August 12, 2024 • 23 mins
Discover the gripping true crime story of obsession ending in murder on True Crime Case Files. Follow the investigation into the tragic death of Samuel "Sam" Mitchell in Santa Clarita, California, in October 2021. Unravel the mystery as detectives uncover shocking revelations about Sam's double life.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to True Crime case Files. The story we unravel
today is one of hidden love, betrayal, and a shocking
murder that stunned the community. This is the tragic tale
of Sam Mitchell, a well respected local businessman whose life
was cut short by a brutal act of violence. Sam
Mitchell was a fifty four year old man living in
Santa Clarita, California. He owned a pest control company called
(00:22):
Mitchell Pest's Solutions, which was well known in the community.
Sam was known for his bright personality and his love
for nineteenth century Western art. He often visited local art
galleries and attended art shows, where he was a familiar face.
Sam lived in a nice suburban house with his wife,
Daniel Peters Mitchell. They have been marry for twenty two years.
Danielle was forty six years old and worked as an accountant.
(00:45):
Their marriage had its ups and downs, mainly because Sam
was very private about his personal life. Even with his wife.
Despite the issues and rumors of Sam cheating, Daniel was
always loyal to Sam. Sam was known for being kind
and generous. He often don't needed to local charities and
supported community events. People in the neighborhood liked him a lot.
He had a large circle of friends who admired him
(01:07):
for his cheerful and friendly nature. Sam had a dream
of expanding his business and opening new branches in other cities.
He had also wanted to buy a new piece of
art for his collection. Just a few days before his death,
he was excited about a business deal and was planning
to attend an auction of Western art in Fort Worth, Texas.
On October tenth, twenty twenty one. Sam spent the day
(01:29):
meeting with clients and planning his next business moves. That evening,
he had dinner with his wife and their toe college
aged kids at a popular restaurant in Santa Clarita called
the Old Spaghetti Factory. They talked about their future and
their plans for the holidays. Sam seemed happy and was
looking forward to the upcoming weeks. Sam Mitchell was a
successful businessman, a loving husband and father, and a beloved
(01:51):
member of his community. He had big dreams and a
bright future ahead of him, which made his tragic death
even more heartbreaking. On the morning of our October fifteenth,
twenty twenty one, at around eight o'clock am, Samuel sam
Mitchell's body was discovered by his longtime friend and business associate,
Mark Stevenson. Mark had known Sam for over ten years
(02:12):
and often stopped by his house to discuss business matters.
That morning, Mark was supposed to meet Sam to talk
about a new pest control contract with a big client.
Mark arrived at Sam's suburban house in Santa Clarida, which
was located on Oakwood Avenue, a quiet street. When Sam
did not answer the door, Mark found it strange. He
knew Sam was always punctual and never missed a meeting.
(02:34):
After knocking several times without any response, Mark decided to
use the spare key Sam had given him for emergencies.
As Mark entered the house, he immediately felt something was wrong.
The house was unusually quiet. Mark called out Sam's name,
but got no reply. He walked into the living room,
where he found a scene that would honk him forever.
Sam was lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
(02:57):
There were clear signs of a violent struggle, with furniture
overturned and blood splattered on the walls. Sam had multiple
stab wounds, and it was clear he had fought hard
before he died. Mark was in shock. His hands trembled
as he pulled out his phone to call nine to
one one. The emergency operator answered, and Mark, struggling to
keep his voice steady, explained what he had found. The
(03:19):
operator instructed him to stay on the line and wait
for the police in paramedics to arrive. Mark felt a
mix of fear, sadness, and disbelief. He couldn't understand how
something so horrible could happen to his friend. While waiting
for the authorities, Mark tried to compose himself. He checked
to see if there were any signs of life in Sam,
but it was clear that he was gone. Mark sat
(03:41):
on the couch, looking around the room and trying to
make sense of the chaos. He noticed Sam's favorite painting
on the wall, a piece of nineteenth century Western art,
now stained with blood. The police and paramedics arrived within minutes.
Mark met them at the door and led them to
the living room. The paramedics confirmed that Sam was dead
and the police. Police began securing the crime scene. Mark
(04:02):
gave his statement to police. His detailed account would later
be crucial in the investigation that followed. The police arrived
at Sam Mitchell's house quickly after Mark Stevenson called nine
to one one on the morning of October fifteen, twenty
twenty one. Detective Tara Howard, known for her keen eye
for detail, led the investigation. She was accompanied by her partner,
(04:23):
Detective Mike Ramires, who was also experienced in handling serious crimes.
As they entered the suburban house on Oakwood Avenue, they
were met with a gruesome scene. The living room was
in disarray, with furniture overturned and blood splattered on the
walls and floor. Sam's body lay in the middle of
the room, surrounded by evidence of a violent struggle. The
detectives knew they had a challenging case ahead. Detective Howard
(04:45):
and Ramires began by examining the crime scene. The first
thing they noticed was the multiple stab wounds on Sam's body.
It was clear he had fought hard for his life.
Near the body, they found the murder weapon, a large
kitchen knife covered in blood. They carefully collected it as evidence,
making sure not to disturb any potential fingerprints. Forensic experts
(05:06):
arrived shortly after to help with the investigation. They used
advanced tools to gather fingerprints, blood samples, and other clues
from the scene. They took photographs of the entire area,
documenting the position of every piece of furniture and every
blood stain. The team worked methodically, ensuring they did not
miss any vital evidence. Detective Howard questioned Mark Stevenson, who
(05:27):
had discovered the body. Mark described the scene he found
and his actions afterward. His detailed account helped the detective's
piece together the initial timeline of events. They learned that
Sam had planned to meet Mark that morning, which made
them wonder who else might have known about the meeting.
