Hello. Thank you for joining us. This is today. This is the first good I'm hosting after being gone for awhile. I want to take a minute to thank My friend Tricia Griffith, for stepping in and hosting the show, while I was gone now that I'm back last five episodes that Tricia hosted have replaced with versions that I narrated. They won't replaced on your player automatically if you've already downloaded them if you want to hear them you're going to have to delete existing episode from whatever podcast player. You have and re download the fresh one off the feed or Simply stream them from sword and scale com Just so you know those are episodes. One hundred and thirty four through thirty, nine thanks again for listening and thank you so much for all of the love and kind words on social media. All of us here at incongruity, appreciate your support. Very Are you familiar with Lyme Town vehicle

Number one podcast is now the best new series on streaming video and it's only available on Facebook watch Limetown is to show that follows the mysterious disappearance of over three hundred men, women and children all without a trace in the fifteen years since not a single survivor has been located, it contains elements from all of your favorite genres drama. Spence crime and even a touch of Sci FI best of all Jessica. Biel takes on another incredible role for this series as an investigative reporter who goes searching for answers, her perform in this intense story, will leave you speechless as she unravels the unsettling truth behind the disappearance. If you're looking for a great new series, you know to watch limetown now streaming only Facebook Watch. Much and now on with the show

sword and scale contains adult themes and violence and is not intended for all audiences. Listen. Discretion is advised

Exactly what happened? I don't know you have no idea what happened can right now? Okay, you don't know where you came from she hello. Once again and welcome to season six episode, one forty of stored and scale show that reveals the worst monsters are real. Hey welcome back. I know that a lot of you've got to be excited because in just a few short days, we'll be heading into summer here in the northern hemisphere, but time synonymous with outdoor one sunshine and hopefully good weather naturally leads to lots of outdoor activities and get togethers backyard, cookouts lounging by the pool going to the beach or even having a picnic in the park. While we try to forget the long cold dreary winter and of course we do a lot of these activities with our family summer is the time for family vacations to reconnect with those closest to us, those who would stick with us throughout the day and then good times and bad. Not all of us have that in our lives and those that do sadly often take it for granted. When trouble comes, it's your family, that is there to support you and be the backbone that holds you up right in a family, there's a strength that all of the power in the world could get rid of a strength like that of an army and a certain type of loyalty all of it. So when the most heinous of crimes occur, would they still be there for you? Where will you stand in their eyes? After all, a family? Does it need to be perfect? It just needs to be denied full.

In the northern Valley of California lies the rural community of cotton would in the eighteen, forties. The town was a stopover for those traveling, the Oregon trail It didn't die of dysentery along the way that is travelers. Would supplies and grab a bite to eat before continuing their travels north most of the population in this small old western town. Are hard working blue collar folk. It's a tight knit area. Full of people who are active in not only their community but educational system and their children's after school extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, no community is exempt, The depravity of man, even though the town of cotton wood itself is small, the chance, becoming a victim of a violent crime, is one in one hundred and forty five

Compare that to the statistic that says that the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in California as a whole are one in two hundred and twenty five and you start to see the dark cloud hanging over this place.

Town has a population of roughly thirty three hundred people. So, while the odds may seem scary, it isn't as bad as the numbers per track. Cotton. What is also home to serial killer, Darrell Rich, also known as the hilltop rapist, who had terrorized the town in the summer of nineteen? Seventy eight. It was a violent crime that let us here to this story and one that shocked its own community. But before we jump into this story, we want to give you an opportunity to listen to a clip taken from the nine one. One call that Shasta County Sheriff's dispatch received on the evening of May fifth, twenty twelve, not on American, my wife and I need an ambulance hang on. Let me get a medical dispatcher hold on, sir. What did you hear? Did you hear I got a I killed my wife schitt blood everywhere or did you hear. I got a

I found my wife sick blood everywhere we'll play it one more time to let you ponder what you just heard: nine one one emergency, my wife and I need an ambulance hang on. Let me get a medical dispatcher hold on sir, in twenty twelve after thirty three years of marriage mark in Keren doing this seem to have it all for home in a nice subdivision, three sons, three of which were married and had grandchildren on the way like most families that appear squeaky clean from the outside perspective, the doing family had their fair share. Dirty little secrets. There's. Oldest child Jacob. Had a serious run in with the law in two thousand and eight

