You Left Me For Dead
11Digest
This podcast episode delves into the true crime story of Lauren DeWise's murder and Ashley Van Hamert's attempted murder in Belgrade, Montana. The investigation initially focuses on Lauren's estranged husband, Paul DeWise, due to his history of violence and his presence at the crime scene. However, the case takes a shocking turn when Paul's son, Joe, confesses to being at the scene with his father, claiming he was forced to go at gunpoint. Joe's testimony reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse and manipulation within the family. The podcast meticulously follows the investigation, highlighting key pieces of evidence, including the discovery of the murder weapon and the crucial testimony of Joe and Natalie DeWise, Paul's children. The episode also explores the impact of the shooting on Ashley Van Hamert, who bravely testifies at the trial despite her injuries. The podcast culminates in Paul DeWise's trial, where he is found guilty of deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide. The episode concludes with the aftermath of the trial, emphasizing the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for those experiencing abuse.
Outlines
The Montana Murder Mystery
This episode introduces the case of Lauren DeWise's murder and Ashley Van Hamert's attempted murder in Belgrade, Montana. The investigation initially focuses on Lauren's estranged husband, Paul DeWise, due to his history of violence and his presence at the crime scene.
The Children's Testimony
The podcast focuses on the interviews with Paul DeWise's children, Joe and Natalie. Their accounts initially support their father's alibi, but later events reveal a different story.
Investigating Potential Suspects
Detectives investigate potential suspects, including Kevin Brawlstead and Brian Ruddick, but both men are cleared of any involvement in the shooting.
Ashley's Recovery and Testimony
The podcast details Ashley Van Hamert's recovery from her injuries and her valuable information to the detectives.
A Curious Text Exchange
Detectives discover a suspicious text exchange between Joe and Natalie DeWise on the night of the murder, raising suspicions about their knowledge of the events.
Joe's Confession
Joe DeWise confesses to being at the scene of the crime with his father, revealing that Paul forced him to go to the house at gunpoint.
A Shocking Discovery
A crime scene tech realizes that the boots found at the scene are much smaller than initially thought, leading detectives to suspect Joe DeWise.
Joe's Breakdown
Joe finally breaks down and reveals that his father forced him to go to the house and shoot Lauren and Ashley. He describes the events of the night in detail.
Paul DeWise's Trial
Paul DeWise goes on trial for the murder of his wife and the attempted murder of Ashley Van Hamert. The podcast details the evidence presented at the trial, including recordings of Paul's violent behavior towards Lauren.
Paul DeWise's Verdict
The jury finds Paul DeWise guilty of deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide. He is sentenced to 220 years in prison with no parole.
Keywords
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse.
Murder Weapon
The murder weapon is the instrument used to commit a murder. It is a crucial piece of evidence in a homicide investigation, as it can be used to link the suspect to the crime scene and the victim.
Alibi
An alibi is a claim that a person was elsewhere at the time of a crime. It is a common defense strategy in criminal cases, but it must be supported by credible evidence.
Interrogation
An interrogation is a formal questioning of a suspect by law enforcement officers. The goal of an interrogation is to obtain a confession or other incriminating information.
Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence is any physical evidence that is collected and analyzed in a criminal investigation. It can include fingerprints, DNA, blood, and other traces of the crime.
Witness Testimony
Witness testimony is a statement made by a person who has observed a crime or other event. It is an important source of evidence in criminal cases, but it can be unreliable if the witness is biased or has a poor memory.
Jury Trial
A jury trial is a legal proceeding in which a jury of ordinary citizens decides the guilt or innocence of a defendant. It is a fundamental right in many legal systems.
Sentencing Hearing
A sentencing hearing is a court proceeding in which a judge determines the punishment for a convicted criminal. The sentence can include imprisonment, probation, fines, or other penalties.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Lauren DeWise and Ashley Van Hamert?
Lauren DeWise was found dead in her home, and her roommate, Ashley Van Hamert, was critically injured after being shot in the head. The investigation revealed that Lauren's estranged husband, Paul DeWise, was responsible for the shooting.
How did detectives initially focus on Paul DeWise as a suspect?
Detectives initially focused on Paul DeWise because he was Lauren's estranged husband and had a history of violent behavior towards her. They also found evidence that he had been at the scene of the crime.
What role did Joe DeWise, Paul's son, play in the murders?
Joe DeWise initially provided an alibi for his father, but later confessed to being at the scene of the crime with his father. He revealed that Paul forced him to go to the house at gunpoint and that he was afraid his father would kill him and his sisters.
What was the significance of finding the murder weapon?
Finding the murder weapon was a crucial piece of evidence that linked Paul DeWise to the crime scene and the victims. It also helped to confirm Joe's account of the events.
What was the impact of the shooting on Ashley Van Hamert?
Ashley Van Hamert suffered severe injuries, including being shot in the back of the head. She has no memory of the shooting but has shown remarkable resilience in her recovery. She has also become an advocate for domestic violence awareness.
Show Notes
Two women shot while asleep in their home – one miraculously survives to tell her story.
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