October 7, 2024 • 23 mins
In this gripping true crime story, we delve into the shocking murder of Valery Jacobson, a transgender Navy officer, brutally killed by her husband, Tucker Jacobson, after discovering her hidden past. The case reveals dark secrets involving Tucker’s mother, Miriam Jacobson, who was entangled in a web of her own. As the murder trial unfolds it exposes themes of betrayal, transphobia, and domestic violence. Watch as we uncover the disturbing events leading to Valery’s tragic death and the downfall of everyone involved.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to true crime Case Files. In today's episode, we
explore the tragic and horrifying murder of a Navy officer
whose secret identity led to her violent death at the
hands of her newlywed husband. This is a case where betrayal, anger,
and deep insecurities came together in a confrontation with deadly consequences.
Valerie Jacobson twenty nine was a Navy officer stationed in Jacksonville, Florida,
(00:25):
in April of twenty nineteen. Valerie grew up in a
small town in Ohio and joined the Navy right out
of high school. She had always been dedicated to her career,
finding both discipline and a sense of purpose through her work.
She served on several ships during her time the military,
eventually becoming known for her strong work ethic, and attention
to detail. Fellow officers said she was the type of
(00:47):
person who always made sure her uniform was perfect, her
tasks completed, and her superior satisfied. She lived by a
motto that hard work and loyalty were everything. They also
said she often seemed more focused on her work than
on her personal life, though that changed when she met
Tucker Jacobson. Valerie and Tucker met through mutual friends in Jacksonville.
(01:08):
After less than six months months of dating, they were
merry in a small ceremony at a local chapel. Valerie's
friends voted she seemed happy but a little anxious in
the days leading up to the wedding, especially with her
chilly relationship with her future mother in law, Miriam. She
was also always careful about what she shared with Tucker,
never revealing too much about her past and never introducing
(01:29):
him to her family in Ohio. Tucker seemed easy going
on the surface, but his behavior became more controlling after
the wedding. Valerie's friends noticed a change in her. She
became quieter, more withdrawn, and less eager to talk about
her new marriage. Despite her struggles in her personal life,
Valerie was still committed to her Navy career. She dreamed
(01:49):
of one day becoming a high ranking officer, a goal
she was working toward with precision. As April twenty nineteen
rolled around, Valerie's future seemed bright on the surface. He
was newly married, advancing in her career, and living in
a quiet neighborhood in Jacksonville. But beneath the surface, she
was hiding a secret that she believed could destroy everything
(02:10):
she had built. This secret, which she believed was necessary
to protect her career in her marriage, would soon lead
to her tragic death. On the morning of April eighteen,
twenty nineteen, at around seven thirty am, Jacksonville Police received
a frantic call from Tucker Jacobson. His voice was shaky
as he told the dispatcher that he had found his wife,
(02:30):
Valerie Jacobsen, dead in their home. Tucker said he had
been out late the night before with some friends and
returned early in the morning, only to discover the horrifying scene.
Valerie's body was found in the master bedroom of their
modest two bedroom house on Lexington Drive, in a quiet
neighborhood not far from Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The area
was usually calm, known for its tree lined streets and
(02:51):
families who had lived there for decades. It wasn't the
type of place where you'd expect something like this to happen.
When Tucker walked into the bedroom, he claimed to have
immediately noticed something was wrong. Valerie was lying on the
floor near the bed, unresponsive. He said her body was
cold to the touch and she appeared to be covered
in blood. Tucker told police he tried to wake her up,
(03:12):
but quickly realized she was gone. In a panic, he
called nine to one. One neighbors later reported that they
heard nothing unusual the night before. One neighbor mentioned that
she saw Tucker's car pull into the driveway around seven
o'clock am, but there were no loud noises or disturbances beforehand.
She described the couple as quiet, kept to themselves, and
(03:33):
said they had never heard them argue or fight. The
first officer on the scene arrived just minutes after the call.
He found Tucker outside the house, pacing nervously. Tucker was
visibly shaken and repeatedly asked what the bleep happened to him.
The officer immediately noticed signs of a struggle inside the house.
The living room appeared untouched, but the bedroom was in disarray.
(03:55):
Blood stains were found on the floor and walls, and
there were signs that Valeria had tried to fight back.
Valerie's body was found with multiple stab wounds, including in
her eyes, later determined to be inflicted by a pair
of office scissors, and she had also been strangled with
a leather belt. The brutality of the crime shocked even
seasoned investigators. The officer called for backup, and detectives arrived
(04:17):
shortly after to begin their investigation. Tucker, still in a
state of shock, sat on the front steps of the house,
head in his hands. As the investigation began, one thing
was clear. This was no accident. The violent nature of
the crime suggested that whoever did this had a deep
personal connection to Valerie. Jacksonville detectives arrived at the Jacobson
(04:38):
home on Lexington Drive around eight o'clock am on April eighteen,
twenty nineteen. Leading the investigation was Detective Marcus Rhodis, a
fifteen year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office known for
his attention to detail. Rhodas wasted no time. His partner,
Detective Lisa Henson, joined him. She was newer to homicide,
but had quickly built a reputation for her sharp instincts. Together,
(05:02):
it began assessing the scene. The first thing the detectives
noticed was the chaotic state of the bedroom. The furniture
was knocked over, the bed sheets had been torn, and
there were visible blood spatters on the walls and floor.
Valerie Jacobson's body lay on the carpet near the bed,
her hands still clenched, a sign that she had fought
hard against her attacker. The sight was brutal. Valerie had
(05:24):
been stabbed multiple times with a pair of office scissors,
including in the eyes, and a leather belt was found
around her neck, confirming she had also been strangled. Forensics
teams were called in shortly after. Crime scene technicians used
luminal to detect traces of blood that had been cleaned
or missed. They also dusted for fingerprints on the scissors
and belt, both of which were left near Valerie's body.
(05:46):
The medical examiner arrived to assess the time of death,
estimating the Valerie, who was not found to be sexually assaulted,
had been killed some time between ten pm and midnight
the night before. Detective wrote as spoke with off Officer
Mark Daniels, the first responder. Daniels confirmed that Tucker Jacobsen
had discovered the body early that morning and immediately called
(06:08):
nine to one one. Daniels noted that Tucker appeared genuinely distraught,
pacing outside and asking over and over what had happened
to his wife. However, detectives, unless they're complete idiots, always
treat the spouse as a potential suspect, so they kept
Tucker at the scene for questioning. The investigation began with
a thorough examination of the house. The front door showed
(06:29):
no signs of forced entry, and nothing seemed to be missing.
Detectives found Valeries wallet and phone on the kitchen counter,
ruling out robbery as a motive. The house itself didn't
seem ransacked except for the bedroom where the violent struggle
took place. Detectives Rhodis and Henson carefully documented everything, using
cameras and laser measurement tools to recreate the scene. As
(06:50):
they surveyed the house, they knew they were dealing with
a personal crime. This was not a random break in
gone wrong. The sheer violence of the attack pointed to
someone who had a deep emotional connection to the victim.
The next step would be questioning those closest to Valerie,
starting with her husband, Tucker Tucker Jacobson, thirty one, was
the first person police questioned as Valerie's husband, He was
(07:13):
automatically a key suspect. Tucker worked at a Toyota dealership
in Jacksonville, where he sold cars and was known for
his easy going personality. His friends described him as likable,
but they also knew he had a temper when he
felt disrespected. Lately, Tucker's coworkers noticed he had become more
stressed and distracted. They didn't know why, but some suspected
(07:34):
it had something to do with his marriage. Tucker and
Valerie had a whirlwind romance. They met in the fall
of twenty eighteen at a mutual friends party and quickly
married six months later in a small ceremony. Friends said
the couple seemed happy, though there were hints of tension
after the wedding, especially with Valerie's contentious relationship with her
new mother in law, Miriam. Tucker had also become more controlling.
(07:57):
He had begun checking Valerie's phone and con instably asking
her about her past, including why she hadn't introduced him
to her family. It wasn't clear what had caused his
sudden distrust, but people close to him noticed a mark
change in his behavior. When detectives brought Tucker in for questioning,
he was visibly shaken. He told them he had been
out drinking with friends and watching a basketball gang the
(08:18):
night before, arriving home late and falling asleep on the couch.
He said he didn't realize Valerie was dead until he
found her body early that morning. Tucker insisted he had
no idea who could have done this and denied having
any problems in his marriage. However, detectives Rogis and Henson
noticed inconsistencies in his story. For one, Tucker couldn't provide
(08:39):
a solid albi. His friends confirmed they had been out
at a local bar the garage until about nine thirty pm,
but no one had seen him after that. Surveillance footage
from a nearby gas station showed Tucker alone buying cigarettes
around ten fifteen PM, but nothing after that. This left
a large gap of time unaccounted for. During the interrogation,
(09:00):
Tucker's mood shifted. At first, he was distraught and emotional,
but as the questioning continued, he became more defensive. When
detectives asked about his relationship with Valarry, Tucker admitted they
had been arguing more lately, but he said it was
about typical marital issues, nothing serious. Despite his claims, detectives
couldn't ignore the tension they sensed from him. They asked
(09:22):
if Valeri had any secrets she was keeping, and Tucker
paused before quickly dismissing the idea. Still, his hesitation caught
their attention. Although they had no solid proof that Tucker
was involved, his behavior and lack of an alibi made
him their prime suspect, at least for the moment. Miriam
Jacobson fifty seven was next on the list for questioning.
(09:43):
She was Tucker's mother and had a troubled relationship with Valarry,
her new daughter in law. Miriam had never fully accepted
Valerie into the family. Behind her polite demeanor, Miriam harbored
deep resentment and jealousy towards her new daughter in law.
Shortly before and after the wedding, she he made several
inappropriate sexual advances toward Valerie, which Valerie had firmly rejected.
(10:05):
This caused a growing rift between them. Embarrassed and angry,
Miriam began spreading malicious rumors about Valerie, telling friends and
neighbors that she didn't trust her daughter in law. She
even hinted that Valerie wasn't who she claimed to be
and was sexually cold and infertile, sowing seeds of doubt
in anyone who would listen. Miriam's gossip soon reached Tucker,
(10:26):
planting suspicions in his mind. About Valerie's past. Friends recalled
how Miriam would make passive, aggressive remarks about Valerie's private nature,
speculating that she could be hiding something important. In one
conversation with a neighbor at a local public's grocery store,
Miriam reportedly said, there's something off about that girl. She's
kind of mannish. She also implied that Valerie's military career
(10:48):
was an excuse to keep her distance from the family,
another layer of mistrust that clouded her interactions with Tucker.
When detectives Ros and Henson brought Miriam in for questioning,
she appeared calm even to Miriam, didn't try to hide
her dislike for Valerie, and made it clear she believed
Valerie had been lying to her son about something. I
knew there was something wrong with her from the beginning,
(11:09):
Miriam said, she wouldn't let me get close to her,
always kept me at arm's length. The detectives pressed her
about the night of the murder, asking if she had
been in contact with Tucker or Valerie that evening. Miriam
claimed she hadn't spoken to either of them, but her
tone was sharp and her responses felt rehearsed. She maintained
her innocence, but seemed almost relieved that Valerie was gone,
(11:31):
telling the detectives maybe now Tucker can find a bleeping
bleep who doesn't have bleeping secrets. Miriam's cold attitude and
her role in spreading malicious gossip about Valerie raised red
flags for the investigators. They knew her animosity toward Valerie
went beyond typical family squabbles. Her inappropriate sexual advances, which
had caused Valerie to distance herself, also provided a potential
(11:55):
motive for Miriam's dislike. Although Miriam denied having anything to
do with the murder, her behavior was suspicious enough to
keep her in the spotlight of the investigation. The detectives
couldn't rule her out just yet. On the morning of
April eighteen, twenty nineteen, investigators found a critical piece of
evidence that shifted their focus. Detective Rhotis received a tip
(12:15):
from a confidential informant that Miriam Jacobson had been involved
with a known local drug dealer. Dean Darling missire PISSEI
forty four, was a small time felon with a long
history of drug related crimes and petty theft in Jacksonville.
He had a reputation for taking advantage of vulnerable clients,
and Miriam, deeply in debt, was one of them. The
(12:35):
informant revealed that Miriam's financial troubles had reached a point
where she was trading sexual favors to Visari in exchange
for drugs. Miriam had struggled with an addiction to prescription
painkillers for years, a secret she hid from her son Tucker.
She had racked up significant debts with VISSII, and by
early twenty nineteen, she had no way to pay him back. Vassei,
(12:56):
known for his violent temper when it came to unpaid debts,
had pressured Miriam into taking drastic measures, including selling herself
to him for sexual acts. This new information immediately caught
the attention of the detectives. They pulled Miriam's financial records
and found evidence of large cash withdrawals from her bank account,
which lined up with payments to Visari. These transactions took
(13:17):
place in the months leading up to Valerie Jacobson's murder.
The investigators also discovered a series of text messages between
Miriam and Visari, where Vissari had grown increasingly threatening, demanding
money or other arrangements. One particular text message sent by
Visari on April fourteen, just days before the murder, read
time's running out, Miriam, you dried up, old bleep better
(13:41):
come through or you'll bleeping regret it. This ominous warning
led detectives to wonder if Miriam's desperation over her drug
debts had somehow played a role in the crime. Could
she have gotten involved in the murder to pay off Vissari,
or had Visari taken matters into his own hands when
Miriam couldn't deliver. The discovery of Miriam's drug addiction, her
debts to Visari, and the lengths she went to in
(14:03):
order to cover them up, added a new layer of
complexity to the case. The detectives now had to consider
whether Miriam's connection to Visari had led to Valerie's murder
directly or indirectly. On April nineteen, twenty nineteen, just as
investigators were closing in on new leads, a surprise cracked
down on local drug dealers turned the case on its head.
(14:24):
Jacksonville police, in collaboration with federal agents, raided several properties,
including the home of Dean Darling Vissari, Miriam Jacobson's drug
dealer and sometimes sexual partner, The raid was part of
a larger operation targeting arising opioid epidemic in the region.
During the raid, law enforcement found substantial evidence tying Vissari
(14:45):
to a network of illegal drug sales. Hidden in his
run down apartment were bags of kills, several unregistered firearms,
and stacks of cash. What caught the attention of the
investigator's working Valerie Jacobson's murder, however, was something more personal.
Envelope filled with pictures of Miriam and her family members,
including Valerie and Tucker, accompanied by a series of sexually
(15:07):
explicit text messages between the two. These messages showed that
Miriam had not only been mining drugs from Misseri, but
had also been involved in a deeply troubling personal relationship
with him. In the texts, Assari repeatedly pressured Miriam to
do more to repay her debts. He hinted at favors
beyond money, and in one particularly incriminating message, sent just
(15:28):
days before Valerie's death, he said, you're out of options, Miriam,
handle it, or I'll make it worse for you. These
discoveries confirmed what detectives had suspected that Miriam was caught
in a dangerous situation. Desper to pay off her debts
and keep her secrets hidden, Miriam may have been forced
to take extreme measures. Investigators now wondered if she had
(15:49):
been blackmailed or coerced into something far worse, including murder.
With new evidence in hand, detectives re interviewed key witnesses,
including Miriam's son Tucker. His earlier insistence that his mother
had nothing to do with Valerie's murder seemed increasingly unlikely. Tucker,
who had been struggling with the emotional toll of losing
his wife, was visibly shaken when confronted with the truth
(16:12):
about his mother's drug debts and her toxic relationship with Vessari.
As the case continued to unfold, one thing was clear.
Miriam Jacobson's involvement in the criminal underworld, her connection to Visari,
and her desperation to keep her secrets hidden had put
everyone around her in danger. By late April of twenty nineteen,
the investigation into Valerie Jacobson's murder was revealing shocking details
(16:36):
about her life. While many initially thought she had a
perfect marriage to her husband, Tucker Jacobson, the truth was
much darker. Valerie had been living in fear, worried that
her past would destroy both her career in the Navy
and her new marriage. Valerie was a dedicated service member
who had enlisted in the Navy years earlier. She loved
her job and the sense of duty it provided. However,
(16:59):
she faced a constant fear of losing everything she had
worked for if her transgender identity was revealed. The military
had strict policies about gender identity, and Valerie knew that
being open about her past could lead to immediate repercussions,
including losing her position. To keep her secret safe, Valerie
had carefully hidden documents related to her transition. Unfortunately, in
(17:21):
early April twenty nineteen, her husband Tucker stumbled upon paperwork
that revealed Valerie's true identity. The discovery shattered the trust
in their relationship and triggered a wave of emotions. Friends
reported that Valerie was terrified of how Tucker would react.
She feared that he might reject her, just as she
worried about how her Navy career could be jeopardized if
(17:42):
anyone found out. The tension between the couple grew in
the weeks leading up to Valerie's death. Tucker had shown
signs of anger and betrayal, feeling that Valerie had deceived
him by not revealing her past before their marriage. Just
a few months after their February wedding, their relationship deteriorated
rapidly noticed a change in Valerie's demeanor. She was anxious
(18:03):
and withdrawn, worried that her secret would destroy her life.
On the night of April twenty eighth, twenty nineteen, a
heated argument erupted between the couple and their apartment in Jacksonville, Florida.
Neighbors reported hearing shouting and crashing sounds. Hours later, Valerie
was found dead in their home, a victim of a
violent struggle. Detectives quickly focused on Tucker, as he was
(18:25):
the last person to see Valerie alive. Surveillance footage placed
him at the apartment just before the murder, contradicting his
claims that he had left. As police dug deeper, they
discovered that Tucker had conducted online searches related to violence
and betrayal. This evidence painted a troubling picture of premeditated intent.
On May one, twenty nineteen, Tucker was arrested, maintaining that
(18:47):
he loved Valerie and could never harm her. However, as
the investigation progressed, the truth of Valerie's fear came to light,
highlighting the struggle's many face with acceptance and identity. The
case drew significant media attention, raising awareness about the challenges
transgender individuals encounter, especially in traditional professions like the military.
(19:10):
In late October twenty nineteen, the trial of Tucker Jacobson began,
gripping Jacksonville as it unfolded. Tucker, now thirty one, stood
accused of killing his wife, Navy officer Valerie Jacobson, after
discovering she was transgender. The courtroom was tense as prosecutor
Karen Lowrie, a forty five year old no nonsense attorney
(19:31):
with a reputation for toughness, laid out the case. Luriy
argued that Tucker's actions were fueled by a combination of rage, betrayal,
and transphobia. She told the jury that Valerie had hidden
her past for fear of losing her husband and her
Navy career, which she had built over eight years. As
Valerie's transition came to light, Laury painted a picture of
(19:51):
Tucker as a man who couldn't handle the truth, unable
to accept his wife's identity. The discovery of Valerie's medical
records had sparked the violent conference that led to her death.
On the other side of the courtroom, Tucker's defense attorney,
Michael Reid fifty worked to shift the narrative. Reid argued
that the murder was not premeditated, but a tragic heat
(20:12):
of the moment reaction. He asked the jury to consider
Tucker's shock and emotional state of the time, suggesting that
while Tucker's actions were inexcusable, they were not driven by
hatred or intent to kill. Reid pushed for leniency, saying
Tucker had already lost his wife and that his future
shouldn't be defined by one horrific night. Throughout the trial,
(20:32):
Valerie's family sat quietly in the courtroom, visibly shaken. They
had lost not only a daughter, but also the privacy
and dignity of her life. As the details of Valerie's
transition and her fears about her identity were exposed to
the world, the trial gained widespread attention, with outlets following
every twist. The story sparked national conversations about the challenges
(20:53):
faced by transgender service members and the dangers of transphobia
in intimate relationships. In now twenty nineteen, the jury found
Tucker guilty of second degree murder. He was sentenced to
thirty years in prison. For some, it was a just outcome,
but for Valerie's loved ones, it didn't fully bring justice
for her lost life. The case continued to resonate, highlighting
(21:15):
the ongoing fight for acceptance and protection in the LGBTU
plus community. After the trial, Tucker Jacobson began serving his
thirty year sentence at Florida State Prison. While in prison,
Tucker remained largely silent about the events leading up to
Valerie's murder. Reports indicated that he struggled with remorse, but
some speculated whether he had ever fully accepted his wife's identity.
(21:37):
The case stirred ongoing debate in the public about the
intersections of transphobia, domestic violence, and the justice system. Meanwhile,
Miriam Jacobson, Tucker's mother, faced her own downfall. Investigators uncovered
that Miriam had been deeply involved in the events that
led to her daughter in law's tragic death. Miriam had
been spreading malicious gossip about Valerie long before the murder,
(22:00):
fueled by the fact that she had made several inappropriate
advances toward Baleri, which were rejected. The strained relationship between
the two women grew worse as Miriam harvard resentment and
jealousy toward her new daughter in law. In addition, Miriam
was found to be in deep financial trouble, owing thousands
to her drug dealer, Dean Darling Misseri. She had resorted
(22:21):
to selling herself to pay off her debt, leaguing her
trapped in a dangerous world of addiction. Her reputation in Jacksonville,
where she had once been seen as a pillar of
the community, was now in tatters. By mid twenty nineteen,
Miriam faced charges of drug possession and solicitation. She was
sentenced to two years in prison for her involvement in
drug related crimes. Dean Darling, Missy, Miriam's drug dealer, didn't
(22:44):
fare much better. A notorious figure in the Jacksonville drug scene,
Vassari had built a reputation for preying on vulnerable women,
exploiting them in exchange for drugs. His operation was uncovered
during the investigation into Miriam's activities, and he was arrested
in a drug bust in July twenty nineteen. Charged with
drug trafficking and human exploitation, Bassari faced twenty years in
(23:07):
federal prison. His empire crumbled. His authorities shut down his network,
bringing a temporary end to his influence over the cities
underworld
Welcome to true crime Case Files. In today's episode, we
explore the tragic and horrifying murder of a Navy officer
whose secret identity led to her violent death at the
hands of her newlywed husband. This is a case where betrayal, anger,
and deep insecurities came together in a confrontation with deadly consequences.