Jacob had been working as a California highway patrolman when he was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a thirteen and a fourteen year old victim. He play no contest to the charges and subsequently was released from his job regardless the troubles Jacob may have caused. Parents were staples in the community, often seen at their sons, sporting events you often seen Karen working. The scoreboard at baseball and basketball games, while mark would be coaching. Little league mark, early and long hours for ups and Karen was juggling a teaching position as well as going back to school for nursing at Shasta College in Redding on the evening of May fourth, two thousand and twelve everything had seemed pretty normal at home. The family had a long and exhausting day, fifteen or so Brown got

hot straight on one end. My wife pulled, and right after we did, we had my son had a double header, high school baseball game. We she made some cookies car I jumped over the holiday got some sandwiches on the back of picture out went to the high school. She took the book. I said right next door for the baseball yeah watch the first game. What time does the game start? started at two o'clock: do you guys were there? She went with you to the baseball game. So what time are you there till the answer? handgun over about seven seven 'cause. It was a double header, and so then we just came

Today's come straight openly came in the house, um Troy was there my poor son 'cause. He was on fire in the little league. He lives in writing. So we visit with him and she, you know just visit with him and then turn the giant game on his watch and then she had it. We had a maybe- and he said with Swatch it. We need to watch it Netflix and she was on her computer and she said: ok just you want, so we started watching movie. It was we were both too tired, cut falling asleep and she said the family room there right, yeah right there. I don't know if you want it, then that's yeah, yeah, I was trying to stay awake 'cause, I you know I get up at two hundred and thirty and I was trying so I was kind of moving around she goes. I can't do this and I said neither can I so she got up

kiss Maine United went into her room. I stayed in there like a dummy, like I always do, and I tried to um fast forward through the rest of the giant game, 'cause, I'm a big giant then and then and Casey had much of the show with his buddy. Well, Casey had gone out to the movies with a friend Mark Fellowes, in his recliner chair in the living room, while watching a recorded game of the San Francisco giants at some point around, One thousand two hundred and thirty am dot return home and gone to bed roughly minutes later mark heard a noise that woke him. He got up recliner, And began walking around the house to see if he could locate where the noise had come from then All of I hear this or you sleep at this time. Are you still awake asleep and for this week hello. I mean crazy noise, it was well. I guess I

I thought it was animal spying 'cause. We get that a lot out there, cats we have two cats and fight and sometimes rack. Things coming in whatever I thought there and I and I instantly jumped out of it, and I went to the the door or the Yes, so in the family room read the kitchens here with those outside right: ok, open it up and turn the light on or- and I didn't see anything so I shut it, down the hallway. I saw my way the light was on Yeah, I open it up both Mark and Karen slept in separate rooms due to the fact that his job began early in the morning. And he was a loud snore, so to explain why yes, cuz of my hours, she's a very light sleeper and snore too, and I just you know, got

try to get into it and I didn't want to wake her up right. 'cause, I'm getting up at two hundred and thirty am it's just you start off, you know a little bit and then just work into it. Once a another kid moved out. You know we had an extra room and it's just easier for for me just to sleep and then our lead. I guess I just don't ever do that with your it's just harder, none, the less! as he made his way down the hallway. He noticed the light still on in Karen's room. He opened French doors crumpled on the ground next to the bed was his wife walk down the hallway. I saw my wife. The light was on. Let us yeah When did that and there she was face down pile of wood, so it could matter of a minute a minute. That from the time I heard the noise that

the door. I turn down the hallway and went in there and I rolled over and share. Well, I looked, and I saw all this red stuff on the carpet out roller over my start on her chest and I looked and it was she was terrified she was. It was awful also I wish she had. I looked down and shut this big hole right here and it was kind of fluttering, I wish she still breathing about that time. I could ask I feel urgency and Karen Karen she had blood. In my eye, call the Nike. Try I get it and I don't wash rag, and I don't. I don't want all over space and I was and it offer He rolled her over an heard, a fluttering or gurgling sound coming from the wound in her chest, frantically

called nine one one, nine one one emergency, my wife and medical dispatcher hold on for I need an ambulance reward around okay. What happened I can remember, I don't know, no idea what happened right now, who? Okay, you don't know where we came from. Are you with her now the way? I understand it? Your way, you don't know you don't know. I need to give you an I need to he believed in her. I don't know if you don't know, okay, that day on the phone with me: okay, okay, okay, horrible we're getting people on the way; okay, okay, after getting

the phone with dispatchers Mark Awoke Casey, urging him to go next door to get his brother Jason, who was a firefighter not understanding what was going on in half asleep Casey went into the room to see what the commotion was about are all over right there. I grabbed it called it and then I hung up on after I gather the information ran to the other room got case yet And I wish I would never tell it on command, but he was half asleep and he went over to. He ran over to his brothers. 'cause he's a fireman, then I'm sit there. I don't know what to do. I'm trying to. You know whatever Karen actually Jason arrived to the house, finding his mother lying in a pool of her own blood He knew right away that his mother was gone. He tried to, his father, while he dialed in to call nine hundred and eleven