The detectives then turned their attention to the rest of
the house. They found no signs of forced entry, suggesting
(05:49):
that Sam might have known as attacker. This information was
crucial as it narrowed down the list of potential suspects.
They also found Sam's cell phone on the kitchen counter,
which they took. They hoped it would provide clues about
whom Sam had been in contact with before his death.
Outside the house, news vans from local TV stations like
KTLA and ABC seven had started to gather The shocking
(06:14):
murder of a well known local businessman was big news.
Reporters tried to get statements from the police and neighbors,
but Detective Howard declined to comment, saying the investigation was
still in its early stages. By the end of the day,
the detectives had collected a significant amount of evidence, but
many questions remained. Who would want to kill Sam Mitchell
(06:34):
and why? The investigation was just beginning, and Detective Howard
and her team knew they had along road ahead. The
first person the police investigated was Danielle Peters, Mitchell, Stam's
wife of twenty two years. Danielle, who was forty six
years old, worked as an accountant at a law firm
in the San Fernando Valley. She was known for being
(06:55):
meticulous and detail oriented, traits that made her good at
her job. Despite her calm mixxter, Danielle was deeply affected
by Sam's death. On the afternoon of October sixteenth, twenty
twenty one, Danielle was brought in for questioning. Detective Tara
Howard led the interrogation. Danielle appeared composed, but was clearly upset.
She told the detectives that she and Sam had a
(07:17):
complicated relationship. Though they had their differences, she loved him deeply.
Danielle revealed that Sam had been involved in a secret
relationship with a much younger man named Kevin Lawrence. This
revelation shocked the detectives. Danielle explained that she had found
out about the affair a few months earlier and that
it had put a significant strain on their marriage. She
(07:38):
also revealed that Sam had recently tested positive for AIDS,
which had added to the tension between them. The detectives
asked Danielle about her whereabouts on the night of the murder.
She claimed she was at home watching TV and working
on some paperwork. She mentioned that she had watched the
latest episode of NCIS on CBS America's number one show
(07:59):
at the time, and had gone to bed around ten
o'clock PM. Her calm demeanor during the interrogation was notable.
She seemed cooperative and willing to help the investigation in
any way she could. The police also asked Danielle about
any financial issues she and Sam might have had. Danielle
explained that they were financially stable and had no significant
(08:19):
money problems. She denied any involvement in Sam's death, saying
that while she was hurt by his affair, she would
never harm him. Despite her cooperation, the detectives couldn't ignore
the motive of jealousy and betrayal. Danielle's revelation about Sam's
affair and his illness added layers to the investigation. They
decided to check her alibi and look for any other
(08:39):
evidence that might link her to the crime. The detectives
also collected Danielle's phone records and financial statements to see
if they could find any discrepancies or suspicious activity. They
wanted to be thorough, ensuring no detail was overlooked. The
investigation into Danielle was intense, but the police knew they
had to explore all possible angles to find the truth.
(09:00):
Danielle's calm, yet emotional demeanor left the detectives with mixed feelings.
Was she a grieving widow or a jealous spouse capable
of murder. The investigation continued as the detective searched for answers. Next,
the police turned their attention to Kevin Lawrence. The man
named by Danielle is Sam's lover. Kevin was a twenty
one year old struggling artist living in West Hollywood. He
(09:23):
had moved to California from a small town in Iowa,
hoping to make a name for himself in the art world.
To support himself. He worked as a geolo. This was
how he met Sam Mitchell. On October seventeen, twenty twenty one,
Kevin was brought in for questioning at the Santa Clarita
Police Station. Detective Mike Ramirez led the interrogation, wanting to
understand Kevin's relationship with Sam. Kevin was visibly nervous, but cooperative.
(09:47):
He admitted to having an affair with Sam and said
they had been seeing each other for about a year.
Kivin described Sam as kind and supportive. Sam had helped
him financially on several occasions, paying for his art supplies
and rent. Despite their significant age difference, Kevin felt a
strong connection to Sam. He claimed he loved Sam and
that their relationship was worth more than the financial support
(10:09):
Sam gave to him. However, he was also aware of
the strain their relationship put on Sam's marriage to Danielle.
The detectives asked Kevin about his whereabouts on the night
of the murder. Kevin stated that he was at his
apartment working on a new painting. He said he had
ordered take out from a local Chinese restaurant, Panda Express,
and had spent the evening alone. The detectives noted his
(10:30):
calm demeanor, but were aware that Kevin had a lot
to lose if the truth came out about his relationship
with Sam. Police also discovered Kevin had been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder, which sometimes made his emotions difficult to control.
He insisted, however, that he would never harm Sam. Kevin's
financial struggles and his reliance on Sam for support added
a potential motive for the police to consider. To verify
(10:53):
his alibi, the detectives collected Kivin's phone records and spoke
to his neighbors. They wanted to see if anyone could
confirm that Kevin had been at home that night. They
also looked into Kevin's financial records to check if there
had been any unusual transactions. Despite Kevin's cooperation, the police
couldn't ignore the possibility that he might have had a
role in Sam's death. His relationship with Sam and his
(11:15):
financial dependency on him made him a person of interest.
The detectives continued to investigate, looking for any evidence that
could either confirm or disprove Kevin's involvement. Kevin's turbulent emotional
state made him a complex figure in the investigation. The
detectives knew they needed to dig deeper to understand his
role in Sam's life and possibly in his death. The
(11:37):
third suspect in the investigation was Richard Rick Gallagher, a
forty five year old real estate developer. Rick was wealthy
and ambitious, known for his ruthless business tactics. He had
worked with Sam's pest control company on several projects, and
their professional relationship had always been tense. However, there were
rumors of a sexual connection between them as well. On
(11:59):
October eighteenth, twenty twenty one, the police brought Rick in
for questioning. Detective Tara Howard took the lead. Rick was
confident and composed, but there was a hint of nervousness
in his eyes. He admitted that he and Sam had
a complex relationship, both professionally and personally. Rick revealed that
he and Sam had been lovers, something he had kept
(12:19):
secret for fear of damaging his reputation. This was a
shocking revelation for the detectives, adding another layer of intrigue
to the case. Rick also disclosed that he had recently
tested positive forays which he believed he had contracted from Sam.
This news had devastated him and he was struggling to
come to terms with it. The detectives asked Rick about
(12:39):
his whereabouts on the night of Sam's murder. Rick claimed
he was at a business dinner at The Palm, a
high handed steakhouse in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.
He provided the names of several colleagues who could confirm
his alibi. The detectives made a note to follow up
with these individuals. Rick's motive for the murder was clear.
He was angry and felt betrayed by Sam. The detectives
(13:00):
needed to determine if his anger had driven him to
commit the crime. They checked Rick's financial records and phone logs,
looking for any evidence of foul play. They also examined
his interactions with Sam in the weeks leading up to
the murder. Rick's behavior during the interrogation was mostly calm,
but he became defensive when asked about his feelings towards Sam.
He insisted that while he was hurt and angry, he
(13:23):
would never resort to violence. He expressed his frustration over
the situation and his desire to move on. The detectives
left the interrogation room with more questions than answers. Rick's
relationship with Sam and his recent diagnosis made him a
prime suspect, but they needed solid evidence to link him
to the crime. They decided to dig deeper into his
background and his recent activities. Rick's ambitious nature and his
(13:46):
feelings of betrayal made him a compelling figure in the investigation.
The detectives knew they had to explore every angle to
uncover the truth about Sam's murder, nigh evidence that could
either confirm or disprove Kevin's involvement. Kevin's turbulent emotional state
make him a complex figure in the investigation. The detectives
knew they needed to dig deeper to understand his role
(14:07):
in Sam's life and possibly in his death. On October twenty,
twenty twenty one, a crucial piece of evidence emerged. It
was a rainy Wednesday morning when the police received a
call from a neighbor who lived a few houses down
from Sam. The neighbor mentioned finding something suspicious in her
back yard, a bloody shirt. Detectives Tara Howard and Mike
(14:27):
Ramures quickly arrived at Missus Green's house on Oakwood Avenue.
They carefully collected the shirt, making sure to preserve any
potential evidence. The shirt appeared to be a men's size,
and the blood stains suggested it had been mourned during
the murder. This new evidence was taken to the forensics
lab for analysis. The detectives were eager to learn more
(14:48):
about the shirt. They hoped it would contain DNA that
could point them to the murderer. The forensic steam worked swiftly,
and within hours they had results. The blood on the
shirt matched Sam Mitchell's blood type. More importantly, the DNA
on the collar and sleeves provided a match to Danielle Peters, Mitchell,
Sam's wife. Detective Howard and Ramirez discussed the findings. The
(15:10):
new evidence cast a dark shadow over Daniel's claims of innocence.
The detectives decided to bring her in for another round
of questioning. This time, they had solid evidence linking her
to the crime scene. On October twenty one, twenty twenty one,
Danielle was brought back to the police station. She appeared
anxious as she sat down in the interrogation room. Detective
Howard presented the bloody shirt and the DNA evidence. Danielle's
(15:33):
composure began to crack. She claimed she didn't know how
her DNA ended up on the shirt, and insisted she
was being framed. The detectives pressed her for more details,
asking about her actions on the night of the murder,
Danielle's story started to change. She admitted that she and
Sam had argued that night about his affair with Kevin Lawrence.
(15:53):
She claimed that Sam became violent and she acted in
self defense. However, the detectives found holes in her stay
the evidence suggested a premeditated attack rather than an act
of self defense. With the new evidence in hand, the
detectives were more convinced of Daniel's involvement. They re examined
the financial records and discovered that Danielle had recently taken
(16:14):
out a large life insurance policy on Sam. This provided
a strong motive for the murder. The discovery of the
bloody shirt and the subsequent DNA analysis were pivotal in
the investigation. The detectives were now closer to uncovering the truth.
Daniell's increasingly inconsistent statements and the mounting evidence pointed to
her as the prime suspect in Sam's murder. The police
(16:37):
continued to dig deeper into the evidence against daniel Peters
Mitchell On October twenty five, twenty twenty one, they made
a breakthrough. Financial records revealed that daniel had recently taken
out of five hundred thousand dollars life insurance policy on Sam.
Even more shocking was a three hundred thousand dollars transfer
from Sam's account to Richard Rick Gallagher. Shortly after Sam's death.
(17:00):
Detective Tara Howard and her team question Rick again. This
time they presented the financial records. Under pressure, Rick admitted
that Danielle had paid him to lie about being Sam's
lover and having aids. Rick confessed that none of it
was true and that he had agreed to the scheme
for the money. This revelation changed the entire course of
the investigation. On October twenty sixth, twenty twenty one, the
(17:22):
detectives confronted Danielle with this new information. Danielle initially denied everything,
but eventually broke down under intense questioning. She admitted to
lying about Sam having aids to damage his reputation and
make herself look like a victim. She also confessed to
paying Rick to support her false story. Danielle explained that
she felt betrayed and humiliated by Sam's affair with Kevin Lawrence.
(17:44):
Her anger and jealousy reached a boiling point, leading her
to confront Sam on the night of his murder. During
the confrontation, Danielle stabbed Sam multiple times in a fit
of rage. She had hoped that framing him as a diseased,
unfaithful husband would help her escape suspicion and garner sympathy.
Detective Howard and her team now had a clear motive
(18:04):
and solid evidence linking Danielle to the murder. On October
twenty seven, twenty twenty one, they arrested Danielle at her home.
She was charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to
obstruct justice. As the police handcuffed her, Danielle showed little emotion,
as if she had accepted her fate. The news of
Danielle's arrest shocked the Santa Clarita community. Sam's family and
(18:27):
friends were devastated by the betrayal and the gruesome details
of his death. They struggled to understand how someone who
had been so close to Sam could commit such a
heinous act. Sam's children, in particular, were heartbroken. They had
lost their father and now faced the reality that their
mother was his murderer. The community rallied around them, offering
support and condolences during this difficult time. The police publicly
(18:51):
commended the detectives for their thorough investigation. The discovery of
Danielle's lies and the financial trail had been crucial in
solving the case. The arrest brought a sense of justice
for Sam's loved ones, though the emotional scars would take
much longer to heal. The trial of daniel Peters Mitchell
began on December five, twenty twenty one, at the Santa
Clarita Superior Court. The prosecution, led by District Attorney James Thompson, fifty,
(19:17):
known for his tenacity and sharp legal mind, presented a
compelling case. Thompson argued that Danielle's actions were premeditated and
driven by jealousy and greed. He emphasized the life insurance
policy and the payment to Rick Gallagher as evidence of
her intent to frame Sam and escape justice. On the
defense side, Attorney Careenly forty eight, a seasoned lawyer known
(19:38):
for her calm and strategic approach, represented Danielle. Lee argued
that Danielle had acted in self defense during the heated
argument with Sam. She tried to paint a picture of
a desperate woman pushed to the edge by her husband's
infidelity and lies. The trial was emotionally charged, with Sam's
family and friends filling the courtroom each day. They listened
intently as witnesses, including Rick Gallagher and Kevin Lawrence, testified.
(20:02):
Rick admitted to accepting money to lie about his relationship
with Sam, while Kevin described the nature of his affair
with Sam. The prosecution presented the bloody shirt with Daniel's
DNA and the financial records as key evidence. Forensic experts
testified about the violent nature of the attack, contradicting Daniel's
claim of self defense. The jury was shown photos of
(20:23):
the crime scene, which highlighted the brutality of the murder.
During the trial, Daniel maintained a stoic demeanor, but there
were moments when she appeared visibly shaken, especially during Kiven's testimony.
The emotional impact on Sam's children was evident. They watched
their mother's trial with a mix of grief and anger,
struggling to reconcile the woman they knew with the brutal
(20:44):
act she committed. On December twenty, twenty twenty one, after
two weeks of testimony and deliberations, the jury found Daniel
Peter's Mitchell guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy to
obstruct justice. The verdict was met with a mix of
relief and sorrow by Sam's family and friends. They had
found some justice for Sam, but the pain of losing
him and the betrayal by Danielle remained. The judge sentenced
(21:08):
Danielle to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
She remarked on the calculated nature of the crime and
the lengths daniel went to cover her tracks. The sentencing
brought a sense of closure, but the emotional wounds were
still raw. Sam's family expressed gratitude for the support they
received from the community and the relentless efforts of the
police and prosecution. While justice was served, the scars of
(21:30):
this tragic event would remain with them forever. After Daniel
Peters Mitchell's sentencing, life slowly began to return to normal
for those involved in Sam Mitchell's tragic murder case. For
Sam's children, Emma and Jack, both in their early twenties,
the Roda head was filled with challenges. They sought solace
in their close k Mid community of Santa Clarita, finding
(21:52):
support from friends and neighbors who had rallied around them
during the trial. Kevin Lawrence, the young artist whose relationship
with Sam had been at the center of the invent investigation,
tried to focus on his career. He continued to paint
and exhibit his artwork in galleries across West Hollywood. The
media attention had brought both opportunities and challenges, but Kivin
remained determined to build a name for himself in the
(22:13):
art world. Rick Gallagher, the real estate developer who had
briefly become entangled in the case, retreated from public view.
His reputation had taken a hit after admitting to accepting
money from Danielle to lie above his relationship with Sam.
Despite this setback, Rick continued to manage his business affairs quietly,
keeping a low profile in Santa Clarita. As time passed,
(22:35):
life in Santa Clarida gradually returned to normal. The leaves
turned golden in the fall of twenty twenty one, and
the community celebrated Halloween with punkin patches and haunted houses.
The local news covered stories of resilience and hope, highlighting
community events and initiatives aimed at healing and moving forward.
For Sam's children and close friends, the memory of his
(22:56):
kindness and generosity remained strong. They found comfort in remembering
the good times they had shared with him, and in
knowing that justice had been served. While the scars of
Sam's murder would never fully heal, the community support and
resilience offered a glimmer of hope for the future. This
concludes today's episode of True Crime Case Files. The story
(23:17):
of Samuel sam Mitchell is a stark reminder of how
secrets and hidden emotions can lead to devastating consequences. Thank
you for joining us as we explored this tragic tale
of love, betrayal, and murder. Stay tuned for our next episode,
where we will delve into another gripping true crime story.
Until then, stay safe and vigilant.
Welcome to True Crime case Files. The story we unravel
today is one of hidden love, betrayal, and a shocking
murder that stunned the community. This is the tragic tale
of Sam Mitchell, a well respected local businessman whose life
was cut short by a brutal act of violence. Sam
Mitchell was a fifty four year old man living in
Santa Clarita, California. He owned a pest control company called
(00:22):
Mitchell Pest's Solutions, which was well known in the community.
Sam was known for his bright personality and his love
for nineteenth century Western art. He often visited local art
galleries and attended art shows, where he was a familiar face.
Sam lived in a nice suburban house with his wife,
Daniel Peters Mitchell. They have been marry for twenty two years.
Danielle was forty six years old and worked as an accountant.
(00:45):
Their marriage had its ups and downs, mainly because Sam
was very private about his personal life. Even with his wife.
Despite the issues and rumors of Sam cheating, Daniel was
always loyal to Sam. Sam was known for being kind
and generous. He often don't needed to local charities and
supported community events. People in the neighborhood liked him a lot.
He had a large circle of friends who admired him
(01:07):
for his cheerful and friendly nature. Sam had a dream
of expanding his business and opening new branches in other cities.
He had also wanted to buy a new piece of
art for his collection. Just a few days before his death,
he was excited about a business deal and was planning
to attend an auction of Western art in Fort Worth, Texas.
On October tenth, twenty twenty one. Sam spent the day
(01:29):
meeting with clients and planning his next business moves. That evening,
he had dinner with his wife and their toe college
aged kids at a popular restaurant in Santa Clarita called
the Old Spaghetti Factory. They talked about their future and
their plans for the holidays. Sam seemed happy and was
looking forward to the upcoming weeks. Sam Mitchell was a
successful businessman, a loving husband and father, and a beloved
(01:51):
member of his community. He had big dreams and a
bright future ahead of him, which made his tragic death
even more heartbreaking. On the morning of our October fifteenth,
twenty twenty one, at around eight o'clock am, Samuel sam
Mitchell's body was discovered by his longtime friend and business associate,
Mark Stevenson. Mark had known Sam for over ten years
(02:12):
and often stopped by his house to discuss business matters.
That morning, Mark was supposed to meet Sam to talk
about a new pest control contract with a big client.
Mark arrived at Sam's suburban house in Santa Clarida, which
was located on Oakwood Avenue, a quiet street. When Sam
did not answer the door, Mark found it strange. He
knew Sam was always punctual and never missed a meeting.
(02:34):
After knocking several times without any response, Mark decided to
use the spare key Sam had given him for emergencies.
As Mark entered the house, he immediately felt something was wrong.
The house was unusually quiet. Mark called out Sam's name,
but got no reply. He walked into the living room,
where he found a scene that would honk him forever.
Sam was lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
(02:57):
There were clear signs of a violent struggle, with furniture
overturned and blood splattered on the walls. Sam had multiple
stab wounds, and it was clear he had fought hard
before he died. Mark was in shock. His hands trembled
as he pulled out his phone to call nine to
one one. The emergency operator answered, and Mark, struggling to
keep his voice steady, explained what he had found. The
(03:19):
operator instructed him to stay on the line and wait
for the police in paramedics to arrive. Mark felt a
mix of fear, sadness, and disbelief. He couldn't understand how
something so horrible could happen to his friend. While waiting
for the authorities, Mark tried to compose himself. He checked
to see if there were any signs of life in Sam,
but it was clear that he was gone. Mark sat
(03:41):
on the couch, looking around the room and trying to
make sense of the chaos. He noticed Sam's favorite painting
on the wall, a piece of nineteenth century Western art,
now stained with blood. The police and paramedics arrived within minutes.
Mark met them at the door and led them to
the living room. The paramedics confirmed that Sam was dead
and the police. Police began securing the crime scene. Mark
(04:02):
gave his statement to police. His detailed account would later
be crucial in the investigation that followed. The police arrived
at Sam Mitchell's house quickly after Mark Stevenson called nine
to one one on the morning of October fifteen, twenty
twenty one. Detective Tara Howard, known for her keen eye
for detail, led the investigation. She was accompanied by her partner,
(04:23):
Detective Mike Ramires, who was also experienced in handling serious crimes.
As they entered the suburban house on Oakwood Avenue, they
were met with a gruesome scene. The living room was
in disarray, with furniture overturned and blood splattered on the
walls and floor. Sam's body lay in the middle of
the room, surrounded by evidence of a violent struggle. The
detectives knew they had a challenging case ahead. Detective Howard
(04:45):
and Ramires began by examining the crime scene. The first
thing they noticed was the multiple stab wounds on Sam's body.
It was clear he had fought hard for his life.
Near the body, they found the murder weapon, a large
kitchen knife covered in blood. They carefully collected it as evidence,
making sure not to disturb any potential fingerprints. Forensic experts
(05:06):
arrived shortly after to help with the investigation. They used
advanced tools to gather fingerprints, blood samples, and other clues
from the scene. They took photographs of the entire area,
documenting the position of every piece of furniture and every
blood stain. The team worked methodically, ensuring they did not
miss any vital evidence. Detective Howard questioned Mark Stevenson, who
(05:27):
had discovered the body. Mark described the scene he found
and his actions afterward. His detailed account helped the detective's
piece together the initial timeline of events. They learned that
Sam had planned to meet Mark that morning, which made
them wonder who else might have known about the meeting.
