Someone in this photo has an EVIL SECRET

[@saffronhaylett]

Absolutely crazy that they never thought to install cameras, security lights etc outside the house. 2 years of 'strangers' and they never got so much as a ring doorbell.

[@carlycaye90]

that group of dudes smoking in the yard would be the first cue to get surveillance!

[@satrok7490]

@Squeezebox Malushu they are a upper middle class family so they can drop a few hundred dollars to get like 3 ring cameras

[@skyblue486]

Exactly

[@xavierwashington5408]

@Squeezebox Malushu nah bruh if u got “strangers” stalking you for almost 2 years, you’ll cough up the money for cameras. A ring doorbell is also pretty inexpensive. U can easily save up for a ring bell in a few months. If u wanted to

[@kevinouellette5316]

@Squeezebox Malushu it's under $100 to get a camera that feeds real time into your phone, $150 for 4k and a motion light. I would eat raman for a year if it made my family safer after all that craziness

[@ericalexander5890]

For people wondering why they didn't have security cameras, they actually did get them. And it was the killer himself who installed them. And they kept "malfunctioning" and having other "problems."

[@willowzoey3096]

That should have sent red flags to everyone... They should have then had professionals come and install them, and maybe had secret ones put in that say only the parents knew about

[@Dapryor]

@@willowzoey3096 I think it’s easy to say that in hindsight. But when you’re in the middle of something that stressful, you’re not as clear about the situation as you will be down the line. Hence the phrase, ‘Hindsight is 20/20’.

[@notagreeable2249]

​@@willowzoey3096They trusted the future son in law. People don't usually suspect when they're about to be murdered by a family member. Hindsight.

[@hangedanchou]

@@willowzoey3096 hindsight is 20/20

[@tracey1157]

I would have kept replacing them or just left the house sorry but no I'm not staying somewhere with creepy people especially trying to get in my house OR I would have armed myself

[@NicoleoCrafts]

I don’t understand why they wouldn’t get security cameras. If people keep coming on your property and trying to break in you think you would want some.

[@sunshine2502]

Exactly what I was going to say!

[@429supercj]

Guns too

[@robertwilliams2309]

And why cops wouldnt put a patrol car near the house?Or why they didnt get finger prints?Or have a cop stake out near the backyard?

[@grassfedmilkmomma]

Right?

[@honeybunsophie1590]

To be fair the people harassing them could break the camera instead they should've got a gun or something

[@IGotOTGame]

That ending just broke me. Knowing that Kyle is sad and is still waiting for his mom is the worst from this already horrendous story.

[@Luvzrain]

It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

[@g8kpr3000]

Yup. Know a family with a severe down syndrome child. The father suddenly passed away in his sleep and his son doesn’t understand why he’s not around.

[@dawnfrancis2247]

Poor Kyle

[@saveusmilkboy]

I am with you - that bit about Kyle still hoping to see his mom broke me down. My best friend works with people with special needs, including a large number of people with Down Syndrome, which Kyle has. They are the purest, sweetest people who have all the empathy and understanding for others in the world. Seeing one of them suffer is especially difficult for me.

[@MikeEaster69]

Unfathomable :( devastating.

[@ALFAJERKBFH]

I would've put surveillance cameras up right away. I can't believe this dragged on for 2 years. Another thing, if you were a target of stalkers, tell your daughter and Jeff to stay somewhere safer.

[@c1np]

@@DARWINZOO bro that was 5 years ago , there have been outdoor cameras for so long now lmfao

[@dddgaming885]

@@DARWINZOO "cameras not as common" Bro you take as if they were in the 90's lol. This shit happened less than 5 years ago and you don't think there were affordable high quality surveillance cameras available?

[@LuisRamirez-ln3cj]

Exactly. If I were Bruce, I'd have installed cameras all over the place. It could have saved Mel's life. The fact that it went on for 2 years is just wild. The car going off in the middle of the night whenever Jeff was home should have been a major clue. Poor little Kyle, though. Wherever he is, I hope he's found comfort and peace after all of this time.

[@joez.2794]

@@LuisRamirez-ln3cj Bruce probably told his son-in-law to climb the ladders - him being young, a tradesman, and living there rent-free. Hell, Jeff probably "volunteered" and just never quite "got around to it."

[@snorgisborg2]

I thought the same thing. Cameras duh wtf?

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

It's really mind blowing how far someone's hate for another person can take them

[@JoshHem1]

yes

[@MrBallen]

seriously. crazy

[@canyoulendaniggaapencil8719]

How can you hate a person, a mother, who has given you a place to stay so you can focus on saving money? I don't understanr his thinking

[@milkandcereal5473]

Watch out for the like button, Ballen fans!

