Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"Domestic violence is not just reserved for adults. If you're old enough to be in an intimate relationship, then you are old enough to experience violence at the hands of the person who says they love you." — Ashley Flowers
"We have him now. If you don't care about him anymore, then it shouldn't bother you. Call the police and he dies. Your choice. If you'd like to hear his final screams, give me a call. He's in a ditch beside her house. It's a shame you can all of a sudden not value someone's life." — Jamie Satterfield's reporting in the Knoxville News Sentinel (read by Britt)
"One in three young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. Which means that if it's not happening to you, it is probably happening to someone you know." — doSOmething.org
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into two harrowing cases of teen dating violence: Emma Walker and Maya Pena. The first case details the murder of 16-year-old Emma Walker, whose ex-boyfriend, Riley Gaul, exhibited increasingly controlling and manipulative behavior after their breakup. Despite efforts by Emma's parents to intervene, Gaul's actions escalated, culminating in a staged kidnapping prank and ultimately, Emma's murder. The investigation revealed Gaul's access to his grandfather's stolen firearm and his attempts to cover his tracks, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder.
The second narrative focuses on the tragic murder-suicide of 17-year-old Maya Pena and her boyfriend, Samuel Hoffman. Maya's mother, Audrey, recognized the unhealthy dynamics in their relationship, which had been marked by Sam's possessiveness and a prior suicide attempt after their initial breakup. Despite Audrey's attempts to steer Maya away from the relationship, Maya ultimately met Sam after school, where he strangled and stabbed her before taking his own life. The episode highlights the challenges in preventing such violence, even when warning signs are present and recognized.
The hosts emphasize that teen dating violence is a widespread issue, often overlooked, and that the red flags of possessiveness, control, and manipulation are crucial to identify. They stress the importance of trust in one's instincts and the need to speak out, providing resources like loveisrespect.org for those experiencing or witnessing abusive relationships. The episode concludes by reinforcing that healthy relationships should be uplifting and supportive, never causing harm or leaving lasting marks.