The Lawyer's Daughter | The Golden State Killer: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Carole
I'm Jennifer Carole and I am the Lawyer's Daughter. My dad (a lawyer) and my stepmom were murdered in March 1980 in Ventura, California. Through cold case detective work and DNA, our crime was linked to the notorious Golden State Killer. The pod includes real-time reporting and memories. It's just me so I'll be using a live, radio style of podcasting. Feedback always welcome! PS: the blog is LawyersDaughter.com.
Let's have a little fun while we prepare to start moving out of the pandemic (hopefully). Chaos junkies are starting to learn how to chill-out. Are you a chaos junkie? Here's the article I discuss with the quiz for your reference. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-excess/201603/are-you-addicted-chaos
Also, here's the link to RIE (not REI), the parenting approach I talked about. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/rie-parenting#training
Episode 29 | March 18, 2021
We all do it. It's part of our humanness and yet, relying on the Halo Effect can really undermine our safety and cause us to trust people who aren't trustworthy. Here's how it works.
Episode 68 | March 3, 2021
Last week we talked about gaslighting and how we can do this to others without even realizing it. Especially our loved ones! Paige Bendt takes a different angle on gaslighting - what we do to ourselves. Very common with anyone who's survived trauma.
Here's the link to Paige's paper: https://bit.ly/2_18_2021
It started with a movie and now it's an integral part of our culture. It's bad for mental health and it's part and parcel of being a trauma survivor. In part one, I review the basics and include some stories to bring it to life. In part two, we'll hear from an amazing woman who has studied "self-gaslighting" which is something victims do all the time.
Stream the movie here free.
Episode 66 | Feb 16, 2021
Kris Pedretti asked me to do a presentation I'd done privately for a few folks. It applies what I learned as a Life Coach to how we live with the pain of trauma. I suggest ways to use feelings of worthlessness or anger to move you forward. Let me know what you think!
If you want to see the images/slides I used, here's the link.
Episode 65 | Feb 9, 2021
Kris is a survivor of Joe DeAngelo and is working to give voice to victims of sexual assault. Her private group on Facebook is a wonderful place to share, find support or just hang out. I love this woman! Here's her video.
Episode 64 | Recorded Dec 18, 2020, posted Feb 5, 2021
I'm back. Podcasting is hard in a pandemic! Today we talk about Joseph DeAngelo and Corcoran State Prison - his new home. I also assign some homework for upcoming shows so you're ready to dig in with me!
Episode 63 | February 2, 2021
I start the pod talking about Kris Pedretti's group and how it's growing. Then a closer look at the Missing Cases of JJD and the progress we're making there. Finally, a quick discussion of a California proposition expanding DNA. They make the mistake of associating it with DeAngelo. Nope, that's not how it worked.
You saw Gay and Bob on the HBO show I'll Be Gone in the Dark. You heard her powerful "paper" metaphor in her victim impact statement. Now hear what was behind those powerful moments. She also shares a scenario that was extremely painful for her.
These amazing women who worked as hospice nurses for our nation's soldiers share what they've learned about trauma and the key to healing. While on their deathbeds, these soldiers experienced many of the same things that reveal a pattern for overcoming trauma - including sexual abuse and assault. This was an amazing discussion. Episode 60 | September 25, 2020
Visit Opus Peace.
The controversy over the movie Cuties missed the point. While Netflix hopelessly botched the marketing of the movie in the United States, the reality is the director made the movie to address the way we sexualize our young girls. It's a problem we need to address and it's possible watching this movie will start the conversation. Watch the film and then let me know what you think! Episode 59 | September 24, 2020
Ep 58 | August 26, 2020 | Lots of little threads from last week and over the weekend I wanted to follow-up on so we're all on the same page. Last episode of "Season 2" of the Lawyer's Daughter. Wow. I'll be back after Labor Day. As always, visit me at LawyersDaughter.com.
Happy Conviction everyone!
Ep 57| August 21, 2020 | Sentencing of Joe DeAngelo Debrief. We discuss what we saw, heard, and think about what happened today. WE ARE FREE!