[@munkustrap2]

Anyone can hate anyone...it's to what depths you take that hatred to that makes you evil. This twat...most definitely evil.

[@mariahtarboro8614]

The most heartbreaking part of this for me is poor Kyle. My Uncle has an Intellectual disability and when my grandfather, his dad, passed away it took us literally years until he understood he was never coming home. It was so confusing for him and an open wound for us every time he would ask. I feel for them and hope they are all okay.

[@crafty_j957]

I understand your pain. It was like that with my grandfather, who suffered from Alzheimer's. When my mother died he would ask about his daughter and they would tell him that she died and would obviously get really emotional and upset only to forget and then he would ask about her again. This happened too many times and the emotional damage and distress it caused to my grandfather and anyone who broke the news to him that we decided to just not remind him and to say she was fine. The entire thing was, and still is, incredibly heartbreaking. I do hope that you and your family have been able to start healing and are able to look back on all of the memories you have of your grandfather and take solace in the happy times

[@masterson0713]

@@crafty_j957 that is heartbreaking

[@ianjakob2775]

@@crafty_j957 i work in a nursing home with a lot of the residents having dementia/alzheimers. one woman always tries to steal decorations for people who are deceased. we know they’re gone, but she doesn’t. its very sad.

[@crafty_j957]

@@ianjakob2775 that is incredibly sweet and also very sad. My heart always goes out to the person with the illness and also their friends, family and the people who look after them. My sister is a nurse who works in a critical care nursing home and some of the stories she tells are both heart breaking and rage inducing. The lack of care and kindness from some of the staff is what's rage inducing; plus just how some of the residents are being taken advantage of by family because of their weakened state of body and/or mind

[@elizabethmallory9978]

That’s awful, I’m sorry. Trying to help my grandfather remember where he is and that he’s safe with loved ones, I am emotional support for my mom as she watched her father drift away (very rapidly now) mentally, my kids stepping up and being amazing people by being patient and care for him as well as they also watch their great-gpa lose grip on reality… the only positive is that he doesn’t remember that his wife of 65 years has passed. He looks at pictures of her and says “that is my beautiful angel”. He usually thinks she’s just in another room. This is so heartbreaking, but it’s better than the alternative of him reliving the pain and loss every 5 mins-hour/daily and then asking again where she is as he dries his tears and the confusion enters his face again. Trust me, no matter how you try to soften the news, when someone has dementia or Alzheimer’s their mind is always in a state of just existing in the moment and afraid because they are so confused about where they are and who you are. He gets so frightened and frustrated when he realizes he has no idea why he woke up in “someone else’s bedroom” or why he isn’t in Hawaii in HIS home. He’s lived with us 7 years and his clear memories are those of when he was a child growing up in Hawaii or fighting in WW2. We label everything and leave notes. We have pictures labeled with the names of my kids and I.

[@LeoIsDifferent]

The biggest tragedy besides a person dying , a child being fatherless, a family traumatized is that poor kid Kyle who had a mother that would involve him in everything. Even if he doesn’t understand what happened he understands the void of love in his life. Broke my heart 😢

[@kiana9941]

That's another form of evil to do this to a parent who has a special needs child

[@AlphaOmegaKnight77658]

The very first thing Jeff said in his 911 call was ‘“someone” was attacked’. He didn’t say his mother-in-law, just her name afterwards. I could feel that disconnected in the call; like Melinda wasn’t family, just “someone”

[@isaiah2536]

I caught that too.

[@paulatavares5220]

When I heard his call I actually thought that he was referring to a stranger and not his mother in law . If he didn't like her why didn't he moved out ? Probably they couldn't afford and as he isn't a MAN , he would not be able to provide.

[@MarcusCBD]

Exactly but the father in law had the humanity inside to call him “my new son in law”

[@BespectacledPlantPoweredGoff]

spot on! totally dehumanising/depersonalising.

[@century-v7s]

That's how we treat our mothers in law 🤣🤣

[@kelseyleonard8054]

I am so mad. The fact that poor Kyle doesn't understand and might not ever understand that his mom, his favorite and closest person will never be back is so heartbreaking. But this POS murderer could get parole?!?! Hell no, he should never be free.

[@HellenaHanbasquet]

I'm the mother of a child with Down Syndrome as well as a substitute SpEd teacher. It's quite the opposite and even sadder. Down syndrome and non verbal does not mean he doesn't understand, the opposite is probably more likely. He fully understand and can't communicate his trauma and mourning because she was his primary caregiver.

[@annazikopoulos2668]

I agree! He should never be out free.

