Roughly 30 years ago, escape artist Teri and her husband were thrilled to become the new owners of a “really cute” house in central California when they successfully bid on a foreclosed property. Little did they know they already had house guests – the unwelcome kind known in legal terms as “squatters.” 

In this episode of The Escape Pod, Teri offers up a hilarious account of their escape from the squatters. But first, co-host Charity explains the difference between squatting and trespassing and highlights a separate, more recent case in California – with much more serious consequences. 

Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 

• Topic #1  2:30 While one co-host escapes a drunk driver, the other barely escapes a wave of Powerade rushing through her car. 

• Topic #2 15:20 Squatting vs. Trespassing 

• Topic #3 19:51 California, October 2021: A 71-year-old man is reported missing by a concerned neighbor; authorities start to investigate the woman living in his home. 

• Topic #4 39:44 Teri’s escape from squatters 

• Topic #5 58:50 Escapism, co-host-style! 

Resources & Links

Story Sources: 

• Brittny Mejia. March 18, 2024. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-03-18/she-sold-his-encino-home-out-from-under-him-for-1-5-million-then-he-killed-himself  

• Yaron Steinbuch. March 25, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/03/25/us-news/squatter-left-dead-mans-body-in-luxury-la-home-in-elaborate-scheme-to-take-over-property/ 

• March 18, 2024. https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/west-hills-woman-who-disposed-one-victims-body-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison  

• https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66735202/united-states-v-herrling/  

Squatter Information:  

• Gemma Smith. November 21, 2023. https://www.azibo.com/blog/creative-ways-to-get-rid-of-squatters#:~:text=Property%20owners%20and%20property%20managers,if%20they%20refuse%20to%20leave  

• https://www.steadily.com/blog/south-dakota-squatters-rights-laws#:~:text=What%20duration%20of%20occupancy%20is,10%2Dyear%20duration%20is%20required 

• Giulia Carbanero. March 26, 2024. https://www.newsweek.com/how-squatters-rights-compare-different-states-1883480 

• Vivian Tejada. March 8, 2024. https://www.azibo.com/blog/squatters-rights 
  

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