Valerie Jacobson twenty nine was a Navy officer stationed in Jacksonville, Florida,
(00:25):
in April of twenty nineteen. Valerie grew up in a
small town in Ohio and joined the Navy right out
of high school. She had always been dedicated to her career,
finding both discipline and a sense of purpose through her work.
She served on several ships during her time the military,
eventually becoming known for her strong work ethic, and attention
to detail. Fellow officers said she was the type of
(00:47):
person who always made sure her uniform was perfect, her
tasks completed, and her superior satisfied. She lived by a
motto that hard work and loyalty were everything. They also
said she often seemed more focused on her work than
on her personal life, though that changed when she met
Tucker Jacobson. Valerie and Tucker met through mutual friends in Jacksonville.
(01:08):
After less than six months months of dating, they were
merry in a small ceremony at a local chapel. Valerie's
friends voted she seemed happy but a little anxious in
the days leading up to the wedding, especially with her
chilly relationship with her future mother in law, Miriam. She
was also always careful about what she shared with Tucker,
never revealing too much about her past and never introducing
(01:29):
him to her family in Ohio. Tucker seemed easy going
on the surface, but his behavior became more controlling after
the wedding. Valerie's friends noticed a change in her. She
became quieter, more withdrawn, and less eager to talk about
her new marriage. Despite her struggles in her personal life,
Valerie was still committed to her Navy career. She dreamed
(01:49):
of one day becoming a high ranking officer, a goal
she was working toward with precision. As April twenty nineteen
rolled around, Valerie's future seemed bright on the surface. He
was newly married, advancing in her career, and living in
a quiet neighborhood in Jacksonville. But beneath the surface, she
was hiding a secret that she believed could destroy everything
(02:10):
she had built. This secret, which she believed was necessary
to protect her career in her marriage, would soon lead
to her tragic death. On the morning of April eighteen,
twenty nineteen, at around seven thirty am, Jacksonville Police received
a frantic call from Tucker Jacobson. His voice was shaky
as he told the dispatcher that he had found his wife,
(02:30):
Valerie Jacobsen, dead in their home. Tucker said he had
been out late the night before with some friends and
returned early in the morning, only to discover the horrifying scene.
Valerie's body was found in the master bedroom of their
modest two bedroom house on Lexington Drive, in a quiet
neighborhood not far from Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The area
was usually calm, known for its tree lined streets and
(02:51):
families who had lived there for decades. It wasn't the
type of place where you'd expect something like this to happen.
When Tucker walked into the bedroom, he claimed to have
immediately noticed something was wrong. Valerie was lying on the
floor near the bed, unresponsive. He said her body was
cold to the touch and she appeared to be covered
in blood. Tucker told police he tried to wake her up,
(03:12):
but quickly realized she was gone. In a panic, he
called nine to one. One neighbors later reported that they
heard nothing unusual the night before. One neighbor mentioned that
she saw Tucker's car pull into the driveway around seven
o'clock am, but there were no loud noises or disturbances beforehand.
She described the couple as quiet, kept to themselves, and
(03:33):
said they had never heard them argue or fight. The
first officer on the scene arrived just minutes after the call.
He found Tucker outside the house, pacing nervously. Tucker was
visibly shaken and repeatedly asked what the bleep happened to him.
The officer immediately noticed signs of a struggle inside the house.
The living room appeared untouched, but the bedroom was in disarray.
(03:55):
Blood stains were found on the floor and walls, and
there were signs that Valeria had tried to fight back.
Valerie's body was found with multiple stab wounds, including in
her eyes, later determined to be inflicted by a pair
of office scissors, and she had also been strangled with
a leather belt. The brutality of the crime shocked even
seasoned investigators. The officer called for backup, and detectives arrived
(04:17):
shortly after to begin their investigation. Tucker, still in a
state of shock, sat on the front steps of the house,
head in his hands. As the investigation began, one thing
was clear. This was no accident. The violent nature of
the crime suggested that whoever did this had a deep
personal connection to Valerie. Jacksonville detectives arrived at the Jacobson
(04:38):
home on Lexington Drive around eight o'clock am on April eighteen,
twenty nineteen. Leading the investigation was Detective Marcus Rhodis, a
fifteen year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office known for
his attention to detail. Rhodas wasted no time. His partner,
Detective Lisa Henson, joined him. She was newer to homicide,
but had quickly built a reputation for her sharp instincts. Together,
(05:02):
it began assessing the scene. The first thing the detectives
noticed was the chaotic state of the bedroom. The furniture
was knocked over, the bed sheets had been torn, and
there were visible blood spatters on the walls and floor.
Valerie Jacobson's body lay on the carpet near the bed,
her hands still clenched, a sign that she had fought
hard against her attacker. The sight was brutal. Valerie had
(05:24):
been stabbed multiple times with a pair of office scissors,
including in the eyes, and a leather belt was found
around her neck, confirming she had also been strangled. Forensics
teams were called in shortly after. Crime scene technicians used
luminal to detect traces of blood that had been cleaned
or missed. They also dusted for fingerprints on the scissors
and belt, both of which were left near Valerie's body.
(05:46):
The medical examiner arrived to assess the time of death,
estimating the Valerie, who was not found to be sexually assaulted,
had been killed some time between ten pm and midnight
the night before. Detective wrote as spoke with off Officer
Mark Daniels, the first responder. Daniels confirmed that Tucker Jacobsen
had discovered the body early that morning and immediately called
(06:08):
nine to one one. Daniels noted that Tucker appeared genuinely distraught,
pacing outside and asking over and over what had happened
to his wife. However, detectives, unless they're complete idiots, always
treat the spouse as a potential suspect, so they kept
Tucker at the scene for questioning. The investigation began with
a thorough examination of the house. The front door showed
(06:29):
no signs of forced entry, and nothing seemed to be missing.
Detectives found Valeries wallet and phone on the kitchen counter,
ruling out robbery as a motive. The house itself didn't
seem ransacked except for the bedroom where the violent struggle
took place. Detectives Rhodis and Henson carefully documented everything, using
cameras and laser measurement tools to recreate the scene. As
(06:50):
they surveyed the house, they knew they were dealing with
a personal crime. This was not a random break in
gone wrong. The sheer violence of the attack pointed to
someone who had a deep emotional connection to the victim.
The next step would be questioning those closest to Valerie,
starting with her husband, Tucker Tucker Jacobson, thirty one, was
the first person police questioned as Valerie's husband, He was
(07:13):
automatically a key suspect. Tucker worked at a Toyota dealership
in Jacksonville, where he sold cars and was known for
his easy going personality. His friends described him as likable,
but they also knew he had a temper when he
felt disrespected. Lately, Tucker's coworkers noticed he had become more
stressed and distracted. They didn't know why, but some suspected
(07:34):
it had something to do with his marriage. Tucker and
Valerie had a whirlwind romance. They met in the fall
of twenty eighteen at a mutual friends party and quickly
married six months later in a small ceremony. Friends said
the couple seemed happy, though there were hints of tension
after the wedding, especially with Valerie's contentious relationship with her
new mother in law, Miriam. Tucker had also become more controlling.
(07:57):
He had begun checking Valerie's phone and con instably asking
her about her past, including why she hadn't introduced him
to her family. It wasn't clear what had caused his
sudden distrust, but people close to him noticed a mark
change in his behavior. When detectives brought Tucker in for questioning,
he was visibly shaken. He told them he had been
out drinking with friends and watching a basketball gang the
(08:18):
night before, arriving home late and falling asleep on the couch.
He said he didn't realize Valerie was dead until he
found her body early that morning. Tucker insisted he had
no idea who could have done this and denied having
any problems in his marriage. However, detectives Rogis and Henson
noticed inconsistencies in his story. For one, Tucker couldn't provide
(08:39):
a solid albi. His friends confirmed they had been out
at a local bar the garage until about nine thirty pm,
but no one had seen him after that. Surveillance footage
from a nearby gas station showed Tucker alone buying cigarettes
around ten fifteen PM, but nothing after that. This left
a large gap of time unaccounted for. During the interrogation,
(09:00):
Tucker's mood shifted. At first, he was distraught and emotional,
but as the questioning continued, he became more defensive. When
detectives asked about his relationship with Valarry, Tucker admitted they
had been arguing more lately, but he said it was
about typical marital issues, nothing serious. Despite his claims, detectives
couldn't ignore the tension they sensed from him. They asked
(09:22):
if Valeri had any secrets she was keeping, and Tucker
paused before quickly dismissing the idea. Still, his hesitation caught
their attention. Although they had no solid proof that Tucker
was involved, his behavior and lack of an alibi made
him their prime suspect, at least for the moment. Miriam
Jacobson fifty seven was next on the list for questioning.
(09:43):
She was Tucker's mother and had a troubled relationship with Valarry,
her new daughter in law. Miriam had never fully accepted
Valerie into the family. Behind her polite demeanor, Miriam harbored
deep resentment and jealousy towards her new daughter in law.
Shortly before and after the wedding, she he made several
inappropriate sexual advances toward Valerie, which Valerie had firmly rejected.
(10:05):
This caused a growing rift between them. Embarrassed and angry,
Miriam began spreading malicious rumors about Valerie, telling friends and
neighbors that she didn't trust her daughter in law. She
even hinted that Valerie wasn't who she claimed to be
and was sexually cold and infertile, sowing seeds of doubt
in anyone who would listen. Miriam's gossip soon reached Tucker,
(10:26):
planting suspicions in his mind. About Valerie's past. Friends recalled
how Miriam would make passive, aggressive remarks about Valerie's private nature,
speculating that she could be hiding something important. In one
conversation with a neighbor at a local public's grocery store,
Miriam reportedly said, there's something off about that girl. She's
kind of mannish. She also implied that Valerie's military career
(10:48):
was an excuse to keep her distance from the family,
another layer of mistrust that clouded her interactions with Tucker.
