Man murdered by best friend and wife to cash in on life insurance; Mother brings killers to justice
This Week on True Crime Daily The Podcast: When Mike Williams disappeared on a Florida hunting trip, investigators theorized the man fell out of his boat before being eaten by alligators. Mike’s killers would later be revealed to be even more cold-blooded, with his wife and best friend conspiring to kill the father for a multimillion-dollar insurance payout.
Steven B. Epstein joins host Ana Garcia.
Check out our initial coverage of this case here: • He goes missing, his w...
Check out Steven’s book here: www.amazon.com/Evil-Lake-Semi...
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Ana Garcia
/ anagnews
www.anagarciatv.com/
Steven B. Epstein
www.stevenbepstein.com/
/ truestoriesofvictims
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I feel so much empathy for Sheryl. Without her, Mike wouldn’t have gotten any justice. I loved your coverage regarding Mike’s case. Anna, ive kept track of this case for so long and hearing you deliver the great news that justice will be served is something that brings me warmth. Thank you for your never ending support for cold cases.
Not to discredit all she did but if it wasn't for the break up this murder would still be an on going cold case.
What a case - and so much pain
Nahhhh comeno. Dude ahitnit
Calm downn
So they kill someone for their love and then don’t even stay together. Wow. Was it worth it? How horrible are these people
I'd say it was probably more for the money
As always 🙄
Hearing how Anslee purposefully bumped into her grandmother’s wheelchair both hurts my heart AND makes my blood boil. They raised her to be just like them. 😈😈😈
Maybe when she has a child she will understand Sheryl.
Your best friend and your wife kill you. Harsh. No wonder people can't trust others.
So harsh
It’s not even that the bf and the wife killed him, is that the bf killed him because he wanted his wife, he already had a wife. My goodness, with friends like these … humm
Thank you for this podcast . This case truly broke my heart. Mike's mom never gave up on her missing son. I was so so happy when Denise got caught and jailed. So happy that Cheryl got justice in her lifetime. Brian and denise were truly evil.
She was a wonderful mother - and never gave up
I don’t trust anyone , people will smile in your face and the entire time be demons .
Ms Cheryl should sue Denise for wrongful death and take away every penny of that life insurance money.
So true! She needs to go after Brian as well. I think the insurance company might go after what they can since it was fraud. I’ll bet Denise and Brian ran thru it pretty quickly tho.
the insurance takes it all back once these circumstances are discovered
I don’t understand how ppl can murder their child’s other parent and then look at their child knowing they are responsible for their pain.
I cried listening to this 😢, just lost my only brother 6 months ago. Was killed by my big brother 😢 the family can't do anything because here in africa, the government officials are corrupt. He uses his power and money 😢 they were two boys remaining in the family now he's the only one now. But I knew God in heaven will fight for this family 😢
So sorry to hear what you're going through, stay strong. I pray you get the justice you deserve and more than that, that one day you will feel the blessing of peace in your heart
There's at least one continuity error in this...
You made up this story. You just said he was your only brother and then go and mention your big brother? Definitely people are dumb to not noticed your made up story. What’s next??? PayPal?
Ms Cheryl is a true definition of a mother’s love. She never stopped fighting for justice for her son. God bless you Ms Cheryl❤️
The fact that people always refuse to just get a divorce. The thought that the only path forward is to wipe someone out is beyond my understanding.
This one always breaks my heart for cheryl, who is a true legend, and Mike would've been so proud to the extent his mother went too to find the truth ❤
Wow, she got tired of her second husband, no surprise there.
There’s testimony he became jealous and abusive. Which I mean…if they cheat WITH you, they’ll cheat ON you, right? So his paranoia is kinda justified.
Right?? He’s lucky she didn’t take HIM on a hunting trip, too!
@@discdoggiewomen always claim abuse 🙄
@@UCONN_HUSKIES he voluntarily went into therapy for a sex addiction. I’m not saying he beat her ass. Merely that there was testimony at trial that they didn’t divorce because she just “got tired” of him. The situation was abusive. Both partners were probably simultaneously confident the other would never leave being they were bound together by the secrets (their crime) while also terrified at the prospect that they *could* possibly leave, and beat the other to the punch; taking a deal and spilling the beans. It sounds like an extremely dysfunctional, abusive marriage.
