Episode 170 - Unlikely Assassins - The Case Of Ellen Friar
It was a cool fall morning in Medford, Oregon when police picked up three young runaways by the side of the road. 19-year-old Gavin MacFarlane, a high school dropout, his girlfriend, 15-year-old Ellen Friar, and their mutual friend 22-year-old, Russell Pierce Jones II, a young man with a criminal record and a history of mental illness. From the back of the police cruiser, Russell made cryptic comments about being the couple’s “protector.” Ellen and Gavin claimed they’d run away because Ellen’s parents disapproved of their age difference; back at home, Ellen’s younger sisters had a very different story to tell. How to support: For extra perks including extra content, early release, and ad-free episodes - Go to - Patreon How to connect: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Please check out our sponsors and help support the podcast: Zocdoc - Go to zocdoc.com/MADNESS and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours. Better Help - This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp - Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MADNESS and get on your way to being your best self. Babbel - Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to babbel.com/Madness PDS Debt - PDS DEBT is offering free debt analysis to our listeners just for completing the quick and easy debt assessment at www.PDSDebt.com/mad Vessi - Click vessi.com/MADNESS and use code MADNESS for 15% off your entire order! Free shipping to CA, US, AU,JP, TW,KR, SG Hello Fresh - Go to HelloFresh.com/madness50 and use code madness50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Manly Bands - There's no better time to invest in a Manly Bands wedding ring than right now. We're offering a 25% discount on all wedding rings at ManlyBands.com with code MADNESS. Rocket Money - Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way by going to RocketMoney.com/minds CrimeCon Appearances: Join us in London (June 10 - 11) or in Orlando (September 22 - 24). And don't forget to quote "MADNESS" to claim your discount. CrimeCon UK - https://www.crimecon.co.uk CrimeCon US - https://www.crimecon.com Featured Podcast: Klooghless - https://evergreenpodcasts.com/klooghless Research & Writing: Matt Snell Editing: Aiden Wolf Sources: Circle Youth Ministries (Official Website) Facebook: April 7, 2016 post by Medford Police re: Det. Stephanie Smith Facebook: Ellen Friar personal profile Facebook: Gavin MacFarlane personal profile Facebook: Mike Smith (Russell Jones) personal profile KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Final co-conspirator sentenced in Aaron Friar murder case KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Medford murder investigation continues KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Medford police investigating possible homicide KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: “Nothing will bring him back,” Murder victim’s sister pleads for trial to begin 4 years after his violent death KTVL: Friends remember Aaron Friar after his death KTVL: Homicide investigation underway in Medford Mail Tribune: Man admits to beating girlfriend's father to death Mail Tribune: Man sentenced in connection with beating death Mail Tribune: Police say daughter conspired with boyfriend in killing Wikipedia: Medford, Oregon Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon: Spring 2016 Concert Series YouTube: Ellen Friar's full statement at her sentencing hearing YouTube: Friend of accused Aaron Friar killer speaks out YouTube: Medford teenager sentenced in plot to murder father YouTube: Explore with Us—The Craziest Interrogation You’ll Ever See