal homicide case. 02:20:00—Dave Mack shares a unique description related to the case. 04:00:00—The emotional toll of working in oncology is illuminated. 05:20:00—The concept of an earwitness is introduced, offering an innovative twist to the narrative. 06:40:00—Sydney Powell's academic struggles are revealed.  07:35:00—Joe Scott explores the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from high school to college.  09:23:00—The boiling point leading to violent crimes is dissected. 10:00:00—A critical phone call from Brenda to her university is detailed, becoming a key moment in the investigation. 12:20:00—The chilling moment when Brenda Powell is struck on the head by an iron skillet. 15:40:00—Morgan reflects on the cultural portrayal of frying pans as weapons compared to their real-world lethal potential. 23:05:00—The absence of premeditation in the crime is suggested, considering the presence of ‘ear witnesses’. 27:16:00—The immediate reaction of university administrators on the phone during the attack and their subsequent 911 calls are narrated. 34:00:00—Concluding the episode, Joe Scott Morgan explains that the multitude of injuries led to Brenda Powell's death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Okt 202334min

Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two from Chaffee County, Colorado, disappears under mysterious and suspicious circumstances. Initially reported missing following a supposed bike ride on Mother's Day, her case quickly gains national media attention. With each passing day, the urgency to find the truth escalates. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack meticulously examine the Suzanne Morphew case through a forensic lens. Morgan delves into expert insights, discussing the roles of apex predators, decay patterns, and dental records in Suzanne's identification. Dave Mack scrutinizes the media coverage and evaluates the initial theories surrounding the case. From weather impediments affecting search efforts to perplexing clues that challenge conventional theories, this episode offers an exhaustive exploration of a case that continues to confound investigators.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:02:00 — Introduction to the episode's focus on the forensics surrounding the Suzanne Morphew case. 00:02:40 — Dave Mack talks about the Morphew case, which he has been covering since Suzanne went missing. 00:04:20 — Mack delves into the initial theory that Suzanne went for a bike ride and subsequently vanished. 00:05:00 — Barry Morphew's theory of a mountain lion attack as a possible cause of Suzanne's disappearance is discussed. 00:05:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan explains the behavior patterns of apex predators and how they could be linked to this case. 00:08:20 — Questioning the absence of evidence supporting the apex predator theory where Suzanne's bike was found. 00:09:03 — The notion of a human predator being involved in Suzanne's disappearance is raised. 00:10:29 — Morgan talks about the discovery of Suzanne's helmet and the absence of trauma evidence within it. 00:12:58 — Joe Scott Morgan says that the circumstances surrounding Suzanne's discovery are unlike anything he has seen before. 00:14:04 — Morgan elaborates on the legal concept of corpus delecti and its relevance to this case. 00:16:14 — The implications of the burial site being a shallow grave are discussed. 00:19:21 — Dave Mack notes that investigators weren't looking for Suzanne when her remains were found. 00:22:23 — A vivid picture is painted about the potential skeletal disbursement of Suzanne's remains. 00:32:12 — Challenges in determining the cause of death in the absence of soft tissue are covered. 00:34:42 — Joe Scott Morgan wraps up the episode, questioning the preparation and speed involved in hiding Suzanne Morphew's body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Okt 202336min

Connie Cuesta's life is violently cut short; her body is discovered with numerous lacerations, inflicted by the unlikely weapon of a wine bottle. The room shows signs of struggle; every organ in her body bears a mark, and multiple wine bottles are scattered across the scene. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack guide listeners through this bewildering episode of Body Bags, meticulously dissecting the elements that make this case so extraordinary. From the anatomy of a wine bottle's lethal potential to the significance of the victim's state of undress, the episode is a masterclass in forensic investigation. Listen in to uncover the intricate web of forensic details that could play a crucial role in the ensuing legal process.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode, hinting at a murder case involving a wine bottle as a weapon. 00:01:36 — The oddity of a wine bottle as a murder weapon is discussed. 00:02:39 —Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the impact of a head strike with an object, providing insight into the potential deadly force of the wine bottle. 00:03:00 — Dave Mack shares information about the murder case. 00:08:20 — Drawing a parallel between the design of a bottle and a baseball bat, Joe Scott indicates how they can be similarly weaponized. He then reveals that a woman's life ended due to an impact from a wine bottle. 00:10:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan describes the signs of a struggle at the crime scene. He emphasizes the importance of understanding those signs when investigating. 00:13:48 — Discussion of the role of the medical examiner in the investigation and the importance of the body’s temperature at the crime scene. 00:16:49 — Joe Scott and Dave discuss the victim's state of undress, considering whether it indicates a sexual assault or is a result of being dragged. 00:20:58 — Discussing the severity of the victim's injuries, Morgan notes that every organ in her body sustained a laceration.  00:25:11 — Detailing how a knife was driven into the victim's temporal bone four times, Morgan indicates the force required for such an act. 00:27:54 - Joseph Scott Morgan makes a crucial point about Sean Cuesta's current legal status, reminding listeners that he is still considered innocent as he has not yet been taken to trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Okt 202327min