I don't know any american today and called for the your wife would pleading for my mother, your mother, I'm actually they don't even need. Okay, what's your name, your mom it'll, okay, hello! No, all right! When police and emergency services arrived was pronounced dead at the scene. Now was up to Shasta County sheriff's detectives to find out what had happened to Karen Karen Duenas,

stabbed five times twice in the upper back area and times in the chest. The violence of this crime, stunned the close knit community neighbors scared wondering who could have done such a thing an if anyone else might be attacked, wow Mark was outside? He called his son Jacob to let him know about Karen. A nearby deputy over heard. Your mom is dead, a slight pause followed. No. I didn't kill mark taken to the sheriff station for an interview before we get started with anything. How do you want to read your rights, video you're not under arrest, but but I do have to reach this stuff, ok, you understand that anything it may be used against you in court. You understand that the presence of before and during any questions. You understand that, if you cannot

one attorney one will be appointed to you free of charge before any questioning. If you want, you understand that. Yes, okay, the detective even gets a chance to really dive into any questioning mark feels a shocking confession. Now it's already is not having to tell you earlier 'cause. My son advised me not to, and this is what was going on in our life and it's It me when I think about it. But about a year ago a girl at work tell me she's time on Facebook and says now it works and stuff, I don't do any of that and she goes there any, but you don't want to get in contact, there's this girl? I knew when I was seventeen. You know because I was just given up on Us- is, I think, her name's Annette Green is and she's not alone. She can She went in next day. She says well, and I said that's interesting

I said I'm she was strong, headed sent over a message. I said: yeah tell him you're my son, never ask her. She wants to say hi, I just want to say: hi 'cause, we're Close we've never boyfriend or girlfriend that little bit for a few months, a her dad moved, they moved Idaho. So anyway. She said sure I'll talk to you in about a month went by. She wanted to talk, and so I finally got the nerve to call because he might have married now and stuff, but you know I thought it would be fun to talk sure, always talk to me visited, and we had a good conversation, and you know we try out carried away with so little texting here and there there was. We knew where we stood. She has five kids. I have five kids unhappy marriage. She was, she told me she was so the way that one on and off and on and we went out for a month or so or whatever text and.

How I found out my phone or fat. She did look at the bills or the the. Att or whatever we have on horizon, and she saw these texts and she says what is hold it all. I'm sorry, Karen is this girl. I know and she was upset. You know I said yeah, you know we're. Just friends would just re appointing each other. That's how we work mark wasn't big on social media friend had let him know about the benefits of using Facebook and was to put him in touch with an old friend Annette it clear that Karen was upset about. The two connecting mark was her husband and net had her own family mark, told that he would cease communication with the net and he did only for a short while. According to Annette NET, phone that he kept secret from Karen ACE so called burner phone which he

solely to communicate with Annette. And then and I am did it For some reason, I texture again, we start talking again and we had it In January of last December November, where we were visiting quite often talk in an. You know you know, got kind of world He have feelings, but we knew where we stood that's how in whatever- and we just you know, it's nice to talk to you and she we were just visiting you know and saying, I feelings for each other, but as we are, it was nothing that you know and

she was. She was not feeling guilty about this, so she told her husband in Aiken Jan January middle January, and I said this year this year and I said you know: ok, that's good. You know it's been nice, knowing yeah real fun, it's worth getting chest, and I it was over both mark and Annette, decided to mutually part ways in their conversations our cat upset his wife months earlier and Annette's husband was not pleased. The two had been talking but yet again Mark couldn't help text in one last time, on her birthday Text was not met with great timing or a great response, so her birthday was in February, and I look at idiot. I text her happy birthday, happy 50th birthday. Just that was it

big birthday for and her husband, I mean I'm working. I get this right after I sent it 'cause. I haven't talked to her for weeks three weeks or text her, except for that little message and said call me, so I called it in her husband answered the phone about great, and I said you know I just want you know he goes. You know it was very brief, not even a few words, and because you want to talk to her, she doesn't want me to call it anymore. I said yeah I'll talk to real quick and he was kind of you can't it wasn't that you could tell he wasn't. Happy and I said so she got on the phone, and I said, I'm so sorry running a birthday and she was punk. Don't call me, don't text me anymore mark and she sounded kind of scared, and I said- and I said I hope that's it- you know how is it haven't talked to her at all, but like.