Hi Ana and Steven! I remember this case but what I remember a lot is Ms. Sheryl(cheryl)! Her pig tails, perseverance, dedication and her fight, whew she has always had me in awe. I hate when these crimes happen in the world, it doesn't make it any easier but seeing someone fight so hard like Mike's mom did for so long, she's just amazing and it truly shows that her son was a great man as well because he was raised by her! I'm sure he is always smiling down on her and will always be with her in life ❤ Sheryl, you are what the true definition of a mothers love is 💙
Ana - I have followed this story since you covered it YEARS ago. I was so baffled why the Wife and Daughter didn’t want to find out what happened to Mike. But, I remember when you covered it you said Denise had married Mike’s best friend. It all made sense then. I want to read Steven’s book, I appreciate that he is so passionate about telling these stories correctly. I’m so happy that Cheryl has support around her. It’s a shame that her Granddaughter doesn’t realize what a gem Cheryl truly is. ❤
Oh Pamela, this one is a heart breaker
Yes!!! Mother's will, efforts and courage definitely makes a huge difference My heart goes out to Cheryl God bless you sweetest soul
What a coward. “I didn’t know what to do.” Seriously? That is a cold-blooded killer. His “tears” are for himself.
Plus he kidnapped his wife. Makes you wonder how much of what he said is true. I bet he would have said anything to ensure she is locked up. If he can’t have her, no one can. Kinda crazy she was convicted based on his word.
i didnt know what to do.. maybe not kill him? maybe not put yourself in that situation. like c’mon fake tears for who!? not for Mike. its for him that he got caught 😆
His mother is his champion. She didn't give up. I feel so sad she endured this for so long to find her baby. May he rest in peace
I’ve seen this case before, but the betrayal is just so gut-wrenching. His mom is an absolute legend. The wife must have felt so smug for so many years. Evil woman.
This case is so cruel! I went through a similar situation that almost destroyed me but fortunately I wasn't killed. Shame on both of them!!
Never ever doubt the power of a true mother's love and the mountains it will move.
Always loved Cheryl and her little pigtails. Reminded me of Cindy on the Brady Bunch! She’s a very courageous woman, I’m so glad she was able to get justice for her son. I hope her granddaughter reaches out to her in the future, I feel she’ll regret it if she doesn’t.
I remember this case, it was so tragic and Evil! Ana you get better every show! Thanks! RIP Mike 🙏🇺🇲❣️
Love miss Cheryl. She’s a sweet lady and her perseverance is so inspiring ❤
I believe the wife lived her personal hell sleeping beside a killer ( like her) and not daring to leave for 17 years. Then prison. I hope the mother can find some comfort in that.
I don’t think she lived in her own personal hell. She would have to have a conscience which I don’t believe she does. A killer married a killer and slept peacefully. She just got tired of hubby Brian after 17 years. I’m amazed she didn’t try and have him murdered too.
@@ginafrancis4950 no what I meant is that she probably wanted to leave him much sooner but was scared of the consequences. Maybe just wishful thinking on my part because it is so unfair that they got to be free for 17 years.
I also cannot forget about this case. Heart breaking, and the victim's mom is a real sweetheart. 😢😢😢
This just shows you cant get away with murder, even 15yrs later
Question: "Do they have to pay back the insurance money?" "Does the insurance company sue them ?"
No, the daughter got everything
THANK YOU FOR LOVING YOU CHILD Y STAYING THE COURSE. This horrible reminds us to keep our eyes open. Support our children!
Wow ! 17 years of torture for this hero of a mother ! Seems like the justice system is almost broken . How can you/we prevent that from happening again?? 💔
What a heroine Miss Cheryl is, that's unconditional mothers love!! She never gave up on her son and knew him so well and his knowledge on hunting and , lake, and alligators!! I take my hat off for her, I watched the trial and have seen your podcast Ana. What an evil pair!!
