In this special episode of Crime Beat, you will meet Janine Madera, a fierce advocate for justice who works as a homicide prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. About 10 minutes earlier, Torrez had called her mother from the store--located about a mile from her home--and indicated she would be home shortly, police and family have said. All episodes of Crime Beat - Chartable The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. One of the stars of the movie based on the heist, Rachael Taylor, chokes up about the real story. 5) Three individuals were charged in the Cathy Torrez murder case. On Feb. 19, 2019, police made an arrest in the cold-case killing of 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe, who was strangled in Orange County in 1973. Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host, Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true. Everyone is real distraught.. In this season, we will take you behind the scenes of the investigation, playing old interviews from cassette tapes taken from the 1994 police archives, conducting new interviews with people involved in the case and reporting new stories that have never been published. Youll see Javier Lopez killed Cathy Torrez and did it alone, Rosenblum alleged. The family said Torrez told them that the night before Rangel allegedly hanged himself, leaving behind a suicide note, he spoke on the telephone with Torrez for three hours, until 3 a.m. Placentia Police Sgt. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. Meet the team of thieves that flew from Youngstown to Los Angeles. They might have pulled it off without a hitch if they had stuck to the plan. Bonus Episode 1: The Girl Who Wouldn't Be Forgotten. A letter to Rangel was abruptly interrupted with the writer apparently beginning to write the word, Valentine, Murphy said. No one is investigating. Breaking news for Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? In fact, family and friends have said, the 4-foot, 10-inch woman hated to be alone almost anywhere--during trips to the store or even at home. Rangel, who suffered from suicidal ideation, hanged himself at work five days before Torrez's murder and lingered in a coma for months before he died, Murphy said. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. Torrez called her mother Feb. 12 from the Sav-On drug store where she worked, giving no indication that anything was amiss. Torrez called her mother Feb. 12 from the Sav-On drug store where she worked, giving no indication that anything was amiss. Rosenblum said the victim was having issues with drugs around the time of the killing. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. Cal State Fullerton murder trial: Defendant was enraged by jealousy Im Cathy.. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment, Suspicion | The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman. Taylor said patrol officers discovered Torrezs car sometime before 1:30 a.m. Saturday in a parking lot in front of medical offices at the Placentia-Linda Community Hospital medical complex, located in the 1300 block of North Rose Drive. A friend of Torrez testified that Lopez had gotten angry during a date he had with Torrez a week before she disappeared in February 1994, when he apparently spotted a hickey that Alberto Rangel, another friend of Torrezs, had given her. There were some rumors of that kind that went around, he said. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. You expect the worst, but you hope, said Albert Gonzales, a friend acting as a spokesman for family members, who remained inside their home and declined comment when reached by telephone Saturday. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary 21-year quest for justice. Moreover, the perpetrator, her ex-boyfriend, Samuel Sam Lopez, didnt confess to the crime until 2015. Madera is deaf and operates in the courtroom with strategically placed sign language interpreters. Would justice ever be served? We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. With the bank breached, and the FBI scrambling to find clues, the boys from Youngstown tried to slip away and one of them got farther than he ever dreamed. Each season explores a different crime, beginning . Inside, we are not strong, Bennett said. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. When Torrez finally got home that evening, two of the tires on her car were slashed and her brother had to carry her into the house because she was so incapacitated, Murphy said. We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home from work. 4: What Happened to Albert In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. Tragic story Cathy had an incredible mom & family! That jealousy led to anger; anger led to violence and ultimately murder, Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy told the jury. The story appears in 2003, and producers from film companies begin to call. She was an all-American girl, but theres another side of her (Murphy) didnt tell you about, Rosenblum said. Then something changed, Virginia Gov. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Xavier Lopez gave a final statement that proved truth still wasn't part of his defense strategy. Torrez was stabbed dozens of times and her throat was slashed, Murphy said. A co-worker of Torrez, as well as her best friend, claimed that she planned to meet Lopez after work that Saturday. The night Torrez disappeared was the first night she had failed to show up at the hospital, they said. They are old and really hard to hear. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no panties. Times staff writers Leslie Berkman, Lynn Franey, Rene Lynch and Rebecca Trounson and Times correspondent Terry Spencer contributed to this report. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really h The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. Well send you the latest headlines every morning and every weekday afternoon. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. A . Theres an answer and it has to be found. Then something changed, Virginia Gov. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But I find it hard to understand that. In this special episode of Crime Beat, you will meet Janine Madera, a fierce advocate for justice who works as a homicide prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. In one incident, which transpired a week before Cathy vanished, he became furious when he saw what appeared to be a love bite from another man on Cathy. On the night investigators believe she was killed, Torrez left her job at a Sav-On store in Placentia, telling a co-worker she was going to meet Lopez, Murphy said. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Ex-Boyfriend Guilty of Murder in Cal State Fullerton Student's 1994 4: What Happened to Albert by Crime Beat instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve tailored ads. Were in a limbo waiting.. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. all of this just days before cathy disappeared. All that stands between Amil Dinsios crew and the Presidents secret stash are an alarm system, reinforced concrete and 500 locked safe deposit boxes. Really weaves a thorough detailed story from initial events, to dogged pursuit of the truth, to final outcome. After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a tree to honor her. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. And Crime Beat becomes the podcast the Nixon people dont want you to hear. What difference does it make? We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. Florida History Check. In this season, we will take you behind the scenes of the investigation, playing old interviews from cassette tapes taken from the 1994 police archives, conducting new interviews with people involved in the case and reporting new stories that have never been published. Were waiting for answers. February 26, 2015 at 9:28 a.m. Stabbed dozens of times, bleeding profusely and terrified, Cathy Torrez was still alive when she was shoved into the trunk of her own car, a prosecutor said. In the months before she died, But Lopez acknowledged to police that he had issues with jealousy, telling investigators that he would get angry when Torrez spoke about other men. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. And find out what a master thief thinks of the movie about the biggest bank heist in U.S. history. About Season 2: On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true crime podcasts of all time. May have been helpful if there was some volume available, but its turned all the way up, and Im having trouble hearing the audio without earphones.Fini. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. During the hearings, the prosecutors detailed all the above information, along with aspects of Cathys slaying, until an Orange County Superior Court jury found Sam guilty of first-degree murder. S2, Ep. 4: What Happened to Albert - Crime Beat - Podcast He has noted that no physical evidence ties Sam Lopez to the car or Torrezs body and speculates that Xavier Lopez may have been trying to rob Torrez. They believed he showed a lack of emotion during interviews the day of Torrezs death, and did little to help with the search while she was missing, despite being so close to her. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Samuel Lopez used a newspaper and plastic bag to lift the . 3: Cathy Can't Remember . On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. Cathy Torrez and Samuel Sam Agustin Lopez, who had dated for about eight months in high school, had rekindled their romance in the weeks leading up to the formers brutal murder in early 1994. It was painful. It just seems to be a tragic coincidence that these terrible things have happened to these two kids who knew each other, Taylor said. Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? Cathy did not deserve to go that way. She had dreams and she worked for them all her life. Youll hear the ups and downs of writing a screenplay, and how it took more than 15 years for the movie Finding Steve McQueen to get made. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. Sam Lopez, 43, faced a murder charge in the stabbing death of Cathy Torrez, a Cal State Fullerton student who disappeared in 1994 after leaving work. They are waiting for the results of some soil tests conducted by a Unocal chemist who volunteered his services, examining the sole of the one shoe Torrez had left when her body was found six months ago today, hoping it will reveal chemical traces that will point to a murder scene. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. A week later, her body was discovered . Look forward to more from this host. Samuel Lopez attacked Cathy Torrez with a knife, and after she attempted to flee from the vehicle, Samuel Lopez chased after her and stabbed Torrez repeatedly in the face, head and torso. Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. Investigators refused to say how Torrez died or whether they had any suspects. I do hope and pray this brings at least a small amount of relief from the pain I have caused [Cathys loved ones], he said. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Would justice ever be served? Torrez ran for her life, Murphy said, but was chased down and stabbed at least 74 times, including a dozen stab wounds on her head alone. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Friends and family had held out hope that Torrez would return safely since her mother reported her missing Feb 12. SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The brother of a man convicted in the 1994 stabbing death of a Cal State Fullerton. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Crime Beat podcast - Free on The Podcast App Whats With That?Example, S1, Ep4, 27-minute mark the narration is backed by an intense wiry electric guitar and it is ANNOYING.So far, 3 Stars will see how it goes. Southern California News Group: Keith Sharon, reporter for the Orange Count. The 20-year-old from Placentia, California worked two jobs while. >> reporter: and now To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. The victims arms showed signs of a struggle, according to DAmato, who said he had been briefed by police. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. Two days later, Torrez disappeared. Your email address will not be published. I believe that one day it will be solved, for Cathy and for us. Janine Madera was raped as a child, and she decided as a pre-teen that she was going to someday work to put criminals behind bars. Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon tells the true crime story of the pursuit of her killer. 15 - S2, Ep. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. Mary Bennett gets a job in the Placentia City Hall so she can be close to the office door of the Chief of Police. Master thief Amil Dinsio loses his edge late in his career and his freedom. Then they were told Richard Nixon had $30 million in dirty money stashed in Southern California and they set out to rip off the President. About Season 2: Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Best Episodes of Crime Beat | Podchaser A former Placentia officer recalled seeing Lopez speeding down a street and blowing through a stop sign the night he went out with Torrez, and testified that the two appeared to be arguing, and she crying, as he walked up to the car to give them a ticket. Sign up here for our free newsletters. Crime Beat on Stitcher Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? The letters were discovered after Cathy died. Torrez spent several days at the hospital, where she sat with the (Rangel) family and she cried with the family, the prosecutor said. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com. panties. A lot of pain. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. It was senseless.. Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no panties. MyNewsLA.com wont sell your information and you can unsubscribe at any time. Everything [the prosecutors] said is true. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. She left work around 8 p.m., drove out of the parking lot and disappeared. Lopezs attorney, Lewis Rosenblum, claims that only Xavier Lopez is to blame for Torrezs death. The killer who stabbed Torrez repeatedly, stuffed her body into the trunk of her 1990 Toyota and left it parked in the Placentia Linda Community Hospital parking lot has not been found, despite a reward of nearly $36,000.