Episode 170 - Unlikely Assassins - The Case Of Ellen Friar
The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories
00:00
Russell's Unhinged Performance
Russell believed he had the upper hand in the situation. Russell then went on to start making a list of demands. At times, Russell stood and flexed his way through a imaginary karate move as he rambled.
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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.
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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
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
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
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