A week later or within that week. I come home from work. I thought it was all over in my life was like in bed 'cause. I you know in the afternoon relaxing for a second after her work or whatever I went in there and she was weird I mean she. She goes tell me about what's going on and I said what and she is telling me I don't know 'cause I knew I said well. I've been in touch with an added in an, but you know I'm sorry an issue. That's it and then about it that we will, that was in her birthday was very twenty third saw it happen that we can that so and just getting through it for the last two plus months. You know and we're fine yeah she's been a sick, because I hurt her feelings and all that, as

so that was it and that's husband took it upon himself to let Karen know that mark It continued reaching out to his wife Imagine how she must have felt but none the less mark put his focus. Back into his own marriage, ceasing all contact with net. The reason he brought this information up right from the start is theorized that maybe Annette's husband came after him. Attacking and as a form of payback, so to speak, only thing, I'm thinking, I'm scared, 'cause. I don't know this guy. I know he was added he's a banker. And he's out of Fisher and Hunter and Hunter and he's a banker investment baker lives in I I haven't seen this girl on thirty five years? We just talked on the phone and I'm embarrassed it out there, because my wife and I won't close five. We just

I was just kinda lonely, 'cause she's, so busy, and it was just called I really cared about years ago when I was at that age. You know when you start liking girls and she We didn't really know She told me she like me. She was afraid to tell me now that you know that silly stuff, so When this happened, I'm thinking. Something going on back there in Idaho all right. You know cuz. She actually sounded scared when I talked to her that time, because this guy side or something or is she alright? She something good, that's the only thing in my head that I can think of it's Folfiri, isn't it imagine getting into the middle of someone else's marriage. Do you think other person wouldn't be capable of getting back at you. Two way. I think about roles reversed if someone came between you and your spouse,

you'd, be angry, wouldn't you but it just the situation itself. That made mark worry is the way that Annette had sounded on their last phone call, and that husband was so easily able to reach Karen, within reason, scares me is when I heard her voice the last time she said Mark. Don't call me anymore. It just sounded like she was scared. That's the only that's, and I worried about that instantly. Read, hope, she's, alright and She that I've always thought he's a good man and then. I guess he Call. My wife that I forgot. We had correspondence through a few letters and stuff, I sent her Christmas cards I think that she he found that because she

My wife told me what you give her for Christmas and she knew you know, and then I think he told her maybe contacting wife I'd, never passed him in the phone. I don't know 'cause. I didn't. I didn't want to probe. I swear. I said it's not going to be this is our house. They tell you yeah, I did I did and when you tell you know, I just said I just spaced out to it and, and he I think She tell me life, he said you, it's centers about something you know. If she we have, you know the 70s and sent her some these I may, because she saw that she likes to she's doing her choir music. I just music that we used to listen to growing up. I did that. I burn some cds and center her to her and he she told me my wife

that you, some love, songs, tour, how long this Christmas time when I said of those yeah. It had a memory twenty November to early jam. Somewhere in that time frame. So I'm thinking he plastic found her? Whatever I had sent you, I sent probably a couple of cds, just music strictly. It is, and I sent her a dvd v cd of my twenty Anniversary party, she want to see. Yeah it's just my wife and I all my family. That's why early just so, she could see you know now. It's just all in this is what I've been doing for twenty five years,

in today's modern age. It's easy for us to put together a playlist on Spotify, to share with friends, family that special someone prior to these advances in technology we would burn mix cds for summer adventures or a mix of love songs, as Mark put it. Embarrassingly I'm old enough to remember. Mixtapes, thankfully not mix, eight track tapes. You. Young ns will have to Wikipedia that wow. Those compact filled with love. Songs may have been well received by net for a bit to be itself, and sending them to another woman that was His wife was highly appropriate. For how much mark claimed to have loved his wife even went as far as sending a copy of his 25th wedding anniversary, something Supposed to be a special moment in time shared between a doe husband and a loving wife for stonehouse. This just

didn't seem right. Person married for thirty three years would simply be okay with their spouse. Talking with another person, even if it was just simply talking not only that but Karen would likely want to talk further about it if you gone through an affair. You know how quickly can can lead to physical acts. And the only way to survive an affair. Mister talk through it, but claimed it wasn't something he felt needed to happen. Well, You said you and your wife didn't talk about the relation when I say relationship I mean the texting stuff that went on with you or not. Really intended and little bit hard to believe because I know I mean you're married for thirty three years or find out about it. You know you talked about it when it first We first told me that when I told you I came home and told me right

We talked about it and it was sort of me know that I mean we should be pretty upset about it, because that's that screaming at that just crying. Instead, as anybody that would be 'cause? You know in shape of you, when the guy tells her that I'm right writing. The love. So there's this lady's husband called care and told her about the love letter or whatever. That may be. Take care and tell you that he called. He never. She never said to how old she goes. I just had she said Actually I have what is it? I have evidence or the proof or whatever, I knowledge can she she knew because he had to tell details because for for Christmas. I had given. The net is certain thing and she knew exactly what it was mark believed

It had been an Ex husband, Dale that had reached out to Karen to tell her everything, but Truth was that Annette had also reached out writing apology letter that she had sent to Karen there's a true crime. A hey we've all been there. We've all wanted things. We can't exactly afford at a particular point in time bills and responsibilities, and all of that you still you kind of want big screen tv, though and the last thing you want to do is put it on a credit card without really high interest rate. That's suicide, that's why you need to check out Debit debit the brand new start up with a brand new concept. You can shop millions of products from your favorite brands and pay for them interest free overtime.