[@quantumsmom559]

Exactly! How can this horrible person get a chance for parole? Clearly premeditated! This was so sad.

[@huntermiller4236]

Well said! Agreed! 🍻

[@andyaitken4243]

I agree, I truly hope all of these comments are read out in his parole hearing so the board and he knows how society thinks of his crimes. He should never be able to be free.

[@Phantomonum]

Whenever I hear Mr. Ballen describe someone being "adored", I already know that persons fate.

[@the6ix72]

bro he always makes whats gonna happen in the story so obvious

[@cjane717]

Well it is true crime channel so I think it’s already pretty obvious someone is going to die

[@YenSnipest]

@@the6ix72 Just enjoy the ride dang. "Roller coasters are safe and thus not fun."...that's what that sentence sounds like.

[@the6ix72]

@@YenSnipest nga what 😂 no way ur comparing horrible story telling to fucking roller coasters

[@TheGosslings]

lol truth

[@taharied5643]

I really love how you tell stories. 50% of your script focuses on what the people are thinking as they go through each motion of the story, and I love it. That's how you get folks invested!

[@after9bars]

I agree and it gives a much more empathetic view to the story as it reminds us these are stories about humans and not just creepy/dark cases

[@tpretty]

That's unbelievably sad that Jeff left such a vulnerable boy with his mother who was dying on the kitchen floor. I came to tears whenever you said that he waits for his mom to come eat with them because he didn't understand his mom was dead. What a sick and twisted individual Jeff is, especially since he gave no motive for his actions.

[@PaperMakersAdeludedbroad]

Spoilers

[@nick63837]

Evil ... So evil

[@elvira2756]

Taylor Pridmore, the friend that Mr. B spoke with said Jeff had hated Melinda from the beginning, but apparently didn't elaborate on the statement. WHY did he hate his soon to be mother in law? It would seem that everyone else loved the woman, so what did Jeff hate about her? especially enough to want her dead and plan a cold blooded murder for years.

[@liviemillie6455]

@Machine Gun Energy Ikr. When Ballen said "with possibility of parole" me and my family were like ???

[@KAABOOMENTERTAINMENT]

It hit me really hard emotionally as well. That’s beyond selfish on Jeff’s end

[@amandahunter3325]

The fact that Jeff hated his future mother-in-law so much so that he was willing to mentally torture his fiancé and child is really disturbing.

[@michaelkobylko2969]

Pop psychology from someone with no training in this area, but I suspect that Jeff didn't see being invited to live in that house as an act of kindness. He probably felt humiliated, maybe emasculated. He's likely psychopathic and harboured a severe resentment to his victim. Without the capacity for proper empathy, he perceived her kindness and generosity towards him as an insult. But again, no expertise here on my part. Just pure amateur speculation.

[@rascal211]

Big mistake to open your house to a loser like Jeff.

[@liamseekins9488]

​@michaelkobylko2969 That's not really amateur you're very intelligent!

[@niramm]

That ain't it@@michaelkobylko2969

[@beeech1080]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@liamseekins9488 yes intelligent! But still amateur if op isn’t a professional psychologist 😂 I’m no professional but I study psychology in university. Psychopathy isn’t an individual diagnosis, instead it’s one possible symptom to describe specific personality disorders. Currently in the DSM 5 (which is like the bible for mental illnesses) there are 4 subtypes of psychopathy: narcissistic, borderline, sadistic, and antisocial. To make it more confusing, children who show signs of psychopathy, are diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which can then turn into other disorders such as antisocial personality disorder. These all have other symptoms, not just psychopathy. For example, people with narcissistic personality disorder are often very entitled and arrogant, whereas people with antisocial personality disorder dislike other people and are very manipulative. There’s sooo much more info about this, and it’s really quite confusing. Psychopathy isn’t seen as a disorder in itself anymore , but rather it’s manifested in different ways and that’s why there are “subtype” personality disorders- because all 4 show similar behaviour but in slightly different ways (lack of empathy, lack of planning ahead or any idea of what is right/wrong, deceitful, impulsive, lack of safety for self and others, and much more). In my studies, antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder are more commonly talked about in regards to psychopathy but there are other mental illnesses in which it can appear.

[@Kthb80]

Spoiler… If they had a couple security cameras they would’ve caught Jeff breaking the car windshield, putting nails in tires and sneaking up onto the back porch. I’m shocked in two years nobody installed cameras

[@CrankyBarista]

Same. This wasnt 1995, this was just a few years ago.

[@icegypsy99]

Yeah though he would known about them, and easy enough to erase footage....unless of course they used a security service that had the footage stream to a secure location. Wonder if the family talked about it and he discouraged the family from "Wasting money" on it.