Long in coming but glad to see justice was served . The evil , greed , and selfishness of 2 affected so many .
Thank You Anna i would love to speak with Cheryl she's truly an inspiration ❤❤❤
I have never seen two hosts so effortlessly converse so well together. Completely on the same page. Steven matches Ana's empathy for victims. They match each other's storytelling flair. And I personally love the legal references brought in from the trial and state law. Just a perfect pairing . I could listen to these two all day. (And would!)
This was special
Matt Orchard covered the case and he smashed it.
Smdh.... TRIFLING, horrendous, selfish.
I remember this case on Disappeared before it was solved. I'm glad he got justice
Its sad that her granddaughter will miss out on the truth with ms cheryl. She seems like such a sweetheart. So many lives ruined..so glad this case finally got as true of justice as you can get. 😢
17:07 "And they believed they were going to put this whole thing in God's hands." Brilliant idea Einstein. Because who doesn't enjoy an incredibly evil murder to go along with your adultery more than God right? Talk about evil. If that doesn't show you that they're absolutely right when they talk about how the devil can show up in many different forms... It's horrifying to think about what Mike went through during those last moments of his life. That poor man. That's some seriously rough shit right there.
Thank you for this episode. Truly heartbreaking, but at last the justice prevailed, thanks to this mother’s defiance. Thank you for supporting her and talk so nicely about her. She really was hit hard by fate, but remains as sweet as it gets bless her. I hope she finds peace now that everything came to light. And someday she may meet her beloved son again ❤
How do you marry a sociopath, knowing what he/she is able of? I hope the mother got her money back from these sickos
When you are both sociopaths it’s easy.
Hello from New Zealand caught you early this week. Loving your podcasts Ana and your guests are so informative too.
Such a very sad story. God bless this special mother for bringing these 2 people to justice.
I wonder where the granddaughter is now. Would be so lovely if they were reunited.
Hubby #2 wasn't looking for revenge about being dumped. He was looking to protect his ass from hubby #3 and little miss psycho biotch unaliving his ass. Thinking he might have been starting to feel a little deja-vu comin' on. He was probably thinking "Why does she all of a sudden think we should go bungee jumping? You know, because she has a 'friend' who works there and can get us a great discount. Rest in peace Mike. Prayers for his family and especially his wonderful, amazing mother.
He literally kidnapped her. Hes just as delusional as she is idk why youre pretending he's not.
One day that little girl is going to look up all the facts. She's going to want to know EVERYTHING! My mother had me when she was very young 15. We used to argue and not speak to each other for 6 months at a time. But she would call my landline and leave a message if I was not there and say I want Connie to come over which is my daughter her granddaughter. I would jump for joy because not only could Connie spend time with her grandma but I could have free time for myself as a single parent. I never held my daughter back from my mother's love ABSOLUTELY EVER!!! Now my little sister would hold my mother from her children and that was so wrong!!! It's just a control mechanism, holding love against somebody is so crazy in the head crazy! It's a very narcissistic move! But that little girl is now a woman and she's going to get every single fact that she possibly can, she's going to want to know EVERYTHING, and she will find out. She's not going to like what she finds out but she will find out
State bombed this case by not asking one single question! 🤔
Wow- this must be what happens when Karma reads Count of Monte Cristo before bed! Elegant, on all of the details, although sad about Brian’s mom- but just think of the pain which Brian and Denise had caused Mike’s mother, by murdering her son. Denise cheated on Mike, and then Brian had a sex addiction and cheated on her. My hope is that Grandma and Granddaughter find their way back to each other, the sooner, the better! Both my grandmas have passed away in the past couple years, and I miss them both, every day. Grandparents are able to treasure you, without all the contention and conflicting forces that can influence parental relationships, until you grow enough to obtain a different perspective; one which allows you to see all the sacrifices and altruism your family has (hopefully) engaged in. It is a mark of having achieved full brain development, usually around one’s mid-20’s, to be able to sit with the paradox that nobody is all good or all bad. I just hope it doesn’t take this long for Ansley, bc I don’t want her to look back and feel regret, instead of gratitude for the fiercely unconditional love her grandma has nurtured for her.
