Murder on the Channel Islands: The Case of Fred Roehler

The Fred Roehler case centers on the 1981 deaths of Verna Roehler and her son, Douglas Johnson, who drowned during a boating trip near the Channel Islands, California. Initially deemed an accident, suspicions arose due to inconsistencies in Fred Roehler's account and the discovery of head injuries on the victims. Investigations revealed substantial life insurance policies taken out by Roehler shortly before their deaths, providing a clear financial motive. The subsequent trial featured expert testimony that challenged Roehler's version of events, particularly regarding the likelihood of the boat capsizing and the nature of the victims' injuries. Despite circumstantial evidence, the jury found Fred Roehler guilty of first-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case also brought to light the suspicious death of Roehler's first wife, further fueling the prosecution's narrative of a man driven by financial gain. Follow us on all the socials: Instagram: @howitallwentsouth TikTok: @howitallwentsouth YouTube: @howitallwentsouthpodcast And... get merch at Printify! Follow Sean Kipe: Instagram: @seankipeofficial Follow Jason Hoch: Instagram: @starexplorer How It All Went South is a twice weekly podcast series hosted by Sean Kipe and Jason Hoch. New episodes are published every Monday with an additional episode available early for subscribers on our Apple Podcasts channel every Friday. If you are a subscriber, you get all episodes ad-free. Reach us at [e-mail] (especially if you have an idea about a story we should cover) or leave a message for us at 470-682-1280 and we might use your message on a future show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices