Morgan Bauer
Summary
This episode covers the 2016 disappearance and murder of 19-year-old Morgan Bauer, whose case went cold for seven years until a social media post revealed a critical timeline error. Investigators discovered her charred and dismembered remains at the Porterdale, Georgia home of her killers, Caitlin Goebel and Alex Warren, who lured her there with a promise of housing. While Warren pleaded guilty to malice murder and necrophilia, Goebel’s trial focused on her alleged obsession with the occult and serial killers, which prosecutors argued drove the planned killing. The jury convicted Goebel of …
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome to episode 539
Listener shoutout and case introduction: Morgan Bauer
Morgan's move to Atlanta and failed Craigslist arrangement
The case goes cold and mother's search efforts
Timeline correction and social media evidence discovery
Search warrants and the penny anecdote
Arrest of suspects and discovery of remains
Confessions and conflicting accounts from the couple
Details of the murder, dismemberment, and necrophilia
Trial evidence: Social media posts and occult interests
Defense arguments and the 'perfect victim' theory
Prosecution strategy and decision to exclude Alex Warren
Defense narrative: Fear, manipulation, and cosplay defense
Testimony from ex-husband David Settles II
Brother's testimony and debate on who was the instigator
Alex Warren's account and Caitlin's conviction
Sentencing, victim impact statements, and family reactions
Motion for new trial and final case analysis
Listener mail and book recommendations
Closing remarks
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