Episode 249: Final Curtain Call: Theatre of Pain - The Murders of Daniel Wozniak

This week’s episode details a murder that, at first glance, appears to be a cut-and-dried case of a lover’s quarrel turned deadly.  Upon investigation, it is discovered to be a much more thought-out and sinister plan. When authorities uncover the real killer he turns out to be an actor who attempted to parlay his skills as a performer to pull off “the perfect crime”. Sources: “Actor is held in double slaying.” Los Angeles Times, 29 05 2010,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104583077/actor-is-held-in-double-slaying/. “Actress convicted of lying to police about ex-fiance's double murder pleads innocence in interrogation tapes.” ABC News, 30 May 2019,  https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/actress-convicted-lying-police-fiances-double-murder- pleads/story?id=63234575 . Accessed 4 July 2022. “As coldblooded as a murderer gets.” Los Angeles Times, 09 01 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104976453/as-coldblooded-as-a-murderer-gets/. Berg, Tom. “Justice delayed: Why it took more than 5 years for trial of Daniel Wozniak, accused of killing 2, beheading one victim.” Orange County Register, 7 December 2015,  https://www.ocregister.com/2015/12/07/justice-delayed-why-it-took-more-than-5-years- for-trial-of-daniel-wozniak-accused-of-killing-2-beheading-one-victim/. Accessed 4 July 2022. “Brother of double killer is arrested.” Los Angeles Times, 24 12 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105002079/brother-of-double-killer-is-arrested/. “Death Penalty for OC Killer.” Los Angeles Times, 12 01 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104977538/death-penalty-for-oc-killer/. “Neighbor beheaded and his friend killed.” Modesto Bee, 29 05 2010,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105001017/neighbor-beheaded-and-his-friend-killed/. Pelisek, Christine. “Daniel Wozniak Murders Re-examined in New Podcast | PEOPLE.com.” People, 28 August 2018,  https://people.com/crime/daniel-wozniak-rachel-buffett-murders-in-new-podcast/. Accessed 28 June 2022. “Prosecutors will seek death penalty.” Los Angeles Times, 26 05 2012,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104951198/prosecutors-will-seek-death-penalty/. Sclafani, Julia. “Double murderer's ex-fiancée is sentenced to jail as accessory after slayings.” Los Angeles Times, 8 November 2018,  https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-buffet-sentencing-20181108- story.html. Accessed 4 July 2022. “This community theater actor's final performance was a chilling confession to double murder.” ABC News, 29 May 2019,  https://abcnews.go.com/US/community-theater-actors-final-performance-chilling- confession-double/story?id=63181588. Accessed 4 July 2022. “Woman pleads not guilty in beheading.” The Californian, 05 12 2012,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104945493/woman-pleads-not-guilty-in-beheading/. The following music was used for this media project: Music: Cinematic Background Sad by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8181-cinematic-background-sad License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  Edge Of Forever by Tim Kulig Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8488-edge-of-forever License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license What Lurks In The Dark by Dave Deville Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8233-what-lurks-in-the-dark License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Thanks to our sponsors: Listen to SCAMFLUENCERS on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or listen one week early and ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app. Get started at chime.com/once. Download your new favorite getaway, BEST FIENDS, for FREE today on the App Store or Google Play. You'll even get $5 worth of in-game rewards when you reach Level 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Step into the darker side of history with Once Upon A Crime, a true-crime podcast that delves deep into some of the world’s most gripping cases. Hosted by an expert storyteller, Esther Ludlow, each episode unravels the mysteries behind notorious crimes, exploring the lives of victims, perpetrators, and the intricate details of the investigations that followed. With carefully researched narratives, thematic series, and thoughtful insights, Once Upon A Crime offers listeners a captivating blend of suspense, history, and human psychology. Whether you're a seasoned true-crime fan or just curious about the stories that shaped headlines, Once Upon A Crime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.