When detectives Ros and Henson brought Miriam in for questioning,
she appeared calm even to Miriam, didn't try to hide
her dislike for Valerie, and made it clear she believed
Valerie had been lying to her son about something. I
knew there was something wrong with her from the beginning,
(11:09):
Miriam said, she wouldn't let me get close to her,
always kept me at arm's length. The detectives pressed her
about the night of the murder, asking if she had
been in contact with Tucker or Valerie that evening. Miriam
claimed she hadn't spoken to either of them, but her
tone was sharp and her responses felt rehearsed. She maintained
her innocence, but seemed almost relieved that Valerie was gone,
(11:31):
telling the detectives maybe now Tucker can find a bleeping
bleep who doesn't have bleeping secrets. Miriam's cold attitude and
her role in spreading malicious gossip about Valerie raised red
flags for the investigators. They knew her animosity toward Valerie
went beyond typical family squabbles. Her inappropriate sexual advances, which
had caused Valerie to distance herself, also provided a potential
(11:55):
motive for Miriam's dislike. Although Miriam denied having anything to
do with the murder, her behavior was suspicious enough to
keep her in the spotlight of the investigation. The detectives
couldn't rule her out just yet. On the morning of
April eighteen, twenty nineteen, investigators found a critical piece of
evidence that shifted their focus. Detective Rhotis received a tip
(12:15):
from a confidential informant that Miriam Jacobson had been involved
with a known local drug dealer. Dean Darling missire PISSEI
forty four, was a small time felon with a long
history of drug related crimes and petty theft in Jacksonville.
He had a reputation for taking advantage of vulnerable clients,
and Miriam, deeply in debt, was one of them. The
(12:35):
informant revealed that Miriam's financial troubles had reached a point
where she was trading sexual favors to Visari in exchange
for drugs. Miriam had struggled with an addiction to prescription
painkillers for years, a secret she hid from her son Tucker.
She had racked up significant debts with VISSII, and by
early twenty nineteen, she had no way to pay him back. Vassei,
(12:56):
known for his violent temper when it came to unpaid debts,
had pressured Miriam into taking drastic measures, including selling herself
to him for sexual acts. This new information immediately caught
the attention of the detectives. They pulled Miriam's financial records
and found evidence of large cash withdrawals from her bank account,
which lined up with payments to Visari. These transactions took
(13:17):
place in the months leading up to Valerie Jacobson's murder.
The investigators also discovered a series of text messages between
Miriam and Visari, where Vissari had grown increasingly threatening, demanding
money or other arrangements. One particular text message sent by
Visari on April fourteen, just days before the murder, read
time's running out, Miriam, you dried up, old bleep better
(13:41):
come through or you'll bleeping regret it. This ominous warning
led detectives to wonder if Miriam's desperation over her drug
debts had somehow played a role in the crime. Could
she have gotten involved in the murder to pay off Vissari,
or had Visari taken matters into his own hands when
Miriam couldn't deliver. The discovery of Miriam's drug addiction, her
debts to Visari, and the lengths she went to in
(14:03):
order to cover them up, added a new layer of
complexity to the case. The detectives now had to consider
whether Miriam's connection to Visari had led to Valerie's murder
directly or indirectly. On April nineteen, twenty nineteen, just as
investigators were closing in on new leads, a surprise cracked
down on local drug dealers turned the case on its head.
(14:24):
Jacksonville police, in collaboration with federal agents, raided several properties,
including the home of Dean Darling Vissari, Miriam Jacobson's drug
dealer and sometimes sexual partner, The raid was part of
a larger operation targeting arising opioid epidemic in the region.
During the raid, law enforcement found substantial evidence tying Vissari
(14:45):
to a network of illegal drug sales. Hidden in his
run down apartment were bags of kills, several unregistered firearms,
and stacks of cash. What caught the attention of the
investigator's working Valerie Jacobson's murder, however, was something more personal.
Envelope filled with pictures of Miriam and her family members,
including Valerie and Tucker, accompanied by a series of sexually
(15:07):
explicit text messages between the two. These messages showed that
Miriam had not only been mining drugs from Misseri, but
had also been involved in a deeply troubling personal relationship
with him. In the texts, Assari repeatedly pressured Miriam to
do more to repay her debts. He hinted at favors
beyond money, and in one particularly incriminating message, sent just
(15:28):
days before Valerie's death, he said, you're out of options, Miriam,
handle it, or I'll make it worse for you. These
discoveries confirmed what detectives had suspected that Miriam was caught
in a dangerous situation. Desper to pay off her debts
and keep her secrets hidden, Miriam may have been forced
to take extreme measures. Investigators now wondered if she had
(15:49):
been blackmailed or coerced into something far worse, including murder.
With new evidence in hand, detectives re interviewed key witnesses,
including Miriam's son Tucker. His earlier insistence that his mother
had nothing to do with Valerie's murder seemed increasingly unlikely. Tucker,
who had been struggling with the emotional toll of losing
his wife, was visibly shaken when confronted with the truth
(16:12):
about his mother's drug debts and her toxic relationship with Vessari.
As the case continued to unfold, one thing was clear.
Miriam Jacobson's involvement in the criminal underworld, her connection to Visari,
and her desperation to keep her secrets hidden had put
everyone around her in danger. By late April of twenty nineteen,
the investigation into Valerie Jacobson's murder was revealing shocking details
(16:36):
about her life. While many initially thought she had a
perfect marriage to her husband, Tucker Jacobson, the truth was
much darker. Valerie had been living in fear, worried that
her past would destroy both her career in the Navy
and her new marriage. Valerie was a dedicated service member
who had enlisted in the Navy years earlier. She loved
her job and the sense of duty it provided. However,
(16:59):
she faced a constant fear of losing everything she had
worked for if her transgender identity was revealed. The military
had strict policies about gender identity, and Valerie knew that
being open about her past could lead to immediate repercussions,
including losing her position. To keep her secret safe, Valerie
had carefully hidden documents related to her transition. Unfortunately, in
(17:21):
early April twenty nineteen, her husband Tucker stumbled upon paperwork
that revealed Valerie's true identity. The discovery shattered the trust
in their relationship and triggered a wave of emotions. Friends
reported that Valerie was terrified of how Tucker would react.