17 years of torture.
And what a great foundation for marriage-to keep their horrible secret. What an awful wife and best friend. With people like that who needs enemies? I hope they live long lives-in prison. I realize hind sight is 20/20 but this was a bit obvious. Just too many red flags. His mom is an Angel! So sorry for her tragic loss. And I beg to differ-these are not smart people. They may have been smart in their given professions but killing someone and trying to “christianize” it is not a trait of a smart person. What makes them appear smart is the incompetence of the investigation. They need to use their prison time to read Gods word and get to know what He says.
I especially find it repulsive how Denise tried using her Christian Faith in her last attempt to be released from prison early. She told the Judge while serving her sentence she met and comforted many female inmates who truly never experienced love. And if released she would devote her time to visiting prisons where she could reach multitudes of the unloved female inmates to bring about lasting change. Denise’s sister’s and family showed up in court in her support. Thankfully the Judge saw right through her plow and denied her request of early release. She’s going to be in prison many many years before any possibility of parole. Too bad Denise didn’t have this same compassion for her Murdered husband’s mother.
I loved this. It was like two well schooled detectives just talking about a joint case covered at different times. Throwing facts off each other. I adore Ms Cheryl. Her bravery, tenacity, and pure love for the truth for her son is such an inspiration to anyone who needs it. It is likely she will never be close to her granddaughter, but it will never be because she didn’t try or care. Thanks for a great show!
Thank you - this is a special one 🙏🏼
Mama knew! Bless her brave unyielding heart. Hate the outcome for Mike and family but at least they got answers.
Absolutely chilling! This story delves into the depths of betrayal and greed, where even the closest relationships can shatter into pieces. The resilience of the victim's mother in seeking justice against such heinous acts is truly commendable. It's a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives, and the importance of accountability in the face of such atrocities
Wow. Cheated on your husband with his best friend. Pick up over one million dollars. Marry him, want a divorce, then he tells the police on you…
Horrible story. I can only imagine the pain that Sheryl must feel.
That family is delusional
❤Cheryl ❤
Old case but interesting and sad.Im glad they found out what happened to this poor guy.
Great work guys... so insightful and hello from Australia!
It’s apparent that nothing is sacred to these 2 people. Very disgusting.
If I were the Granddaughter, I would have to find out for myself and would seek out Cheryl and listen to what she had to say. It would be niggling away at me until I could make up my own mind now she's a grown woman. With all the details out there now and so many red flags.....
Now Denise won't have a real relationship with her grandchildren.... Can we say Karma?
This reporter presents the case with absolute cachet. ❤ Bravo
Is there a way to support Ms Cheryl?
He wrote a book on Dan Markels murder and got it all wrong siding with Wendi the ex- wife. Tim Jansen was winchesters atty. and he’s spoken about this case on the podcast surviving the survivor. Very sad case. Another case of grandparent alienation.
You call them investigators 😢
As soon as I heard duck hunting, the body not found, but his personal effects were found and they were found by his best friend? The best friend who was messing with his wife and ended up married? Why would they not find his body if they found his personal effects? And that he may have been eaten by alligators?! I know that alligators hibernate. Their hibernation is called brumation, so there's no way that the alligators were responsible. Did these 2 not educate themselves? I guess it didn't matter because law enforcement didn't see the huge flapping red flags that we did! Cases like this one, get to me every time.
A crazy case but very nice that it is solved, saw your previous video about this case.
Downloading your book right now. ❤
I hope you have this gentleman on again!!! God bless Miss Cheryl 🙏🏽
I feel do sorry for the granddaughter.
Karma
How do you have the audacity to cry after planning and following through with your best friends merder.
I really hope and pray that Cheryl's granddaughter will come to the realization that her grandma isn't the villain, and one day, they'll reunite and mend their relationship. Before its too late for Cheryl.... my heart breaks for this lovely woman.