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go to legacy box dot com sword to get forty percent off. Your first order go to legacybox dot com sword and save forty today, get store preserving your past, making sure that those treasured memories don't disappear forever. While Mark was sitting in an interrogation room with detectives deputies, from search and rescue, as well as a fish and game. Warden were busy searching the surrounding areas, Anderson cotton wood, irrigation district can now runs beneath many homes within the neighborhood, as well as many nearby empty fields. They searched for any possible item that could have caused those mortal wounds on Karen. Unfortunately, they unable to find anything that could be linked to the crime

investigators were only able to find very few clues on the exterior of the home the the Karen's bedroom window was ripped the door leading to the patio, was unlocked back in the interrogation room MAR Sat alone, deprived sleep He began muttering words of confusion, his body language, telling of a man who was uncomfortable and I live now how what a. Why did they have to walk in on Monday may seventh classes were back in session at West Valley, high school, where all the

This boys had attended. Who lived in the neighborhood as well as their friends who had been on the street, hang out were pulled into a room and question. We see to Jason Warren a student. Had been just a few houses down with some friends on the Karen Duenas was murdered, full disclosure Jason also works as a freelance audio engineer for sword and scale so typical Friday night or so we thought we got out of school Friday. Headed to our buddies house like we did every weekend. Hang Nina, would normally eighteen year olds would be doing trying to find a party. Who knows you know just messing around and we always stay. You know everybody's house I lived in this neighborhood is just right down the street from where this all happened And it was just a weird night. You know nothing. Really going on super quiet, quieter than usual and

we thought we'd leave me I'll, go to the store and get some red bulls or something I don't know, and then we saw the lights flashing at the end of the street. And we're like, what's going on, you know like. It's really weird, it's nothing major happens and if it's something major does happen, it's usually we would know about it already. It's such a tight. Community. It's a tight neighborhood and we had no that was going on? It's all the fire trucks and ambulances stuff like that was like. Oh, no, maybe somebody over there. A heart attack or something like that, and I hope it's not. You know either Our friends that live down at that coldest de or something like that. Monday morning we get to school and we start hearing the rumors flyer. Roundabout. What it happened over at the domain. This is how some people started. Talking about it more like. No, that's that's fuckedup! There's! No way that could have happened like that, that can't be what happened, have been something else we thought it was just this sick live some kids,

spreading around and you know, 'cause. We knew We knew them like it's like I said it's a small community and I played baseball with you know. One of the kids and. Their dad was, it would help coach all the father's and all the moms and all the families were just involved. You know, there's a small little league and you know for years, and so now that's It's not what happened. That kind of thing doesn't happen here, not in this neighborhood, not in this community. That's like stuff that you see on tv. You know that's just nothing like that can happen here. Couple hours later in class teacher says you need to go to the office. You know they need to Take care of some up there, something along lines of Dallas is alright. It wasn't really out of the ordinary, didn't think much of it. Uh walking the office pony in the room and sitting there is the school sheriff and

other cops and guys in uniform stuff like that is sent me down. I agree I couple of questions and I'm like oh shit, ok, yeah, What do I need to answer like about what happened this weekend at the Duenas is. I was like yeah heard some rumors, you know flying her school like well. What do you know about it? So I got it. I don't know anything about it. Just so. You know what I've heard coming around from school and I'm like. Well, we know you were for houses down that night as yeah I was and we were we were. You know I mean a bunch of guys yeah, we know who was there and we know you were there and we know your car is out right, and did you just? Do you have anything Tell us any information, did you hear anything? Did you see anything? Did you see somebody down this you know we know you guys like to hang out out front and smoke and do your thing and I'm just like wow these has already know a lot. The I