The detectives then turned their attention to the rest of
the house. They found no signs of forced entry, suggesting
(05:49):
that Sam might have known as attacker. This information was
crucial as it narrowed down the list of potential suspects.
They also found Sam's cell phone on the kitchen counter,
which they took. They hoped it would provide clues about
whom Sam had been in contact with before his death.
Outside the house, news vans from local TV stations like
KTLA and ABC seven had started to gather The shocking
(06:14):
murder of a well known local businessman was big news.
Reporters tried to get statements from the police and neighbors,
but Detective Howard declined to comment, saying the investigation was
still in its early stages. By the end of the day,
the detectives had collected a significant amount of evidence, but
many questions remained. Who would want to kill Sam Mitchell
(06:34):
and why? The investigation was just beginning, and Detective Howard
and her team knew they had along road ahead. The
first person the police investigated was Danielle Peters, Mitchell, Stam's
wife of twenty two years. Danielle, who was forty six
years old, worked as an accountant at a law firm
in the San Fernando Valley. She was known for being
(06:55):
meticulous and detail oriented, traits that made her good at
her job. Despite her calm mixxter, Danielle was deeply affected
by Sam's death. On the afternoon of October sixteenth, twenty
twenty one, Danielle was brought in for questioning. Detective Tara
Howard led the interrogation. Danielle appeared composed, but was clearly upset.
She told the detectives that she and Sam had a
(07:17):
complicated relationship. Though they had their differences, she loved him deeply.
Danielle revealed that Sam had been involved in a secret
relationship with a much younger man named Kevin Lawrence. This
revelation shocked the detectives. Danielle explained that she had found
out about the affair a few months earlier and that
it had put a significant strain on their marriage. She
(07:38):
also revealed that Sam had recently tested positive for AIDS,
which had added to the tension between them. The detectives
asked Danielle about her whereabouts on the night of the murder.
She claimed she was at home watching TV and working
on some paperwork. She mentioned that she had watched the
latest episode of NCIS on CBS America's number one show
(07:59):
at the time, and had gone to bed around ten
o'clock PM. Her calm demeanor during the interrogation was notable.
She seemed cooperative and willing to help the investigation in
any way she could. The police also asked Danielle about
any financial issues she and Sam might have had. Danielle
explained that they were financially stable and had no significant
(08:19):
money problems. She denied any involvement in Sam's death, saying
that while she was hurt by his affair, she would
never harm him. Despite her cooperation, the detectives couldn't ignore
the motive of jealousy and betrayal. Danielle's revelation about Sam's
affair and his illness added layers to the investigation. They
decided to check her alibi and look for any other
(08:39):
evidence that might link her to the crime. The detectives
also collected Danielle's phone records and financial statements to see
if they could find any discrepancies or suspicious activity. They
wanted to be thorough, ensuring no detail was overlooked. The
investigation into Danielle was intense, but the police knew they
had to explore all possible angles to find the truth.
(09:00):
Danielle's calm, yet emotional demeanor left the detectives with mixed feelings.
Was she a grieving widow or a jealous spouse capable
of murder. The investigation continued as the detective searched for answers. Next,
the police turned their attention to Kevin Lawrence. The man
named by Danielle is Sam's lover. Kevin was a twenty
one year old struggling artist living in West Hollywood. He
(09:23):
had moved to California from a small town in Iowa,
hoping to make a name for himself in the art world.
To support himself. He worked as a geolo. This was
how he met Sam Mitchell. On October seventeen, twenty twenty one,
Kevin was brought in for questioning at the Santa Clarita
Police Station. Detective Mike Ramirez led the interrogation, wanting to
understand Kevin's relationship with Sam. Kevin was visibly nervous, but cooperative.
(09:47):
He admitted to having an affair with Sam and said
they had been seeing each other for about a year.
Kivin described Sam as kind and supportive. Sam had helped
him financially on several occasions, paying for his art supplies
and rent. Despite their significant age difference, Kevin felt a
strong connection to Sam. He claimed he loved Sam and
that their relationship was worth more than the financial support
(10:09):
Sam gave to him. However, he was also aware of
the strain their relationship put on Sam's marriage to Danielle.
The detectives asked Kevin about his whereabouts on the night
of the murder. Kevin stated that he was at his
apartment working on a new painting. He said he had
ordered take out from a local Chinese restaurant, Panda Express,
and had spent the evening alone. The detectives noted his
(10:30):
calm demeanor, but were aware that Kevin had a lot
to lose if the truth came out about his relationship
with Sam. Police also discovered Kevin had been diagnosed with
bipolar disorder, which sometimes made his emotions difficult to control.
He insisted, however, that he would never harm Sam. Kevin's
financial struggles and his reliance on Sam for support added
a potential motive for the police to consider. To verify
(10:53):
his alibi, the detectives collected Kivin's phone records and spoke
to his neighbors. They wanted to see if anyone could
confirm that Kevin had been at home that night. They
also looked into Kevin's financial records to check if there
had been any unusual transactions. Despite Kevin's cooperation, the police
couldn't ignore the possibility that he might have had a
role in Sam's death. His relationship with Sam and his
(11:15):
financial dependency on him made him a person of interest.
