322: The Murder of Paula Sladewski (Dateline's "The Death of A Golden Girl")
Nov 2, 2023
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A former Playboy model, Paula Sladewski, was murdered in Miami after leaving a night club. Her boyfriend is the main suspect. The podcast explores her tragic past, the investigation into her murder, and nightclub security measures. The hosts reflect on true crime, party memories, and industry exploitation in Miami.
Paula's tragic demise reveals a disturbing pattern of domestic violence in her relationship with Kevin.
The investigation uncovers conflicting accounts of Paula leaving with another man, casting doubt on Kevin's innocence.
Paula's journey from an aspiring model to a dancer showcases her resilience and determination amidst personal challenges.
Deep dives
Search for Missing Paula
Paula goes missing after a night out in Miami, sparking a frantic search by her boyfriend, Kevin, who enlists the help of a private investigator to track her down. Although initially unable to file a missing persons report, the investigation intensifies as Kevin desperately seeks information from clubs and local businesses, leading to a chilling discovery of Paula's earring found at a burned dumpster, revealing a horrific fate.
Paula's Troubled Past and Modeling Dreams
Paula's tumultuous past, including dating a much older man at a young age, sheds light on her journey from an aspiring model collecting Barbies to becoming a dancer supporting herself and Kevin. Her disappearance unravels layers of her complex life, showcasing her resilience and dreams amidst the challenges she faced. Despite setbacks, her determination and aspirations drive her pursuit of success.
Investigation and Suspicions
As the investigation unfolds, detectives uncover crucial evidence from the club and the disturbing crime scene, escalating Kevin's status from concerned boyfriend to a suspicious figure. Interrogations and forensic analysis form a central part of the inquiry, highlighting the tensions between Kevin's genuine concern and the unsettling reality of being the prime suspect in Paula's tragic demise.
History of Domestic Violence between Kevin and Paula
Kevin and Paula had a troubled relationship marked by a history of domestic violence incidents. Court records from California and Michigan revealed multiple instances of domestic violence, including an incident where Paula hit Kevin with a bottle. Kevin was arrested twice in Michigan for assaulting Paula, resulting in her broken nose. These repeated incidents highlighted the abusive nature of their relationship.
Mystery Surrounding Paula's Disappearance and Club Footage
Prior to her disappearance, Paula texted an ex claiming that Kevin was attempting to kill her, adding a sinister layer to the case. Investigations at the club revealed conflicting accounts of Paula leaving with another man, not Kevin, raising questions about possible foul play. The presence of security footage and witness testimonies added complexity to the investigation, with suspicions shifting towards the events leading up to Paula's disappearance.
Grainy surveillance video captured the last known images of 26 year old Paula Sladewski leaving a Miami night club on the morning of January 3, 2010. Hours later, her body would be found in a nearby dumpster. She had been strangled and set on fire. Who had done these horrible things to this former Playboy video model and why? Her boyfriend, family, and friends quickly embarked on a journey to find out the truth.
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