Murder Thursday - with victims from California speaking about the murders committed by Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, East Area Rapist, Visalia Ransacker. Here's the rundown and a bit of background about my personal journey.
Ep 55 | August 19, 2020 | Rape Victims rfrom the other jurisdictions shared their statements today. Once again, a little unexpected delight. I believe you can see them via KCRA archive, link below. In today's post-hearing discussion, we learn what DeAngelo said AFTER the judge gaveled the recess. Here are our stories!
KCRA Archive: http://bit.ly/VictimStatements
WARNING: Explicit Content. Not for children.
Ep 54 | Aug 19, 2020 | Larry Crompton worked on the Rapist Task Force in Contra Costa County during the East Area Rapist years. He wrote a book, Sudden Terror, where he uses private, personal information to tell the story of the crimes. His book is an outstanding example of bias, exploitation and using victim's pain for personal enrichment (profit). In this video I explain.
WARNING: Because I'm trying to go really fast, I'm posting without music, without any editing. This is funny and serious and everything you'd expect. Includes technical difficulties. Enjoy!
Sacramento Rape Victims shared their statements today. I believe you can see them via KCRA archive, link below. We talked, struggled with technology and shared gossip in this post hearing discussion. Here are our stories!
KCRA Archive: http://bit.ly/VictimStatements
I'm sure you're shocked. The question is, who was he looking at when he did it! This morning there was a rushed hearing on DeAngelo's demeanor. Here's what happened.
While I've talked about this tangentially in other podcasts, I don't think I ever did the deep dive about what happened that day and the days, weeks and years after that. This shaped who I am today - no doubt. Damned Golden State Killer.
Based on my Medium article.
Not a real episode, just a shout out to anyone interested. A press release went out today - here's what it says!
Here's the page on my site I mention in the podcast: jcarole.com/missing
There's a lot of scurrying around as we head into next week where we will be reading victim impact statements and then sitting through the sentencing of Joseph DeAngelo. Want to know what's going on behind the scenes? Here's the scoop!
Episode 49 | August 3, 2020 | Ever wonder if victims of big crimes make money? Wonder about who is making money? Welcome to the serial killer economy - or how one sadist is keeping lots of people employed. I'll take you inside our little economy and what I know about who's making bank (and who's not). Based on my article on Medium.
Episode 48 | July 31, 2020 | If you want to piss off a female victim, all you have to do is hint that someone is going to review their witness impact statement. Here's what it did to our Golden State Killer victims. Based on an article I wrote for Medium.com.
Episode 47 | July 30, 2020 | When considering the point of view of a victim impact statement, who do we truly represent? This caused me to consider a lot of angles - my dad's, my brothers, mine. This discussion is based on a piece I wrote for Medium.com.
So many things get lost over the years. Photos, trinkets, things that help us remember. But for the most part, I remember the prologue to my dad and Charlene's wedding. I sometimes wonder why there's so much intrigue about "The Smiths" and I supposed it's things like this that have led to the drama.
Here's that photo of us all dressed up!
NOTE: the speed is fast on this recording and I have no idea why. My apologies!
Turns out, this is a little more complicated than I thought. Also, being part of this ginormous case means things that should be straightforward, are not. We're like the Costco of crime; everything happens in bulk and inevitably, you have to buy a few of the gross flavors to get the good flavors you like (why do they do that? Don't we all agree on the gross flavors?). Here's where we are!
And here's the link to the actual documents.
My apologies up front, this is a very raw video. I thought long and hard about it, but after talking with my new therapist, I know they only thing that ever helps me is the truth. And while I share my honest feelings with you here, don't worry, I'll buck-up. I always do.
If you'd prefer to watch me cry on video, it's here. (I'm saying that like a smart ass, please read that like a smart ass is popping off.)
One week after DeAngelo, the convicted Golden State Killer, (feels so nice to say that), entered his plea, I needed a way to let Charlene and my dad go. The full moon is a powerful source of renewal, so in the spirit of Spirit, my Santa Cruz roots and all things powerful, we did a thing. This isn't a typical podcast, so this might not be for you, but I wanted to share anyway.
Much love to all of you for the limitless support.