The detectives continued to investigate, looking for any evidence that
could either confirm or disprove Kevin's involvement. Kevin's turbulent emotional
state made him a complex figure in the investigation. The
detectives knew they needed to dig deeper to understand his
role in Sam's life and possibly in his death. The
(11:37):
third suspect in the investigation was Richard Rick Gallagher, a
forty five year old real estate developer. Rick was wealthy
and ambitious, known for his ruthless business tactics. He had
worked with Sam's pest control company on several projects, and
their professional relationship had always been tense. However, there were
rumors of a sexual connection between them as well. On
(11:59):
October eighteenth, twenty twenty one, the police brought Rick in
for questioning. Detective Tara Howard took the lead. Rick was
confident and composed, but there was a hint of nervousness
in his eyes. He admitted that he and Sam had
a complex relationship, both professionally and personally. Rick revealed that
he and Sam had been lovers, something he had kept
(12:19):
secret for fear of damaging his reputation. This was a
shocking revelation for the detectives, adding another layer of intrigue
to the case. Rick also disclosed that he had recently
tested positive forays which he believed he had contracted from Sam.
This news had devastated him and he was struggling to
come to terms with it. The detectives asked Rick about
(12:39):
his whereabouts on the night of Sam's murder. Rick claimed
he was at a business dinner at The Palm, a
high handed steakhouse in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.
He provided the names of several colleagues who could confirm
his alibi. The detectives made a note to follow up
with these individuals. Rick's motive for the murder was clear.
He was angry and felt betrayed by Sam. The detectives
(13:00):
needed to determine if his anger had driven him to
commit the crime. They checked Rick's financial records and phone logs,
looking for any evidence of foul play. They also examined
his interactions with Sam in the weeks leading up to
the murder. Rick's behavior during the interrogation was mostly calm,
but he became defensive when asked about his feelings towards Sam.
He insisted that while he was hurt and angry, he
(13:23):
would never resort to violence. He expressed his frustration over
the situation and his desire to move on. The detectives
left the interrogation room with more questions than answers. Rick's
relationship with Sam and his recent diagnosis made him a
prime suspect, but they needed solid evidence to link him
to the crime. They decided to dig deeper into his
background and his recent activities. Rick's ambitious nature and his
(13:46):
feelings of betrayal made him a compelling figure in the investigation.
The detectives knew they had to explore every angle to
uncover the truth about Sam's murder, nigh evidence that could
either confirm or disprove Kevin's involvement. Kevin's turbulent emotional state
make him a complex figure in the investigation. The detectives
knew they needed to dig deeper to understand his role
(14:07):
in Sam's life and possibly in his death. On October twenty,
twenty twenty one, a crucial piece of evidence emerged. It
was a rainy Wednesday morning when the police received a
call from a neighbor who lived a few houses down
from Sam. The neighbor mentioned finding something suspicious in her
back yard, a bloody shirt. Detectives Tara Howard and Mike
(14:27):
Ramures quickly arrived at Missus Green's house on Oakwood Avenue.
They carefully collected the shirt, making sure to preserve any
potential evidence. The shirt appeared to be a men's size,
and the blood stains suggested it had been mourned during
the murder. This new evidence was taken to the forensics
lab for analysis. The detectives were eager to learn more
(14:48):
about the shirt. They hoped it would contain DNA that
could point them to the murderer. The forensic steam worked swiftly,
and within hours they had results. The blood on the
shirt matched Sam Mitchell's blood type. More importantly, the DNA
on the collar and sleeves provided a match to Danielle Peters, Mitchell,
Sam's wife. Detective Howard and Ramirez discussed the findings. The
(15:10):
new evidence cast a dark shadow over Daniel's claims of innocence.
The detectives decided to bring her in for another round
of questioning. This time, they had solid evidence linking her
to the crime scene. On October twenty one, twenty twenty one,
Danielle was brought back to the police station. She appeared
anxious as she sat down in the interrogation room. Detective
Howard presented the bloody shirt and the DNA evidence. Danielle's
(15:33):
composure began to crack. She claimed she didn't know how
her DNA ended up on the shirt, and insisted she
was being framed. The detectives pressed her for more details,
asking about her actions on the night of the murder,
Danielle's story started to change. She admitted that she and
Sam had argued that night about his affair with Kevin Lawrence.
(15:53):
She claimed that Sam became violent and she acted in
self defense. However, the detectives found holes in her stay
the evidence suggested a premeditated attack rather than an act
of self defense. With the new evidence in hand, the
detectives were more convinced of Daniel's involvement. They re examined
the financial records and discovered that Danielle had recently taken
(16:14):
out a large life insurance policy on Sam. This provided
a strong motive for the murder. The discovery of the
bloody shirt and the subsequent DNA analysis were pivotal in
the investigation. The detectives were now closer to uncovering the truth.
Daniell's increasingly inconsistent statements and the mounting evidence pointed to
her as the prime suspect in Sam's murder. The police
(16:37):
continued to dig deeper into the evidence against daniel Peters
Mitchell On October twenty five, twenty twenty one, they made
a breakthrough. Financial records revealed that daniel had recently taken
out of five hundred thousand dollars life insurance policy on Sam.
Even more shocking was a three hundred thousand dollars transfer
from Sam's account to Richard Rick Gallagher. Shortly after Sam's death.
(17:00):
Detective Tara Howard and her team question Rick again. This
time they presented the financial records. Under pressure, Rick admitted
that Danielle had paid him to lie about being Sam's
lover and having aids. Rick confessed that none of it
was true and that he had agreed to the scheme
for the money. This revelation changed the entire course of
the investigation. On October twenty sixth, twenty twenty one, the
(17:22):
detectives confronted Danielle with this new information. Danielle initially denied everything,
but eventually broke down under intense questioning. She admitted to
lying about Sam having aids to damage his reputation and
make herself look like a victim. She also confessed to
paying Rick to support her false story. Danielle explained that
she felt betrayed and humiliated by Sam's affair with Kevin Lawrence.
