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    Podcast Summary

    • Jake Weidman's shocking confession to Shelly Primiscus' murderA well-respected community member, Jake Weidman, confessed to a murder without a clear motive, leaving the community in shock and uncertainty.

      Unexpected and chilling nature of Jake Weidman's confession to the murder of Shelly Primiscus in Laramie, Wyoming. Despite being a well-respected and trusted member of their community, Jake, who was black and had a famous father, confessed to the crime without providing a clear motive or reason. This lack of explanation made the murder all the more unsettling. Prior to his confession, the investigation had focused on other suspects and had not considered Jake as a possibility. The discussion also highlights the impact of Jake's actions on the community, with the police conducting a widespread search for the perpetrator and the media coverage of the crime. It's important to remember that if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

    • Jake Weidman's confession to Shelley Wiley's murder lacked consistency and evidenceThorough investigations are crucial to ensure the accuracy of confessions and prevent wrongful convictions based on insufficient evidence.

      Jake Weidman's confession to the murder of Shelley Wiley in 1987 did not lead to any substantial investigation or charges against him. Despite his confession, which included details about an affair, an argument, and a decoy knife, the investigation found numerous inconsistencies and inaccuracies in his story. Jake mentioned a fire that was not present in Shelley's apartment and couldn't provide clear details about the location of her apartment. The detective in Flagstaff was skeptical and asked Jake to speak with the investigator in Laramie for more information. However, Jake's story remained unchanged, and he was charged with Shelley's murder based on his confession alone. The charges hung on for over three years, but no significant progress was made in the investigation during that time. Despite this, Jake is still in prison for a separate murder. The inconsistencies and lack of evidence in Jake's confession highlight the importance of thorough investigations and the potential risks of relying too heavily on confessions without sufficient corroborating evidence.

    • Desperate Confession for Suicide by ProxyA man, struggling with mental illness, neurological disorders, and immense guilt, falsely confessed to a crime to escape his own life and face the consequences of his past actions, but ultimately failed in his plan.

      The interviewee, in a desperate attempt to escape his own life and face the consequences of his actions, confessed to a crime he did not commit in Wyoming during the late 1980s. He was motivated by the belief that his previous crime in Arizona and this new confession would lead to his execution, effectively acting out a "suicide by proxy." Despite his anxiety and desperation to convince the detectives of his guilt, the interviewee ultimately failed in his plan and continued to face the consequences of his past actions. This incident occurred during a time when the interviewee was dealing with mental illness, neurological disorders, and immense guilt and shame.

    • The Power of Closure in a CaseThorough investigations are crucial to prevent false accusations and the emotional toll they can cause for all parties involved.

      The desire for closure in a case is powerful, and can lead law enforcement to believe stories that may not be entirely true. In this case, a man named Jake Weidman was suspected of a crime he didn't commit. He tried to convince the investigator of his innocence, but due to lack of credibility and the need to close the case, the investigator didn't believe him. Jake felt terrible about putting the victim's family through years of doubt and never apologized. Despite his eventual exoneration, the suspicion surrounding his role in the crime continued to haunt him during his parole hearings. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the emotional toll that false accusations can have on all parties involved.

    • Jake's False Confession and Angelo's Wrongful ArrestFalse confessions can lead to wrongful arrests and highlight the importance of reliable evidence.

      Jake's false confession in 1987 led to the arrest of Angelo Garcia based on Jake's accusation, despite Angelo having an alibi during the initial investigation. Jake claimed he didn't know Angelo, but Angelo was a known suspect due to his association with Larry Montez, who was also connected to the case. Angelo was arrested again two years later when Jake confessed, but Angelo maintained his innocence throughout the interviews. The case of Jake's false confession and Angelo's wrongful arrest highlights the importance of reliable evidence and the potential consequences of false confessions.

    • Angelo's Interrogation for Shelley Wyland's MurderA person's past doesn't define their innocence or guilt in a crime. False accusations can lead to wrongful imprisonment.

      Angelo Garcia was interrogated by the police regarding his involvement in the murder of Shelley Wyland and the subsequent fire at her house. The interrogation was based on information provided by Jacob Weidman, who claimed that Angelo had picked him up at Shakey's at 10:30 PM and made arrangements with him to do so at the park earlier that day. Angelo denied these allegations and expressed his concern about being falsely accused and potentially being put in jail for a crime he didn't commit. The discussion also revealed that Angelo had a history of smoking weed, getting into fights, throwing parties, and dating younger girls. Despite this, there was no concrete evidence linking him to the crime, and he was eventually released without being charged. However, the possibility of an innocent person being wrongly accused and the potential consequences of such an error were emphasized.

    • Local Suspect's Unjust Arrest and ConfusionIndividuals with a history of conflict with law enforcement may face arbitrary arrests and public accusations, causing distress and confusion, even when they have a solid alibi.

      Angelo, a local suspect in a high-profile murder case, felt arbitrary and avoidably arrested due to his past run-ins with law enforcement and a hair-trigger temper. Despite having an alibi, he was charged and publicly accused, causing him distress and confusion. Angelo shared his story over coffee, describing the night of the crime, his suspicion of a friend, and his uncertainty about a possible connection to the victim or the primary suspect. Despite his doubts, Angelo didn't accuse anyone out of respect for the emotional toll it could cause. The case highlighted the potential for misunderstandings and arbitrary arrests, especially for individuals with a history of conflict with law enforcement.

    • Impact of unreliable information on criminal investigationsThorough investigations are crucial to prevent false accusations and clear the innocent, while relying on unreliable information can lead to serious consequences.