YouTube Channel is here.
More information about Serenity Spa.
Joseph DeAngelo, the horrendous, sadistic, brutal Golden State Killer, is convicted. I still kind of can't believe it. We did a Zoom meeting to talk about what everyone experienced and I share some "behind the scenes" information from Monday's hearing. Love you all! Your support is truly important.
Thank you.
It is possible for one's brain to simply say "enough". That was me yesterday. After a nice evening with Kris and Gay just prepping for today (gathering of victims and some new faces) and Monday, court. I have been struggling with sleep and it finally caught up to me. Thankfully, I managed to get rest and today I'm doing so much better. The link to the Zoom planned for Tuesday is at jcarole.com. Then the recording will be on YouTube at Lawyers Daughter or try this.
I promised to share "how it feels" and it's not pleasant. There's too much going on and that's tough. I knew it would get rough but I underestimated how rough. I'm heading out to see Victim 1 who had surgery last weekend and we're hoping she's gonna bounce and be there on Monday. We all just need to make it to the finish line at this point. This one is fast, but provides an update.
This was amazing. Thank you to all who came. When I squeal at the beginning, that's totally legit as I could see every sweet smiling face and so many names I recognized. While anything could happen by the 29th (and it seems like so much has), we should soon be putting a fork in this thing. We'll do this again on the 30th.
I recorded this on June 3, literally took me three days just to live with the news to be able to talk about it. I had to hold this until the news broke. It's breaking today. I have no words for how hard this has been to have things end so quickly. I also can't thank my legal team enough for their thoughtfulness, empathy and compassion.
Here's part two. As we pour over what Deep Throat has uncovered about DeAngelo, I'm am not surprised he has more crimes that aren't currently included in his "portfolio". I'm having a hard time understanding how his family, the adults, didn't know something was very, very wrong.
I've called her that from almost the first day. Desperate to maintain her privacy, Deep Throat (my moniker for her) has done incredible research into DeAngelo that goes beyond what you've read in the papers. She also provides insight into how to do this kind of research yourself, which I find truly interesting. See what you think. Here's part one.
The last few weeks have been incredibly hard. This pod is pretty raw as I struggle to share my feelings.
THIS IS PART TWO - MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN TO PART ONE FIRST!
Margie talks about what DeAngelo did when he broke into homes and then she taps some of his classic behaviors: anniversaries, riddles, mind-f-cking. All things we now know. I wish we could convict him for every damn crime.
Before he terrorized Sacramento, Joseph DeAngelo, the amazingly evil Golden State Killer, managed to terrorize Visalia. He murdered Claude Snelling and broke into more than 100 homes. There's more we just can't prove. Here's Margie's story (not my mom!) in part one of two.
From the minute I met Todd, in 2017 for the taping of Unmasking a Killer, I was impressed. I've seen him many times since and I'll always have a soft spot for him because of how he managed a serious topic while telling a story. I talked with him before HBO started promoting the new series and interestingly, we did talk about the intersection of entertainment and true crime.
Learn more about Todd here.
So we find out how the church moved forward, how Alsip moved forward, how Hanawalt moved forward and meanwhile, the Smith case starts its journey into the void of cold case land.
View blog post with images and links.
Since you don't need evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to be bound over for trial, the judge does the only thing he can. He tells Alsip he must stand trial. But then, in an amazing series of events, with integrity and incredible commitment to ethics, the Ventura District Attorney makes a bold move.
View blog post with images and links.
I didn’t realize HBO was going to drop the teaser on Sunday and it did catch me a bit off-guard. I always do my best to share real-time feelings about these things, so let’s do that. I’m wrote a blog first because I wanted to be thoughtful about what I say.
https://jcarole.com/hbo-ill-be-gone-in-the-dark-teaser/
Defense attorney Richard Hanawalt pulls out all the stops to discredit the pastor's testimony and prove reasonable doubt for the judge.
View blog post with images and links.
With Joe Alsip still sitting in jail, the prosecution has rested and now it's time for the defense. Richard Hanawalt (here's a photo!) is ready to go to town as he continues his cross examination of the Rev Mikel and others from the church. Meanwhile, we learn of Charlene's affair and the victim's daughter (me!) takes the stand. Hang on folks, this pod has a lot of information.