anything I could tell him and walked out of office. Just thinking. Oh my god, this shit is fucking real, something did happen. Less week after Karen's death the county Sheriff Detective Tom Besanko held a press con it's for the media to update them on new developments? My name is Thomas Michael shows kind of sure this is the first. For the on May fifth, two thousand and twelve Saturday at about one am in the in the morning just kind. Sheriff's office responded to two hundred and four, one Glen drive in cotton wood for a female identified as Karen Duenas was bleeding from a chest, wound Mark TWAIN, reportedly found his wife Karen Insider home with chest wounds on arrival deputies an EMS personnel located Karen Duenas

inside the residence and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police on scene believe Miss Duenas It was a victim of a homicide, ok, we secured the scene and detectives from the chest sheriff's office of this and then contacted and responded throughout the early morning, hours of Saturday as well as Saturday evening from the major crimes unit in crime scene. Investigators from It's got a sheriff's office crime lab, The semen collected evidence the immediate area and surrounding neighborhood, for any information. Family members of the joint is family we're also interviewed by detectives. However, the details of these interviews, will not be released to the ongoing investigation numbers from the Shasta County, Sheriff's office and search and rescue team, assisted with the investigation and searched

by fields neighboring yards and ST, For any evidence the search by into the ongoing investigation. These have continued their neighborhood Canvas and evidence search area efforts, utilize, from the department of FISH and game that was from Brian, warden boy Phoebe is what we call a article search canine and she is success pass and discovering articles from crime scenes, members from the search and rescue team and the sheriff's office diet team assist with search efforts focusing on the area of the id canal- that is the what think I'm irrigation district canal. In the area of Rhonda room. Part of a routine investigation, sometime property for evidence have been Closed in strains and bodies of water,

was all said and done. Mark was back home with his children. Grieving for his last wife share Senco stated they did have their eyes on someone as a person of interest. While they wouldn't officially name mark as a person of interest right away. Eventually, the sheriff's department did. Mark's attorney RON Powell spoke to them. They listed him as a person of interest. It seems to me that when the next day, you're you're telling the public there's nothing to worry about this. Is it isolated instance, which is my understanding of what they did kind of narrow down? What you're looking for is uh. I heard nothing of dog tracking. I heard nothing of any helicopter that night. Looking for any perpetrators during time. The sheriff's department released the nine one. One call that market made it was released to the media they claimed. He said I gotta I killed my wife schitt

blood everywhere class, it's of care and family and friends alike, stood outside the school which she attending for her nursing program to speak what they remembered about Karen close to a hundred people honor the life of fifty one year old Karen doing- is outside the Shasta College, Health and Sciences building tonight she was found murdered in or con would home last Saturday now this is Kerins brother who's, a fire captain in Davis, California. He told mourners that Karen's husband Mark wanted to show up tonight, but he was there in his place. Karen's friends and fellow nursing students release those balloons into the sky. Afterwards, I caught up with one student who shared a special bond with Karen. She said she'll always remember her smile

for Karen smile. I mean it's unmistakable. She was going to be a wonderful nurse because she like to do things the way that she was taught and the right way, and I said to the hard worker should do whatever she had to do to get. It done really scared about doing that, specially your fifty one year we had a family of great things, she's done and we encouraged her support. Her.

Minutes? Tick, Ulus, possibly ocd uh, how she did it. He just felt like that last week, just gotten over the hump with that visit to the er last conversation I had with texting, and she thought she was telling me how wonderful he still has changed. She loved the fact. You got er and start doing something with everything that she learned and in pediatrics do she like. She was really afraid of small kids saying help him achieve Seattle, but it's something with that in the last few weeks. Some exposure to that and she loves it. She was to really undermine she's she's, going to do great it. Wouldn't until months later that an arrest would come on October. Fifth, months to the day when Karen Duenas was murdered in

instigators from the Shasta County. Sheriff's major crimes unit arrived at the home on Robinson Glen, Dr Mar Was inside the home watching a base, Log game with the Son, Casey He was arrested and charged with first degree murder relating to his wife's death friends, family. And the community as a whole were shocked. A name come to terms with the news they had heard Even Karen side of the family stood behind Mark, not believing for a second that he was sponsored bowl for her death.

Like nearly twenty of mark supporters gathered at the Shasta County courthouse this afternoon, they included his family friends and his coworkers mark appear before the judge for less than two minutes. The purpose of his appearance was to make sure everything was on track for his expected trial in May a trial. His family is anxious to get under way as well to do when as family as well as Karen's family continued. To maintain his innocence, the to the family would like to say that they continue to give love and support to Mark TWAIN S and his five boys in their families. Tenney was Karen's made a name and on this windy Tuesday afternoon or older sister Jennifer Ragland, painfully remembered her sister standing by her brother in law side. I said statement was also released by Mark's family and sons. Speaking out against how their father has been portrayed saying, the belief that couples marriage was crumbling because of an out of state phone relationship mark had is false. Marks attorney

