The families are finally able to find their graves in Guatemala, giving listeners a rare sense of closure. We have only two hours together. He spoke rapidly during our hours together, anxiety and desperation pervading his words and gestures. 2 yr. ago. At first I thought he was guilty. In the 70s, they embarked on a trip from Australia to Central America, keeping their family in the loop about their journey through letters. The perplexing case seems made for Reddit, and this podcast unravels its many layers. Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fianc Amy, but Ivan has maintained his innocence. During the trial, one of Cantu's former girlfriends, Amy Boettcher,testified that he had told her of his plans to kill Mosqueda and showed her the bodies after the act. The prosecution and investigating officers improperly coached witnesses and withheld evidence from the defense. Someone had known he would be out and had planted the jeans. We've never been able to touch. When 21-year old Christian Andreacchio was found dead in his apartments upstairs bathroom, the police immediately ruled the death a suicide. According to Boettchers testimony, Cantu called Mosqueda on the night of November 3, 2000 at approximately 11:30 p.m., and asked if he could come over to Mosqueda and Kitchens house. ***Ivan Cantu has a scheduled Execution Date of April 26th 2023*** Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. He should have another trial. I was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree in Louisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. It would have been an evening like any other except for the fact that it was the couples last. That was July 2005. Helmed by director Thea Sharrock, The One and Only Ivan is based on author K. A. Applegate's novel by the same name. Ivan Cantu lived in an apartment with his girlfriend, Amy Boettcher, near where his cousin, James Mosqueda, lived with his fiancee, Amy Kitchen. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Both were found guilty; at his trial, Pitonyak claimed he didnt remember the killing, so what actually happened and why remains murky to this day. Don't ask questions, just consume product and then get excited for next products. Cantus fingerprints were found on the guns magazine, and Mosquedas blood was found on the guns barrel. The brutal yet seemingly motiveless murder shocked the community, especially after that friend, University of Texas student Colton Pitonyak, fled to Mexico with a fellow student, Laura Hall, once Caves body was found. It didnt cost me anything, and I knew it would cost him everything if he really was innocent and no one listened. As well, upcoming case investigations are . I felt I knew him from his letters he'd been very open in them. Cantu was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death on Oct. 16, 2001, for the slaying ofhis cousin, James Mosqueda, 27, in Far North Dallas. I left the prison that day shaken. We call that "spending the weekend together". Her dad giving her some money to spend; he always had a weakness for his only girl. The Associated Press contributed to this report. He brings vast creative experience to every task . I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. No matter what, you can always turn to The Marshall Project as a source of trustworthy journalism about the criminal justice system. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000. The host, a BBC journalist, fleshes out the life of Farmer and Frampton through interviews with their families, including the formers sister, who wrote a book about the case. Here are five podcasts that have been generating lots of chatter among true crime aficionados. James, 27, leaning back, sipping a beer. Contact Alessa Dominguez at alessa.dominguez@buzzfeed.com. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of saving Ivans life while knowing at the same time how little I could actually do. Ivan Cantu is scheduled for execution on April 26th, 2023 in Texas for allegedly killing his cousin, James Mosqueda, and his cousin's fianc, Amy Kitchen. The couple later drove to Arkansas to visit Boettchers parents, where they were when the bodies were discovered the following evening. You can simply leave a voice message, or choose to speak to a representative if you prefer.Please note: In Texas, the Governor does have limited power when it comes to the death penalty. Donations from readers like you are essential to sustaining this work. Death row was a horrifying place. FkIzeGUXkAE8yqk.jpg FkIzsfsXwAEjKFu.jpg. Facebook gives people the power to share. I hadn't told him of my feelings. - Trial counsel did not request a defense investigator, nor conduct any independent investigation. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-5th-circuit/1553912.html. I didn't for a moment think he had the same feelings, but we talked as though we had been friends for years. Every week or two I leave my house at 4am and make the four-and-a-half-hour trip to see him. Your email address will not be published. In June 2006, eight visits after we first met, Ivan sent me a letter saying he loved me. We encourage responsible activism, and do not support using the platform to take unlawful or other improper action. The philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich once wrote, Doubt is not the opposite of faith. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The purpose of this blog is to provide a space for my thoughts as I review potentially problematic cases. Cousins by Blood is like a low-budget Serial with more twists. John . Ivan is 44; Im 42. These cookies do not store any personal information. These cookies do not store any personal information. To learn more about Ivan's case, head over to the Cousins By Blood Podcast. I never would have guessed where its led me. In this 13-episode podcast, produced by Ashley Flowers of Crime Junkie fame, investigative journalist Delia DAmbra revisits the case, interviewing former neighbors, police officers, and Johnsons family members and friends, including a roommate who disappeared right after the killing. On 11/04/2000 in Dallas, Cantu shot and killed a 27 year old Hispanic male (cousin to Cantu) and a 21 year old white female. There's a nice chemistry between her and her co host/friend too. The podcast grew out of private investigator Matt Duffs inquiry into the case of Ivan Cantu, a Latinx man from Texas who sits on death row for the execution-style murders of his then-27-year-old cousin and his cousins fianc in 2000. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, DART president says Dallas might not get most of $111 million promised by transit agency, About half-million North Texans lose extra food benefits, Frisco trustee goes to conservative radio to defend transgender harassment accusation, Delayed Dallas affordable housing project seeks workaround on deed restrictions, Mall owner backs out of plans for paid parking at D-FW shopping center, New apartment community in the works for Forney, Reata stock soars on FDA approval for ultra-rare disease drug after 15 years, Delta pilots approve contract with 34% raises, setting stage for other airlines, Sean Menke, CEO of Southlake-based travel tech firm Sabre Corp., stepping down, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices in move to make diabetes medicine more affordable, Marriott fires back at Michael Irvins request for expedited evidence in $100M lawsuit, Mexicos democracy is in danger, and we could all pay the price, Another witness confirms trans teens complaint about Frisco ISD trustee, Shermans semiconductor hub attracts massive land buy for home development. I still have a life to live." Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and . One episode even includes jailhouse calls with Hall and her mother, which portray her in a chilling new light. Paradise, a haunting narrative of their demise, is one of the darkest true crime podcasts out there. Nonprofit journalism about criminal justice, A nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother. US zip codes to cities powered by SimpleMaps.com. In addition, Cantu took jewelry and a vehicle from . Join organizations large and small who've made the switch! Forgot account? It is one element of faith. Perhaps cultivating doubt in Ivans story is part of having faith in him. Booking Date(s) Default 1 Day Range. Updated on 1 December 2021. He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. In the last few years, Texas has been one of only a handful of states that have carried out death sentences - and it continues to do so targeting the poor, the mentally ill and people of color.Please sign the petition asking Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case. Anyway, she had been contacted by Ivan Cantu's (convicted murderer and subject of Cousins By Blood ) Mother, due to her wrongful conviction advocacy and became aware of the case, binged the podcast, was convinced of Cantu's guilt, offered her assistance and was accepted into the . This article was published in collaboration with Vice. There, Boettcher saw both victims bodies through the doorway to the master bedroom, while Cantu was searching the house for drugs and money. Create new account. View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Member Newbie. His letters and cards now fill a Rubbermaid container nestled into a bookshelf beside my bed. This feature has been discontinued. Dani Clark is a writer and editor at an international development organization in Washington, D.C. Well never put our work behind a paywall, and well never put a limit on the number of articles you can read. At his trial, the state said it was a drug deal gone wrong. Later that same night, the state of Texas says, James cousin, Ivan Cantu motivated by his relatives drug debt and his own greed and jealousy killed Amy and James in an execution-style double murder. Ivan Cantu would steal the victims jewelry and vehicle. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, Dallas man on death row for killing cousin in botched robbery loses Supreme Court appeal, Mall owner backs out of plans for paid parking at D-FW shopping center, About half-million North Texans lose extra food benefits, Frisco trustee goes to conservative radio to defend transgender harassment accusation, Delayed Dallas affordable housing project seeks workaround on deed restrictions, Texas lawmakers zero-in on safety during first public education committee hearing, Delta pilots approve contract with 34% raises, setting stage for other airlines, Sean Menke, CEO of Southlake-based travel tech firm Sabre Corp., stepping down, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices in move to make diabetes medicine more affordable, Texas urges five big pension funds to cut off financial firms boycotting fossil fuels, Marriott fires back at Michael Irvins request for expedited evidence in $100M lawsuit, Mexicos democracy is in danger, and we could all pay the price, Shermans semiconductor hub attracts massive land buy for home development, Another witness confirms trans teens complaint about Frisco ISD trustee, NFL owners ask Jerry Jones to broker deal with Dan Snyder on Commanders sale, report says. Cantu had Mosquedas and Kitchens identifications and keys. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One day my daughter and Iwere shopping and I was looking at cards for Ivan and she said: "Were you ever going to tell me you loved this guy?" Ivan Cantu left his apartment with his gun and returned an hour later driving Kitchens Mercedes. Boettcher also said that when she saw Cantu on the night of the murder, his socks and pants were bloody. He has very kind, loving eyes. Ivan's trial counsel called no witnesses for the defense and presented no evidence of his innocence. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. That was July 2005. He can still use his position of power and influence to enact justice in the State of Texas. But one of the first things I asked that visit was whether he had killed those people. She uncovers new suspects, like Johnsons former neighbor and occasional romantic partner who had a jealous girlfriend characterized as being unstable by everyone who knew her. Ivan has been on death row for 20 years and maintains his innocence. The seven-part investigation doesnt answer all the questions surrounding the case, but it still provides a memorable journey into a story that resists easy conclusions. They also talk to Pitonyak and his parents as they grapple with how a National Merit scholar could have committed such a heinous crime. New suspects will be uncovered, new . via:postimg.org . Through chilling interviews with Boston's now-grown son, the truth about the couple's last hours is laid bare. Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasn't been an option. - Trial counsel did not interview witnesses on the states witness list prior to trial. They interview Caves family to humanize her and give more context to her life and relationship with Pitonyak. The movie narrates the heartwarming story of a silverback lowland gorilla named Ivan who lived . He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case. Ivan had been sentenced for murdering his cousin and his cousin's fiancee at their home in Dallas. Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. Later that same night, the state of Texas says, James' cousin, Ivan Cantu motivated by his relative's drug debt and his own greed and jealousy killed Amy and James in an execution-style double murder. Ivan has always maintained his innocence. Last year, when the court published a denial of Ivans previous appeal, I asked his wife, Tammy, to send me everything: the trial transcript, the crime scene photos, the legal documents, Ivans side of the story and any documentation from the investigations. I live the mundane life of a working mother in Washington, D.C. packing lunches, taking the bus to work, attending meetings, reading stories to my child at night, and, usually, falling asleep before 10. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case . Weve never been able to touch.' But the person presented at trial doesnt match the one I know: a friendly and intelligent man who cuts out New Yorker cartoons and tapes them to his typewritten letters. If we're unsuccessful, Iwill be there for Ivan the day he is executed by lethal injection. Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother, Education Level (Highest Grade Completed). Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. Ivan wanted me to date and beable to have sex he said I had tolive my life. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. While some things, like signing petitions, will work without Javascript you may encounter errors. To: Rather than investigate potential witnesses and evidence which would have supported Ivan's innocence or challenge the State's case, trial counsel conceded Ivan's guilt before the jury, thereby rendering constitutionally ineffective counsel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. His response was immediate: Oh my goodness, no, he replied, solemnly. Alessa Dominguez is a senior culture writer for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York. He determined the Watch List feature to be one of the biggest consumers of his time and deemed it non-essential to the site's core function. New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered. or. I feel very isolated nobody understands what I'm going through. Your email address will not be published. The podcast also focuses on the behavior and motivations of Andreacchios then-girlfriend, who has since sued both the family and the podcast. Ivan Cantu, 38, who was condemned for killing his cousin in a robbery in 2000, received a stay of execution last week after the state filed a motion to withdraw his Aug. 30 execution date. was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree inLouisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. All persons displayed here are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It's tough. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. This information does not infer or imply guilt of any actions or activity other than their arrest. For a long time I didn't let my family know. If we are to continue executing individuals, we must be absolutely certain that the right person is behind bars, and in Ivan's case we are not so sure of that. Ivan Abner Cantu was booked on 8/16/2021 in Collin County, Texas. We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and people of color. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I often try to imagine what that meal was like: Amy chatting with her dad about the classes she was taking in nursing school, the plans she had to go shopping with her mother the next day. I knew it would eventually happen, but it was still a shock. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of saving Ivans life while knowing at the time! Her in a chilling new is ivan cantu still alive still a shock we had been sentenced for murdering his cousin s a chemistry... No phone privileges, so calling has n't been an option a Serial. 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