View blog post with images and links.
The twists and turns of my father and stepmother's lives, along with the cast of supporting characters you couldn't make-up, turns Alsip's preliminary hearing into a crazy, convoluted mess. But the stuff they have on the pastor?!? This is nuts. Sometimes I can't help but laugh!
View blog post with images and links.
We know Joe Alsip didn't do it, and yet, he's sitting in jail, month after month, based on evidence, procedures, hypnosis and more and time just keeps slipping away. As does the money. What a hot mess this is. More from the Ventura Star Free Press.
View blog post with images and links.
Lots of foreshadowing in this episode as we learn of the esteemed pastor and his role in the case. We also learn more about my dad's amazingly convoluted business dealings - I have no idea how they kept everything straight. Turns out, maybe they didn't.
View blog post with images and links.
From the Star Free Press in Ventura, starting Nov 20, 1981, we find out Joe Alsip is charged and we spend a lot of time understanding his struggle to afford a defense attorney. In sharp contrast, the real killer is soaking up California resources like a dry lake bed in Mono County.
View blog post with images and links.
On Saturday, December 18, 1976, 15-year old Kris Pedretti was raped repeatedly by the East Area Rapist (who later became known as the Golden State Killer). Today she tells her story and how, by breaking her silence, she's working to advocate for survivors who've been afraid to tell their story.
Click here to join her private Facebook group.
I loved this interview so much. I did it on video for the Life Coach Pod (it's on YouTube) if you want to see Stacey in person. At the end of the interview, she talked about the Golden State Killer and then, and then! Stacey blew my mind. All the feels.
Companion blog with photo is here: https://jcarole.com/paranormal-investigator-stacey-scott/
Caryl and Charlene grew up together - like sisters as she describes it - and she's one of the only people I know who understood how Charlene ticked. I have loved getting to know Caryl and I am bummed I didn't get to know Charlene better as an adult. I had one last visit, that was everything, and it turns out, it was the same for Caryl. I hope you enjoy this.
From the Star Free Press in October, 1980 continued! We start to learn much more about the crimes, the evidence and the suspects. Greg Zoroya and Rita Beamish dive into the details about the investigation, all the leads they chased and tiny bits of information that help us understand what happened in the house that night. This is part two of two.
From the Star Free Press in October, 1980, we start to learn much more about the crimes, the evidence and the suspects. Greg Zoroya and Rita Beamish dive into the details about the investigation, all the leads they chased and tiny bits of information that help us understand what happened in the house that night. This is part one of two.
This pod is a little different because I could use your help. There were two lawsuits filed in Ventura in late 1980 and early 1981. One was by us, dad's kids, for wrongful death. The other was against my dad's estate, brought by one of his business partners who was left "holding the bag". In both cases, we have more of a mystery than answers. Maybe you'll know what I should do next!
Here's the audio version of my live talk - the audio/visual version is here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yyFcM8h85d4. The video has slides of photos you might find interesting. This is the jist of our whole story, or at least the Readers' Digest version (that means it's high-level and moves across time rather quickly). Also features guest audio from one of DeAngelo's rape survivors.
These articles from my Murder Book explain how the case isn't going anywhere and law enforcement is basically stumped. You might want to listen to the other In the News pod first so you have the coverage from day one. This picks up where that leaves off and I end with some feelings I didn't expect. It's just baffling to me how much they didn't really understand about the crime scene and the evidence. The assumptions, based on what we know today, are mind-blowing.
The DNA has been obtained and now we have a chance to talk about what incarceration might look like for DeAngelo - if he ends up on Death Row or if he does manage to provide a plea that satisfies everyone and is incarcerated for life without parole (LWOP they call it). If he doesn't die from Coronavirus, what might his future hold? Here's a look at what I learned.