focus on the family's behalf. Family members were aware of this relationship, including our mother. While she was not thrilled about it, our parents were still very much in love with one another and were in no way in a marital crisis. They also said their father has been unfairly portrayed by his infamous nine one, one call or lawn. He claims he admitted to killing Karen. They say that's not true either I looked at nine one one call has been made. Public is obvious that our father said no such thing. However, we are fearful that the damn already been done and find the way family said little attention has been given to the fact that mark passed, a polygraph test administered by a former FBI, polygraph expert caring, loving man who is deeply in love with our mother and misses her everyday, just as we all do reglan says the hurt will never go away unless a person has experienced this type of loss. It is impossible for one to fully understand how devastating the effects are

stated how they were all well aware of the messages exchanged between mark and the net When Mark was arrested, he

in the cruiser explaining to detectives that he believed the phone call they had released to the public was manufactured to make him sound as if he was saying something he wasn't killed. My wife not real evidence. I was in the house fabricating evidence like that: phony nine one, ok, that's thorn using its Logan it on that nine one dot, recording watch news all the time. I research it on that manufacturing, evidence stuff, I've seen software, they say you gotta, be careful, because law enforcement manufacturers evidence to try to make people. So you know it's whether they want to see their reaction and all this stuff I mean, I think it's immoral back- are wrong to put somebody through that 'cause that tape. That now is the biggest

custody at the shop, the county jail attorney RON Powell TIM for not keeping his mouth shut. While visiting with a family member market, comments regarding the nine one, one call he That was the only smoking gun. The prosecution had quoted as saying I say, what they said. I said. This conversation was recorded. It's trial was slated for May of twenty thirteen. Ultimately, his trial was pushed back until July, March trial was swift, but the Quetion was unable to completely sway the jury and prove that he was guilty. When the jury began deliberations in July, the came out nine to three. Nine of those jurors were in favor of acquittal. While three jurors believing mark was guilty sure, from the trial of former cop

and probation officer was quoted as saying The dissenting vote was from an alternate juror who stated to others. This guy is guilty. He to prove otherwise and I'm not changing my vote. I'm to hang this jury, while a deadlocked the ended in a mistrial the situation showed that either an unknown monster, was walking the streets free and had gotten away with murdering Karen or the actual perpetrator was closer than ever to leaving the justice system of free man. Mark and Karen's family lobbied for charges to be dropped,

Karen's brother Joe spoke with the media outside of the courtroom, so we made a long time ago- and this is always incredibly difficult. It was experiences yourself, there's no way you can understand. Family goes through, even though the family has been through this whole process. The family full size, very patient and, along with the with the first quarter, more very disappointed with what is happened today for the nine three votes. That'd be a was a willing to immediately go to a re trial. This one comes in the fact that this whole time, the DA and the sheriff Department, is never had the courtesy to contact the family will last several several months. The state, however, decided to try the case again. This

with deputy district attorney Stephanie Bridget, for the family. It was a major blow. They fell.

Let down by how the situation was being handled supposed to be supporting, which is my sister brother, the youngest brother, that was supposed to they're supposed to be there for her, that information close to the family and, unfortunately, that, on the other side, we have several members of the family marks. A this family is close. Both sides, always your support and we haven't seen any reason not to be, and the majority of nearly all the churches, jury also saw. The same is just one of the through this incredible full time for the family as the other, and it's not over to fight through this will stay together. Trying to this needs to be another further. I just wanna make you see these people. This is the only issue. This question in our our please listen to. We love this, the youngest of the brothers of for care, and my wife is actually two more. We know them very well been with them. Since the very beginning they were going out sizeable nature's number. Well, then, we'll see he was able to our players. The re trial of Mark TWAIN S was set for October, twenty thirteen deputy DA

attorney, Stephanie, Bridget came prepared. The prosecution alleged marks nine one. One call was where he admitted to kill Karen with call, we played for you in the beginning of this episode. Listen to it again and question. What it is you here not on American, my wife and I need an ambulance hang on. Let me get a medical dispatcher hold on sir. Even more damning was that mark had eventually found the letter Annette had sent to Karen set of turning it over to investigators, immediately he held onto it. This was brought up

when he was arrested, live from TEL and keep any secrets only thing I didn't do is when I found out later, not even that long ago. You know, I read it was no big deal. Is it always I'd even know that letter existed until after the fact that even know you guys, I thought you found it funny urban investigating they don't even find that letter. I said, oh really, and so one day I was thinking about it and I tried to find it couldn't find it week later. Something in my mind, told me to open up one book. I opened it up and there it was my daughter in law. I read it to her about it too much nice. An Adobe feel always is Paula. Getic letter people that she was sweet, religious girl felt terrible about I'm texting Maine and the same