      The identification of a suspect in a criminal investigation can be influenced by various factors, including rumors, personal biases, and even mistaken identity. In the case discussed, a man named Jake was falsely accused of a crime based on another man's confession. The confession was made due to the accuser's desire to die and a past criminal record. Jake was eventually cleared of the charges, but the investigation took a toll on him. The incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the potential consequences of relying on unreliable information. Additionally, the case underscores the complexities of criminal investigations and the challenges of determining the truth in such situations.

    • The importance of thorough and dedicated investigative workThorough investigations with fresh perspectives can lead to breakthroughs in old cases, while neglecting crucial details can hinder progress for decades

      The effectiveness of an investigation can be significantly impacted by the level of dedication and fresh perspective brought to the case. In the discussion provided, it appears that the initial investigation into a series of rapes and murders in Wyoming was not given the necessary attention and resources. The case was passed on to new detectives without much follow-up or fresh inquiry. As a result, crucial details were overlooked, and it took nearly 30 years for another detective to revisit the case and make a breakthrough. This underscores the importance of thorough and dedicated investigative work, as well as the value of bringing new perspectives to old cases. The success of an investigation relies on the commitment of those involved to explore all leads, reconsider past assumptions, and leave no stone unturned.

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    How to Embrace the Holidays with Depression

    How to Embrace the Holidays with Depression

    Feeling the pressure to put a smile on and hide how you genuinely feel this Holiday?

    Perhaps you feel if you share your true feelings & struggles you will let your family & friends down.

    Amanda has been there, herself and it is why she wants to take the time today to discuss a common challenge many of us can face this time of year. Whether you battling depression, anxiety, an increase in trauma triggers or the Holiday blues, this episode is for you.

    The Holidays come with many demands and Amanda has done her best to support, encourage & guide you through this Holiday Season. We hope you can leave after listening to today's episode feeling seen, heard & encouraged. 

    SHOW NOTES:

    In today's episode, How to embrace the Holidays with Depression we discuss,

    1. Ten reasons we may see a decline in our mental health & suffer from depression this time of year

    • The weather changes. We are dealing with colder, darker and shorter days. Naturally, this can impact our mental health especially if we have a mental illness.
    • Overstimulation by the thought & participation of social gatherings, Holiday shopping & more.
    • An increase in distractions can make it difficult to stay grounded & engaged, particularly when navigating trauma & mental illness
    • Suppressed emotions, putting a smile on and acting like everything is okay when it is not.
    • Increase in loneliness due to suffering in silence. Not wanting to disappoint or be a burden to our loved ones.
    • Reflection as we approach a new year. Feeling discouraged that we have not been able to achieve or do as much as we would have liked, due to our chronic illness, pain, trauma or mental illness
    • Financial hardship & stress. For many, this Holiday revolves around consumerism and that can add a complex layer of stress & emotions for us with low income or financial challenges.
    • Not being able to partake in the Holiday as you may have in the past due to your limitations, symptoms, pain & mental illness struggles.
    • Being confronted with the fact that your family may be more than a little dysfunctional and feeling the need to put yourself in unhealthy dynamics to appease others.
    • Accepting that our chronic conditions, pain, trauma and mental illness do not go away or give us a break, despite it being quote on a quote the happiest time of the year. 

    These are just a few of the reasons we can see a decline in our mental health and suffer from depression this time of year. Whatever your reason or reasons may be please know you are NOT alone and it is not hopeless. We can still have a good Holiday.

    Amanda then goes on to share seven ways to navigate depression & mental illness this season. Of course, this is a summary and we encourage you to listen to the full episode to get the most encouragement and value out of today's episode.

    • Acknowledge, allow & accept. 
    • Bringing awareness to our thoughts, emotions, and triggers.
    • Be disciplined by working within your capacity, not your capability.
    • Embrace the small moments of joy, peace, and feelings of love.
    • Know you do not need to have a reason to be depressed. Depression can happen to anyone no matter how well life may be going.
    • Give yourself space, time, care & compassion.
    • Be aware of past memories & grief that could be contributing to your depression. Amanda shares her personal story walking through the loss of her father two years this January and how that impacted her depression greatly last year around this time. 

    Lastly, Amanda reminds us that we are not alone and that as much as depression can make us feel like there is no hope & that our mental health can never improve, it can. With the right support, medications and strategies depression can improve. It will not happen overnight and it will require us to be vulnerable, however, it is worth it. 

    Whatever you may be facing this season please know Amanda always offers a FREE one-hour consultation call. Amanda coaches and consults those suffering from chronic illnesses and pain, as well as, trauma, depression and anxiety being the three most frequent mental illnesses she has worked with.

    Book your FREE one-hour consultation call Here: https://embracingthepain.hbportal.co/schedule/616323e077a4ec1aab263a64

    We can often think of every reason in the book to not get support for our mental illness and we strongly encourage anyone listening today to reach out to your physician if you are suffering from mental illness & needing extra support. There is NO need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. You are wanted and loved. 

    Amanda hopes that today's episode has you leaving encouraged, seen and feeling more hopeful about how to approach this Holiday if you are indeed suffering from depression, chronic illness, pain or trauma.

    Amanda's inbox is always open.

    Connect with Amanda Today: amanda@embracingthepain.com

    If your enjoyed this episode and found it helpful please leave a review and share it with a friend. 

    Leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-the-pain/id1616242542 

    Are you looking to the new year with hope and excitement or dread & hopelessness? If you want to head into the new year knowing you have personalized support, coaching, guidance, and exclusive methods, you can learn more by visiting Amanda's website.

    Learn more at: https://www.embracingthepain.com/

    Looking to connect with Amanda on a daily basis? Follow Embracing The Pain on Instagram today. Amanda shares her day-to-day and ALL the behind the scenes in her stories.

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingthepain_1dayat_a_time/

    Amanda will be back next Wednesday with another Holiday related episode. Until then, know you are loved, worthy & wanted. 

    See you next week!