It was a busy day yesterday. Started with a meeting with the defense. This happened because the defense sent a letter to those of use with charges earlier this year. I met with them in the morning at the Sacramento District Attorney's Office. After that, I grabbed a beverage and headed to court. It was a longer session than we expected, but really interesting. After that, we were whisked off to meet with the Prosecutors - and that went very well. This pod is a bit more extemporaneous than usual because I'm exhausted today and wanted to get this done! So I used my notes and just talked through them.
And here's a link to the letter, it helps to see it: https://jcarole.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Letter-from-the-Defense-2.pdf
On March 7th, I went through the prosecution's request for additional DNA. You might want to listen to that first, before you listen to this one. Today, I go through the defense response to the motion and it's long and a little whiny. They make a few valid points. There's one giant argument that's closely related to the Motion to Dismiss (that won't be heard tomorrow). I wonder how the judge will rule - he might end up tabling the whole thing until April 29th, the date of the next hearing. We will see!
The news is going to get real again as we head into the hearing on Thursday, so I thought today we'd take a little break and go back to 1968 - the year I got a bike and what happened when my dad tried to teach me how to ride it. I love that my parents were super utilitarian and expected us to figure things out so quickly. Considering this foreshadowing for what happens next!
With many of us feeling like we aren't getting all the information we need, I take a look at Marsy's Law, California edition, and what this means for anyone who is a victim of crime. Along the way, I also discuss how this law was enacted in California using our Initiative Process (for better or worse) and how these turn into Propositions that are voted on by the citizens. I also briefly discuss Prop 69, that made it legal to collect DNA.
This motion is what will be argued on Thursday. I discovered, in the motion, information I didn't know before. I think you'll find it satisfying. The prosecution does a wonderful job of stating clearly and firmly that this additional DNA is needed and why. I also share some feedback from Gaye based on yesterday's podcast and a little personal information about my love of journalism and journalists.
It turns out there are different kinds of victims in this messy, ginormous case and depending on the crime or where you live, you'll have a different experience from other victims. This episode explains the different factions and the different kinds of communication we are getting and expresses our desire to be considered as one large group to the extent that is possible. Included are statements from Kris and Gaye, who do a phenomenal job of expressing their frustration from different victim subsets.
I’m back! This is a reboot of my podcast about the Golden State Killer. There's so much stuff happening in public and behind the scenes, this is the best way to keep up! Today I talk about DeAngelo apparently offering a plea (as announced in a footnote on page seven of the Motion to Dismiss) and discovered by Paige St. John of the LA Times. I saw a notification on Reddit that stopped me cold. This episode covers what's happened since Tuesday with regard to the offer, questions the intentions of the defense and confirms the existence of a letter to victims from the defense.
Companion Blog: https://jcarole.com/march-5-2020-podcast-notes-deangelo-wants-to-plea/
On August 23, 2018, we attended court to hear 26 more charges be brought against Joseph DeAngelo, the accused Golden State Killer and East Area Rapist. It was intense, sad and different. I also get out a few soap boxes in this one!
This bonus track is podcast only (I didn't write about it on my blog). My friend took me to a Medium and guess who showed up!?
Apparently I was on speed when I recorded this - I talk fast so buckle-up!
Ripped from the headlines: I read and comment about actual news coverage in Ventura in March 1980, when my dad and stepmom were found and the early days of the investigation. Based on two articles from the Ventura County Star Free Press. Eventually we'd learn they were killed by the Golden State Killer, aka East Area Rapist, but back then, it's amazing how little we really knew about the case.
It was time to see DeAngelo, the man who killed my dad and stepmom, for the first time. Here's what happened.
I came to Sacramento for the weekend before I'd see Joseph DeAngelo, the accused Golden State Killer, for the first time. Here's what I did with my time - before the nerves kicked in on Sunday night. I was way more anxious than I thought I would be.
I never ever thought my dad and stepmom's killer would be caught. I mean I just didn't. I had decided in my head he was dead. And then, April 2018, an arrest was made! The Golden State Killer, East Area Rapist had been caught. Joseph DeAngelo stands accused. Hot damn. Here's what happened from my perspective.
In March 1980, my dad and stepmother (Lyman and Charlene Smith) were found murdered in their home in Ventura, California. It took decades to find out who killed them and why. This is what happened the day my younger brother discovered their bodies.