a misplaced butcher knife. Although it contained no blood or dna evidence. It was suspected that this was the possible murder weapon that way stretch by far. Their belief was that Casey had gone to see a movie with his friend Mark had Karen. What came next was information that likely was the nail in the coffin, Annette Green. On the witness stand. This in time she had seen mark since the 1970s. She. Apology Letter out loud for the courtroom: weeping,

doing so Karen and Mark. I dress the letter to both of you and hopes that you will both be able to read it. I feel it is important for me to express my feelings and ask for forgiveness these past few weeks I have been going through the fire and it felt extremely remorseful for my actions. What I did was very wrong and I need to say I am sorry especially to you, Karen, I'm sorry for intruding into your life and marriage and for disregarding your feelings. I also asked forgiveness for mark for being a weak person and allowing this all to take place. When I was wrong, I should have never put either one of our marriage is in jeopardy or treated them so lightly. Daily Why are trying to move on in strength? I have a deep resolve

To be a more righteous, honest and upstanding, loyal, wife and daughter of God, I love husband and my family and will never any way, jeopardize that again. I'm truly sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused. I don't expect you to reply. I just need to do this Thank you for reading this sincerely Banette testified that mark had said something bad would have to happen for the two of them to end up together. Evidence showed that testing had been done on March clothing from the evening of the murder and appeared as if blood had been washed from his close while another investigator claimed he appeared to be freshly showered the Is Karen had suffered were horrific one Three stab wounds to her chest had penetrated her sternum. Tearing her windpipe seven. Her aorta

and ultimately the weapon struck her vertebrae. When Mark heard a fluttering or gurgling noise coming from her chest, it's because of how much blood filled her lungs and trap the air inside rolling her over would have released the air fluttering the wound, Making a noise similar to a death rattle. Sergeant. Brian Jackson testified that the blood around Karen's body had well soaked into the carpet which he noted didn't seem fresh. This possibly indicated she was killed. Much earlier than when Mark had said Another serious question that had been raised was why there had been an unplugged heating pad under Karen's body. Is it possible? She was using it when she was sleeping, but it entangled with her body when she was attacked or did Mark

I sit under her as a misguided attempt to keep her body warm for a longer period of time and throw off the pathologist. If so, it clearly didn't work. The defense, however, alleged that possible intruder or intruders were responsible for the murder of Karen. They had even brought in multiple friends, family and neighbors. To testify, one of the neighbors recall the conversation they had with Karen in the week leading up to her death, the explain that Karen had been excited about a get list her and Mark shared together and couldn't, to accomplish all those things when their children were finally out on their own, on November. First, two thousand and thirteen jury found, Mark TWAIN's, guilty of first degree murder a month, on December. Fifth, he was just to twenty five years in prison, deputy

to tourney. Stephanie Bridget spoke with the media after sentencing really a. I feel sorry and sad if they feel that way, because it's simply not the truth, they simply not true. This was investigate it to the fullest and prosecute ethically and he is guilty of the crime to the sentence that he received today. Over the years the Duenas and Timmy family have continued to stand behind, Mark and maintained his innocence, two thousand and eighteen, both mark and Jacob, were back in the news market filed an appeal in hopes for a new trial. His claim was based on testimony that his wife was upset the day before she was killed. In active assistance of counsel and that the trial court prejudicially in instructing the jury on

consciousness of guilt. He was denied a new trial. Then Jacob the sun Was arrested in Tacoma, Washington and charged with the rape of a child He was sentenced to twenty. Six years in prison, not all, what's are lucky enough to have the strong Unwavering support of a loving family mark was lucky not only to have his own family but Karen's family as well sticking by his side. Even when the of public opinion strongly believed he perpetrate. This horrible crime, family and have to be perfect. It just has to be united, and the Duenas family. Despite A brutal murder is just that

that's going to do it for another episode of sword and scale. Thank you for continuing to support us on patreon. The new platform is coming very soon watch out for the announcement and, if you're still a member on peach tree on when we announced there will be a special offer available just for you. This is an exclusive deal just for those of you still supporting us on Patreon. While we work to migrate off of it and it will not be available anywhere else. So, if you're a member now, please stick with us until we announce this new platform, you won't want to miss out keeping up with all this stuff. It's your posting anyway! I just want to know. I don't know what's going on, I don't know. I just want to know who to call JH about it, you're on the air, and you want me to call and continue Mark Patrie on contributions. If you're, if they're not going to help you out, I don't want to help them. So I just want to hear more of you and I hope you just keep the common somehow or another part of pay. You the money directly I'll, do that your world people that just can't

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