Kensie Aubry, a 32-year-old woman hungry for a new chapter in her life, tragically finds herself the victim of a man's nightmarish fantasy, leading to her horrific murder. As her last known whereabouts in Independence, Missouri become the center of a desperate search, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into this unsettling case. They unpack the haunting realities that blur the lines between dark fantasies and unspeakable actions, exploring how one individual's twisted imagination led to a gruesome reality. The episode navigates the complexities of the foster care system, highlights the courage it takes for survivors to speak up, and provides an intricate look at the role of body identification in solving missing persons cases. Whether discussing the gruesome details of chainsaw dismemberment or the intricacies of matching tool marks on bones, this episode is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to bring justice to the lost and give voice to the silent.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode by exploring the human fascination with dark fantasies. He unpacks the depraved fantasy behind Kensie Aubry’s murder. 00:03:00 — Dave Mack elaborates on Kensie's last known whereabouts. 00:04:00 — Missing persons' reports and their intricacies are discussed. 00:05:00 — The conversation continues on the importance of intricate physical details for identification. 00:07:21 — A brave abuse survivor’s role in solving the case is revealed by Dave Mack. 00:09:12 — Joe Scott emphasizes how crucial revelations were for the investigation. 00:10:56 — The twisted relationship between Maggie Ybarra and Michael Hendricks is dissected. 00:14:00 — Dave shares a chilling confession leading to Michael Hendricks’ arrest. 00:15:20 — Morgan explains how X-ray machines can aid in identifying dismembered remains. 00:16:00 — The process of revealing tattoos on decomposed skin is shared. 00:16:40 — An in-depth look into the permanence of tattoos. 00:19:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan ponders the changing significance of prison tattoos for identification. 00:22:45 — Joe Scott recalls a haunting tale of a murder involving a frozen body. He speculates on why murderers might opt to freeze their victims. 00:27:20 — Dave and Joe ponder the logistics of dismembering a frozen body versus a non-frozen one. 00:30:03 — The investigation challenges are highlighted by Joe Scott Morgan. 00:33:34 — The episode concludes as Dave Mack heralds the hero who provided crucial information for the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Okt 202333min

In a chilling twist of events, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala is found dead, her stiff body soaked in both paint and blood. The spouse, Cara Rintala, finds herself in a situation that marks a legal first in Massachusetts—a woman charged with the murder of her wife. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the perplexing nature of the evidence, from the viscosity of paint and blood to the subtleties of rigor mortis. Morgan discusses the troubling aspects of multiple trials and the contentious role of so-called experts in courtroom drama. The hosts also scrutinize the telltale signs of asphyxial death and the importance of scientific validation in legal cases.   Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan starts by revealing his love for art and its connection to forensic science. He even touches on its relevance in motor vehicle accidents. 00:02:41 — Morgan mentions that the accused is facing trial for an unprecedented fourth time.  00:03:22 — Dave Mack announces the historical context; it’s the first case in Massachusetts where a wife is charged with murdering her wife. 00:04:31 — Mack offers a rundown on the turbulent relationship between Annamarie Cochrane Rintala and Cara Rintala, including debt, jealousy, and exhausting work hours. He describes the crime scene, which is filled with a mixture of paint and blood. 00:06:43 — Morgan delves into the injuries typically seen in cases involving falls, contrasting them with the injuries sustained by the victim, Annamarie. 00:08:59 — Highlighting the unexpected detail of the victim's body being soaked in paint, Joe Scott navigates through the signs of death, focusing on the rigidity of Annamarie's body. 00:13:05 — Likening the process of rigor mortis to post-workout stiffness, Morgan provides a relatable touch to a grim subject. He elaborates on how heat affects rigor mortis, introducing elements like metabolic activity into the equation. 00:15:44 — Morgan provides insight into the informative value of a deceased person's hand position. 00:18:50 — Morgan reiterates the necessity of considering various elements for a comprehensive death investigation. 00:19:53 — Mack stresses the role of first responders in observing and documenting vital details like blood and bruises. Morgan describes how bruises can remain on a body, offering clues into the timeline of a death. 00:28:40 — The conversation pivots to discuss the speculative act of deliberately pouring paint on Annamarie, emphasizing the need to examine her clothing for more clues. 00:29:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan draws parallels between this case and the Caylee Anthony homicide, highlighting the use of questionable scientific methods in court. 00:32:38 — Dave Mack and Joe Scott Morgan discuss the implications of the cause of death being strangulation, and what signs to look for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Sep 202335min

Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor are filled with joy at the prospect of welcoming their newborn into the world. Tragically, their world is turned upside down when what should have been a routine childbirth becomes a horrifying series of events that end in the loss of their baby. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the deeply disturbing story of a young couple who were denied the chance to bond with their deceased child. They explore the complex layers of emotion, science, and legality surrounding the case. From a shocking refusal to permit an autopsy, to startling revelations of the baby's decapitation, the hosts scrutinize every angle. They underscore the necessity for trust between medical professionals and patients, particularly when the stakes are this high.    Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan delves into the human need for tactile confirmation during grief, emphasizing the irreplaceable role touch plays in coping with a loved one's death. 00:02:40 — Dave Mack begins the narration of Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor's story, and ​​describes the complications that arose during the delivery.  00:05:00 — The condition called “shoulder dystocia” is explained by Joe Scott.  00:08:11 — A distinction between stillbirth and sudden infant death is made by Morgan.  00:10:42 — Morgan addresses the perilous state of the mother during childbirth, pondering on medical errors that can tip the scale from life to death. 00:11:46 — A conversation around the shocking force needed to fracture an infant’s bones brings listeners to a grim realization about the case. 00:13:00 — The timeline of the events is shared by Mack, highlighting the urgency and critical nature of the situation at hand. 00:13:54 — Parents in the dark: Mack discusses the hospital’s lack of transparency concerning the baby's condition. 00:15:42 — Exploring emotional trauma, Morgan reveals how the young couple missed a crucial bonding moment with their baby due to medical complications. 00:16:16 — Mack raises the curtain on the grim reality that the parents were actively deceived about the state of their child. 00:17:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sheds light on the hospital's suggestion to avoid an autopsy and opt for cremation, deepening the layers of this tragic tale. 00:18:40 — The term "medical misadventure" is introduced by Morgan, who likens the medical failures in the case to manslaughter. 00:20:40 — In any medical tragedy, trust is paramount, emphasizes Morgan, particularly when the stakes are a matter of life and death. 00:21:40 — The legal implications come into play as Morgan articulates that this case should have been immediately reported to medical legal authorities. 00:24:06 — Mack discusses the parents' decision to hire Dr. Jackson Gates for an independent autopsy, and the shocking revelation that images of the decapitated baby were posted on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Sep 202326min

