An Act of Betrayal: The Cantrells and Their Fight for Justice

In a quiet Oklahoma town, A.J. Cantrell and his wife Patsy lived lives built on community and kindness, never expecting their paths to intersect with a dangerous man whose actions will disrupt their sense of peace forever. The Cantrells, beloved by their community, meet a violent end, leaving a hole in the heart of their close-knit town. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve deep into the tragedy, examining the chilling forensic details, the devastating impact on the community, and the 37-day manhunt that gripped the nation. Morgan leverages his expertise to discuss the mechanics of the lethal 410 shotgun used in the crime, while Mack provides harrowing firsthand accounts that highlight the complexities of the case. They also explore the psychology of violence, diving into the backstory and subsequent actions of the perpetrator, Scott Eizember. Alongside forensic science and investigative details, this episode serves as a tribute to the Cantrells, whose lives were cruelly taken.

Time codes:

00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the scene, introducing the heartbreaking case that took place in a small town in Oklahoma. 

00:01:20 — Generosity and kindness in a church community are explored by Morgan and Mack. 

00:03:00 — Joe Scott introduces the notion of a 'wolf in sheep's clothing,' personified by Scott Eizember, who arrives in town riding on a bicycle. 

00:06:00 — A romantic entanglement between Eizember and Kathy Biggs becomes the focus as Dave Mack peels back another layer of the story.

00:07:13 — The importance of examining a subject's history in a homicide case is expounded upon by Joseph Scott Morgan. He asserts that such scrutiny can offer insights into potential violent outcomes.

00:09:11 — Dave Mack introduces Scott Eizember's horrifying acts of violence, setting the tone for the deeper forensic analysis to come.

00:10:27 — Dave Mack recalls the terrifying moments leading to the Cantrells' deaths. A 410 shotgun becomes the weapon of irreversible consequence. The deadly force of a 410 shotgun is anatomized by Joseph Scott Morgan.

00:16:14 — Joseph Scott Morgan demystifies gunpowder evidence on a body, helping listeners grasp the possible range from which the shotgun was fired. He talks about using a long-arm weapon as a bludgeon during the attack on Mr. Cantrell.

00:17:11 — Dave Mack educates listeners on the difference between slicing wounds and lacerations, the latter caused by blunt force trauma. 

00:18:25 — Skull fractures and the force needed to inflict them are debated by Mack and Morgan. 

At 00:24:12 — Dave Mack highlights how the Wright family initially welcomed Eizember before he unleashed his violent tendencies on the Cantrells, leading to a whirlpool of tragic events.

00:25:50 —  Mack outlines Eizember's further attacks on a 16-year-old boy, a 63-year-old woman, and his ex-girlfriend, Katherine Smith, all of whom survive.

00:26:17 — Dave discusses the 37-day manhunt for Eizember, the kidnapping of Dr. and Mrs. Peebles, and how Eizember was finally apprehended.

00:29:10 — A chilling detail is revealed by Morgan—the unfired round in the weapon, suggesting that Eizember had potential for more destruction.

00:30:20 — The episode concludes with Joseph Scott Morgan confirming Scott Eizember's execution, signaling the end of a terrifying chapter for the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.