(17:44):
Her anger and jealousy reached a boiling point, leading her
to confront Sam on the night of his murder. During
the confrontation, Danielle stabbed Sam multiple times in a fit
of rage. She had hoped that framing him as a diseased,
unfaithful husband would help her escape suspicion and garner sympathy.
Detective Howard and her team now had a clear motive
(18:04):
and solid evidence linking Danielle to the murder. On October
twenty seven, twenty twenty one, they arrested Danielle at her home.
She was charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to
obstruct justice. As the police handcuffed her, Danielle showed little emotion,
as if she had accepted her fate. The news of
Danielle's arrest shocked the Santa Clarita community. Sam's family and
(18:27):
friends were devastated by the betrayal and the gruesome details
of his death. They struggled to understand how someone who
had been so close to Sam could commit such a
heinous act. Sam's children, in particular, were heartbroken. They had
lost their father and now faced the reality that their
mother was his murderer. The community rallied around them, offering
support and condolences during this difficult time. The police publicly
(18:51):
commended the detectives for their thorough investigation. The discovery of
Danielle's lies and the financial trail had been crucial in
solving the case. The arrest brought a sense of justice
for Sam's loved ones, though the emotional scars would take
much longer to heal. The trial of daniel Peters Mitchell
began on December five, twenty twenty one, at the Santa
Clarita Superior Court. The prosecution, led by District Attorney James Thompson, fifty,
(19:17):
known for his tenacity and sharp legal mind, presented a
compelling case. Thompson argued that Danielle's actions were premeditated and
driven by jealousy and greed. He emphasized the life insurance
policy and the payment to Rick Gallagher as evidence of
her intent to frame Sam and escape justice. On the
defense side, Attorney Careenly forty eight, a seasoned lawyer known
(19:38):
for her calm and strategic approach, represented Danielle. Lee argued
that Danielle had acted in self defense during the heated
argument with Sam. She tried to paint a picture of
a desperate woman pushed to the edge by her husband's
infidelity and lies. The trial was emotionally charged, with Sam's
family and friends filling the courtroom each day. They listened
intently as witnesses, including Rick Gallagher and Kevin Lawrence, testified.
(20:02):
Rick admitted to accepting money to lie about his relationship
with Sam, while Kevin described the nature of his affair
with Sam. The prosecution presented the bloody shirt with Daniel's
DNA and the financial records as key evidence. Forensic experts
testified about the violent nature of the attack, contradicting Daniel's
claim of self defense. The jury was shown photos of
(20:23):
the crime scene, which highlighted the brutality of the murder.
During the trial, Daniel maintained a stoic demeanor, but there
were moments when she appeared visibly shaken, especially during Kiven's testimony.
The emotional impact on Sam's children was evident. They watched
their mother's trial with a mix of grief and anger,
struggling to reconcile the woman they knew with the brutal
(20:44):
act she committed. On December twenty, twenty twenty one, after
two weeks of testimony and deliberations, the jury found Daniel
Peter's Mitchell guilty of first degree murder and conspiracy to
obstruct justice. The verdict was met with a mix of
relief and sorrow by Sam's family and friends. They had
found some justice for Sam, but the pain of losing
him and the betrayal by Danielle remained. The judge sentenced
(21:08):
Danielle to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
She remarked on the calculated nature of the crime and
the lengths daniel went to cover her tracks. The sentencing
brought a sense of closure, but the emotional wounds were
still raw. Sam's family expressed gratitude for the support they
received from the community and the relentless efforts of the
police and prosecution. While justice was served, the scars of
(21:30):
this tragic event would remain with them forever. After Daniel
Peters Mitchell's sentencing, life slowly began to return to normal
for those involved in Sam Mitchell's tragic murder case. For
Sam's children, Emma and Jack, both in their early twenties,
the Roda head was filled with challenges. They sought solace
in their close k Mid community of Santa Clarita, finding
(21:52):
support from friends and neighbors who had rallied around them
during the trial. Kevin Lawrence, the young artist whose relationship
with Sam had been at the center of the invent investigation,
tried to focus on his career. He continued to paint
and exhibit his artwork in galleries across West Hollywood. The
media attention had brought both opportunities and challenges, but Kivin
remained determined to build a name for himself in the
(22:13):
art world. Rick Gallagher, the real estate developer who had
briefly become entangled in the case, retreated from public view.
His reputation had taken a hit after admitting to accepting
money from Danielle to lie above his relationship with Sam.
Despite this setback, Rick continued to manage his business affairs quietly,
keeping a low profile in Santa Clarita. As time passed,
(22:35):
life in Santa Clarida gradually returned to normal. The leaves
turned golden in the fall of twenty twenty one, and
the community celebrated Halloween with punkin patches and haunted houses.
The local news covered stories of resilience and hope, highlighting
community events and initiatives aimed at healing and moving forward.
For Sam's children and close friends, the memory of his
(22:56):
kindness and generosity remained strong. They found comfort in remembering
the good times they had shared with him, and in
knowing that justice had been served. While the scars of
Sam's murder would never fully heal, the community support and
resilience offered a glimmer of hope for the future. This
concludes today's episode of True Crime Case Files. The story
(23:17):
of Samuel sam Mitchell is a stark reminder of how
secrets and hidden emotions can lead to devastating consequences. Thank
you for joining us as we explored this tragic tale
of love, betrayal, and murder. Stay tuned for our next episode,
where we will delve into another gripping true crime story.
Until then, stay safe and vigilant.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.