In a quiet Oklahoma town, A.J. Cantrell and his wife Patsy lived lives built on community and kindness, never expecting their paths to intersect with a dangerous man whose actions will disrupt their sense of peace forever. The Cantrells, beloved by their community, meet a violent end, leaving a hole in the heart of their close-knit town. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve deep into the tragedy, examining the chilling forensic details, the devastating impact on the community, and the 37-day manhunt that gripped the nation. Morgan leverages his expertise to discuss the mechanics of the lethal 410 shotgun used in the crime, while Mack provides harrowing firsthand accounts that highlight the complexities of the case. They also explore the psychology of violence, diving into the backstory and subsequent actions of the perpetrator, Scott Eizember. Alongside forensic science and investigative details, this episode serves as a tribute to the Cantrells, whose lives were cruelly taken.   Time codes: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the scene, introducing the heartbreaking case that took place in a small town in Oklahoma.  00:01:20 — Generosity and kindness in a church community are explored by Morgan and Mack.  00:03:00 — Joe Scott introduces the notion of a 'wolf in sheep's clothing,' personified by Scott Eizember, who arrives in town riding on a bicycle.  00:06:00 — A romantic entanglement between Eizember and Kathy Biggs becomes the focus as Dave Mack peels back another layer of the story. 00:07:13 — The importance of examining a subject's history in a homicide case is expounded upon by Joseph Scott Morgan. He asserts that such scrutiny can offer insights into potential violent outcomes. 00:09:11 — Dave Mack introduces Scott Eizember's horrifying acts of violence, setting the tone for the deeper forensic analysis to come. 00:10:27 — Dave Mack recalls the terrifying moments leading to the Cantrells' deaths. A 410 shotgun becomes the weapon of irreversible consequence. The deadly force of a 410 shotgun is anatomized by Joseph Scott Morgan. 00:16:14 — Joseph Scott Morgan demystifies gunpowder evidence on a body, helping listeners grasp the possible range from which the shotgun was fired. He talks about using a long-arm weapon as a bludgeon during the attack on Mr. Cantrell. 00:17:11 — Dave Mack educates listeners on the difference between slicing wounds and lacerations, the latter caused by blunt force trauma.  00:18:25 — Skull fractures and the force needed to inflict them are debated by Mack and Morgan.  At 00:24:12 — Dave Mack highlights how the Wright family initially welcomed Eizember before he unleashed his violent tendencies on the Cantrells, leading to a whirlpool of tragic events. 00:25:50 —  Mack outlines Eizember's further attacks on a 16-year-old boy, a 63-year-old woman, and his ex-girlfriend, Katherine Smith, all of whom survive. 00:26:17 — Dave discusses the 37-day manhunt for Eizember, the kidnapping of Dr. and Mrs. Peebles, and how Eizember was finally apprehended. 00:29:10 — A chilling detail is revealed by Morgan—the unfired round in the weapon, suggesting that Eizember had potential for more destruction. 00:30:20 — The episode concludes with Joseph Scott Morgan confirming Scott Eizember's execution, signaling the end of a terrifying chapter for the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Sep 202331min

Lured from bars in Tampa Bay, Florida, Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz become victims of unthinkable acts of violence, torture, and ultimately murder at the hands of Steven Lorenzo and his roommate Scott Schweikert. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dive into the harrowing details of these crimes, examining the evidence, psychology, and horrifying realities faced by the victims. As Morgan unpacks the forensic side—from GHB to blood spatter—Mack provides a chilling narrative that contextualizes the nightmare that unfolded. This episode is not just an exploration into the depths of human depravity, but also a tribute to the lives and stories of Jason Galehouse, Michael Waccholtz, Albert Perkins, and other unnamed victims of Loenzo and Schweikert.   Time codes: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan reveals a childhood fascination with a magnifying glass. This simple tale explains his eventual career in forensics. 01:40 — Steven Lorenzo, convicted of two murders but suspected of many more, is introduced.  00:03:20 — Dave Mack asks Joe Scott to break down the substance GHB.  00:03:40 — A chilling overview of Lorenzo's methods is described. Mack succinctly recounts how the criminal drugged and tortured his victims. 00:04:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan unveils the eerie nature of GHB, detailing its street names and effects. 00:08:19 — The online meeting between Lorenzo and Schweikert is discussed. Mack introduces how they connected over shared violent fantasies. 00:11:18 — The terrifying setting of the crimes, Lorenzo and Schweikert's home, is revealed. Joe Scott explains how the drug GHB renders victims compliant. 00:13:56 — Mack goes back to 2003 to bring us the stories of the victims, Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz. 00:16:10 — A vivid picture of the crime scene emerges. Mack and Morgan explore how long blood lasts as evidence. 00:20:25 — Dave Mack retells the testimony of a survivor of Lorenzo and Schweikert's, Albert Perkins, emphasizing the cold-blooded nature of the criminals. 00:28:32 — Joseph Scott Morgan explains the crucial role of insects in forensics. 00:33:40 — Justice takes time. Dave Mack highlights the delay in Steven Lorenzo's trial and eventual sentence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Sep 202333min