[@arassnibbor5327]

I was wondering that too. Or why weren’t they recording on their phones? 2016 wasn’t that long ago. This technology existed 6 years ago.

[@CrankyBarista]

@@icegypsy99 4 years ago I made about 30k a year and set up a camera system for about $400. You cant put a price on safety.

[@Kthb80]

Although this would’ve only been helpful if Jeff was unaware of the cameras.

[@sacrosby]

Those 911 operators rude as hell

[@blacknwhite1974]

They are supposed act like that.They have no idea what the caller has gone through the first thing they try to do is calm them down.And when just some random guy calls them and tell his wife is killed and start swearing at em of course they get confused and lose patience.

[@sacrosby]

@@blacknwhite1974 of course they're supposed to be calm. But that person on the line was downright rude.

[@JonathanRoofner]

Always

[@darckfantom7580]

The one also sounded high

[@tinybootykia4411]

💯💯💯

[@Prof.Tarfeather]

First person I suspected was Jeff, the son-in-law. All of this started the minute he moved in.

[@tinawindham6958]

In the pic, at the beginning, I thought that dad looked really sus!

[@jakeylakey619]

Exactly. I said either he has enemies or it’s him himself

[@julieheaton3041]

Exactly what I thought too!

[@phantomJK]

I had a feeling it was Jeff too, but i though the motivation would have been for the inheritance rather then hate.

[@TipTheScales27]

I’m from Strongsville and he was my first guess too! Kyle wasn’t the only one with special needs in that family.. Anna also had a mental disorder, so I knew anybody that she was in a relationship with would also have mental issues…

[@RobCrowley85]

That last part about Kyle looking out the window, waiting for his mum, that hurt. I can't imagine that kind of pain in a child.

[@areyoujelton]

I know I just want to find that poor boy and hug him and let him know that he is still loved deeply! :(((

[@RobCrowley85]

@@areyoujelton I have to agree. I have an autistic child and want to protect her from everything. Typical dad stuff. I'd never want that for her, it's just heart-wrenching.

[@kimgreen4311]

That part of it is what makes me want some quality time alone with Jeff in a room... That disgusting monster 😡😡🤬🤬🤬

[@ericwilson9811]

Well he`s not actually in pain at all he doesn`t even know that she`s dead

[@valz2282]

@@ericwilson9811 still man the boys world is gone have a little compassion

[@queenkatma]

Imagine spending two years plotting and carrying out an alibi for a murder, only to forget to dispose of the weapon and clothing from your car... This whole story is bonkers.. That poor family. My heart goes out to everyone involved, especially Kyle.

[@mitchweber7868]

What an idiot 🤣 they thought they wouldn't check everyone's cars 🤣🤣🤣

[@awsomepossum210]

It is kinda interesting that he left the murder weapon to be found so easily. Did Jeff forget or was he framed? Now that's a question we all should ask.

[@timmiller4499]

He thought that he would never be looked at as a suspect he wasn't framed and he didn't forget he was a sick and twisted Coward!!!

[@blazinchalice]

@@awsomepossum210 He confessed.

[@justincase2716]

@@awsomepossum210 he confessed

[@jodijohnson5052]

Brought me to tears on so many levels. I feel for the whole family. But Kyle...I grew working with amazing people like Kyle and I'm fuming... I thank you for sharing and mostly the hard work of you and yours to provide us with intelligent content. Xo

[@KingB65]

How could you kill the woman who opened her home to you. Hope he's getting dealt with in prison

[@Army4life82]

Kill? That SOB went completely crazy. This was overkill!!! Shot 3 times stabbed over 30 times!!! This Maniac was out to annihilated her! Then the audacity to carry her casket 😭 straight psychopath

[@catwoman2596]

@@Army4life82 yeah, we noticed the same thing you did.

[@Army4life82]

@@catwoman2596 ugh what a horrible heartless person Jeffrey Scullin is!!

[@Army4life82]

@@catwoman2596 Something is not right IMO maybe I'm reading to much into this, but I find, it incredibly odd that Anna didn't know some of Jeff's misdeeds & lies. Your future husband buys you, a new house yet you nevermind go see the house 🤔 You're lazy azz fiance doesn't work yet some how has money?? Saying that money came up missing when you're home alone. I'm not saying she had anything to do with her mom's death. That's all on Jeffrey but it's some strange things that makes absolutely no sense Imo

[@suhooo]

@@Army4life82 I think she might have been in on it or known something.

[@kingz7693]

She was my teacher in 6th grade. When I was in 7th grade we got the news of her dying and it was the worst feeling ever. Thanks for telling this story!