She feared that he might reject her, just as she
worried about how her Navy career could be jeopardized if
(17:42):
anyone found out. The tension between the couple grew in
the weeks leading up to Valerie's death. Tucker had shown
signs of anger and betrayal, feeling that Valerie had deceived
him by not revealing her past before their marriage. Just
a few months after their February wedding, their relationship deteriorated
rapidly noticed a change in Valerie's demeanor. She was anxious
(18:03):
and withdrawn, worried that her secret would destroy her life.
On the night of April twenty eighth, twenty nineteen, a
heated argument erupted between the couple and their apartment in Jacksonville, Florida.
Neighbors reported hearing shouting and crashing sounds. Hours later, Valerie
was found dead in their home, a victim of a
violent struggle. Detectives quickly focused on Tucker, as he was
(18:25):
the last person to see Valerie alive. Surveillance footage placed
him at the apartment just before the murder, contradicting his
claims that he had left. As police dug deeper, they
discovered that Tucker had conducted online searches related to violence
and betrayal. This evidence painted a troubling picture of premeditated intent.
On May one, twenty nineteen, Tucker was arrested, maintaining that
(18:47):
he loved Valerie and could never harm her. However, as
the investigation progressed, the truth of Valerie's fear came to light,
highlighting the struggle's many face with acceptance and identity. The
case drew significant media attention, raising awareness about the challenges
transgender individuals encounter, especially in traditional professions like the military.
(19:10):
In late October twenty nineteen, the trial of Tucker Jacobson began,
gripping Jacksonville as it unfolded. Tucker, now thirty one, stood
accused of killing his wife, Navy officer Valerie Jacobson, after
discovering she was transgender. The courtroom was tense as prosecutor
Karen Lowrie, a forty five year old no nonsense attorney
(19:31):
with a reputation for toughness, laid out the case. Luriy
argued that Tucker's actions were fueled by a combination of rage, betrayal,
and transphobia. She told the jury that Valerie had hidden
her past for fear of losing her husband and her
Navy career, which she had built over eight years. As
Valerie's transition came to light, Laury painted a picture of
(19:51):
Tucker as a man who couldn't handle the truth, unable
to accept his wife's identity. The discovery of Valerie's medical
records had sparked the violent conference that led to her death.
On the other side of the courtroom, Tucker's defense attorney,
Michael Reid fifty worked to shift the narrative. Reid argued
that the murder was not premeditated, but a tragic heat
(20:12):
of the moment reaction. He asked the jury to consider
Tucker's shock and emotional state of the time, suggesting that
while Tucker's actions were inexcusable, they were not driven by
hatred or intent to kill. Reid pushed for leniency, saying
Tucker had already lost his wife and that his future
shouldn't be defined by one horrific night. Throughout the trial,
(20:32):
Valerie's family sat quietly in the courtroom, visibly shaken. They
had lost not only a daughter, but also the privacy
and dignity of her life. As the details of Valerie's
transition and her fears about her identity were exposed to
the world, the trial gained widespread attention, with outlets following
every twist. The story sparked national conversations about the challenges
(20:53):
faced by transgender service members and the dangers of transphobia
in intimate relationships. In now twenty nineteen, the jury found
Tucker guilty of second degree murder. He was sentenced to
thirty years in prison. For some, it was a just outcome,
but for Valerie's loved ones, it didn't fully bring justice
for her lost life. The case continued to resonate, highlighting
(21:15):
the ongoing fight for acceptance and protection in the LGBTU
plus community. After the trial, Tucker Jacobson began serving his
thirty year sentence at Florida State Prison. While in prison,
Tucker remained largely silent about the events leading up to
Valerie's murder. Reports indicated that he struggled with remorse, but
some speculated whether he had ever fully accepted his wife's identity.
(21:37):
The case stirred ongoing debate in the public about the
intersections of transphobia, domestic violence, and the justice system. Meanwhile,
Miriam Jacobson, Tucker's mother, faced her own downfall. Investigators uncovered
that Miriam had been deeply involved in the events that
led to her daughter in law's tragic death. Miriam had
been spreading malicious gossip about Valerie long before the murder,
(22:00):
fueled by the fact that she had made several inappropriate
advances toward Baleri, which were rejected. The strained relationship between
the two women grew worse as Miriam harvard resentment and
jealousy toward her new daughter in law. In addition, Miriam
was found to be in deep financial trouble, owing thousands
to her drug dealer, Dean Darling Misseri. She had resorted
(22:21):
to selling herself to pay off her debt, leaguing her
trapped in a dangerous world of addiction. Her reputation in Jacksonville,
where she had once been seen as a pillar of
the community, was now in tatters. By mid twenty nineteen,
Miriam faced charges of drug possession and solicitation. She was
sentenced to two years in prison for her involvement in
drug related crimes. Dean Darling, Missy, Miriam's drug dealer, didn't
(22:44):
fare much better. A notorious figure in the Jacksonville drug scene,
Vassari had built a reputation for preying on vulnerable women,
exploiting them in exchange for drugs. His operation was uncovered
during the investigation into Miriam's activities, and he was arrested
in a drug bust in July twenty nineteen. Charged with
drug trafficking and human exploitation, Bassari faced twenty years in
(23:07):
federal prison. His empire crumbled. His authorities shut down his network,
bringing a temporary end to his influence over the cities
underworld
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