Omg such a sad story, that poor man😔
Not only did She lose Her Son Mike Cheryl also lost his Daughter Her Granddaughter Because of her Not giving up On finding answers about her Sons Mysterious Disappearance
Excellent guest, excellent host, and excellent interview as always 🖤
Two smart people who thought they got away with unliving of a nice man.
Not related but just putting it out there before Ana starts on this week's cases. Anybody else think Ana would be brilliant at narrating audible books...? Her voice would be chefs kiss perfect 🤌🏻
That’s a dream of mine. I love audio books 🙏🏼
The hunter became the hunted. I have no respect for hunters Both this woman and husband and his friend were narcissistic psychopaths. And I dont believe the second husband's crocodile tears. HE CIRCLED (HIS BESTE FRIEND) A FEW TIMES AND THEN SHOT HIM ...... COLD HEARTED MURDERE This case is not much different than that of Dr. John Boyle who killed his wife Noreen and buried her under his new house. If not for his 9 year old son who figured it out, the cops would have thought Noreen left her house and son and never came back (a fib that was made up by Dr. Boyle) - Dr. Boyle was also having an affair with another woman whilst his wife was still alive and she became pregnant with his child. So he wanted Noreen out of the way
I can only hope that people like you who lack respect for hunters are in the 5% of non- hunters who support conversation and preservation of wildlife. It's usually the uneducated ones who make blanket statements like yours and couldn't be bothered to support wildlife conversation.
I hope Cheryl's granddaughter sees the truth and bonds with her Grandma before its too late.
WHAT AN ANAZING STORY‼️😳😳😳GOD BLESS YOU BOTH & this show‼️🔥i gotta subscribe cuz you’re both great legal eagles🇺🇸🇺🇸🤭👌🏼🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡💕❤️❤️
Thank you and welcome to the podcast!
This case has always been the most interesting to me..tragic and heartbreaking..but it has always stuck with me..the truth cannot be hidden forever..your sins will find you out!
They actually COULD testify against the other when married. They’re granted that “spousal privilege” if they are married, so they, as husband and wife have that protection. But they can testify if they choose to.
Steven Epstein was so interesting to listen to. I hope you can find some way to get him back on your show. One of the best speakers you have had on with you!
Oh my
This year the father of my son will be missing for 13 years in July. It’s been 12 years. I have been told to have him declared deceased by different people. I refuse. His name is Justin Demko.
Horrible story, more scary than any horror movie. Did anyone think to DNA test the rotten granddaughter to see if she's even the victim's daughter?
Imo the cops did not do a thorough job in investigating the people closest to him. Spouse, family, and friends are the first to be investigated. That’s wild 😮😮😮
It’s disturbing how deceptive, selfish, and evil humans can be.
Thank you ❤
Most mortals: Cheryl:... I AM the storm.
Thank you Ana for the respect and sensitivity you demonstrate on all your podcasts.
Thank you for your kind words 🙏🏼
You did it Mrs Sherryl. I am so sorry for your loss .
Cheryl has been in contact with Dan Markell’s mother Ruth, whose son Dan Markell was murdered by his wife’s family. Charlie Adelson and his mother Donna Adelson are both in prison for Dans murder. Three other people are also in prison and we all await the arrest of Dans wife Wendi. Cheryl and Ruth have forged a wonderful relationship based on the deaths of their sons. If you are not following that case (in Tallahassee) it’s still on going as Donna goes on trial in Sept.
Rivetting presentation. TQ.
Just leave!
I love the billboards and everything that those people had to stare at every day.. but the thing is is they have no conscience and it makes you wonder how they got to that point. What happened to them when they were children to make them not feel anything except greed and lust. Does billboards and pictures did nothing but piss them off. The only reason they got caught was because of him not wanting a divorce. And he did have something that would keep him and her together forever a murder and money. It's just unreal how some people don't feel guilt,, remorse or any of the above!!!
Bless Cheryl. I still think about Maureen Himebaugh tho 😢😢😢
Gosh me too🙏🏼