[@tw1stedgrav1ty7]

cap

[@jimmythe-gent]

@@tw1stedgrav1ty7 gey

[@MrBallen]

Oh my gosh. So sad!

[@cheetyliciousmeowmeow1085]

So sad😭

[@SP-oi7cm]

Was she really or are you lying your ass off?

[@tonyhull9427]

This is why you need security cameras. Plus they should have taken pictures whenever they were visited.

[@Mahlercougar]

Security cameras.. yes I agree. I dont know why they didnt. But then again , without them knowing that Jeff was behind it, He probably would have done something to the cameras to avoid detection. This story breaks my heart on so many levels :'(

[@jordanfrancis129]

Should have just emptied a clip through the window...fk photos just dump him on the ground

[@commander31able60]

That doesn’t sound like a reasonable use of deadly force. You’d most likely end up in jail.

[@xsizzlexster6495]

I know!...happening for months and not once did they think "let's set up security cameras for our safety."

[@jordanfrancis129]

@@commander31able60 same people being trying to break in for multiple years, women home alone w her baby doesn't know what the intruders will do. Bro it's America idk the law their but u guys always bang on oh I need my gun for protection, if u can't use it on people breaking into ur house when u dunno their intent then wtf is it for. That's retarded but then its America so who knows

[@Finneganbeginagain1]

I’ve done a lot of research on this case and I don’t believe that Jeff hating Mel is the complete or primary motive. He lied constantly about working and said that he got “laid off” from his heating and air job and said he was basically doing upkeep with the 6 properties that he claimed both he and his dad owned. Many of the strange occurrences involved money being taken. To the point where Anna started putting her cash in her bra and Bruce wore a man purse almost constantly since one of the times he had all the money for a “gambling pool” that was with his coworkers. Anna had cash taken from her actual wallet that Jeff said must have been the people targeting them. I think he created these stories so that it didn’t look like he was the one taking the money since that was the only way to try to prove he was working when he wasn’t. Mel was pretty sharp and after the wedding venue said that Jeff’s card was declined on multiple occasions and she paid it, she most likely confronted him about his lies. I’ll add that he also claimed that he was buying a house for his new family with cash and Mel searched the internet and found nothing on the property so she and Bruce assumed he was lying about that too. He was a lazy compulsive liar and I believe that Mel figuring out some of the lies was the primary motive.

[@kuigana566]

This makes so much sense.

[@outoftheordinaries]

I can’t imagine what Kyle was going through, I just feel so bad for him.

[@FukYubtch]

Oh well who cares I don't.

[@ItsMikky]

Names keep clashing in my brains is Kyle the mentally disabled child? Or the son in law?

[@outoftheordinaries]

@@ItsMikky he is a mentally and physically disabled child, now the part about step son it’s also kind of confusing for me

[@FukYubtch]

@@ItsMikky Kyle is the guy that shot them 3 white people and the news kept saying he shot 3 blacks? He killed a pedo and a women beater but the media said they were heros and black ????

[@lauratreasures]

@@ItsMikky Kyle is the son with down syndrome. The son of Melinda, the murder victim. Jeff is the murderer.

[@Bebe-rn2fh]

I honestly wouldn’t listen to this story if you didn’t narrate it. You’re the best storyteller ever. Poor little Kyle, he doesn’t deserve this terrible thing

[@JDoe001]

NONE of them did.

[@rosalindgentry6633]

I agree

[@thesteerfamily4236]

Two of my kids are developmentally disabled and I cannot even imagine something like this. I mean, it is horrible enough for the adults and stuff, but what Kyle is going through just adds a whole new level to the whole thing. My heart goes out to all of them, but especially him.

[@ashdobbs7492]

Kyle doesn't know

[@MetalSStar196]

@@ashdobbs7492 Scotty doesn't know.

[@christopherdevoto9024]

I'm not sure why these people did not do anything to protect themselves. Cameras, a personal home weapon, home safety plans , outside lights and a room that can safely hold you until help arrives.

[@XioC652]

I know. Not everybody is comfortable with guns, but security cameras, anything? My friend Roxy installed a panick room in her house. It's safe and when locked, nobody can get in. She gkeeps some MRE's, a gun, and emergency supplies.. but anything is better than nothing.

[@GlennaVan]

It would not have mattered what they did - it was a family member, who they would not have suspected who did it.

[@josephvanas6352]

@@GlennaVan would have found out real quick if they slung some buckshot through the door when they were trying to break in. May or may not be legal to prevent breaking and entering with lethal force as it depends on the state but regardless they would have found out who was messing with them real quick.

[@GlennaVan]

@@josephvanas6352 Truth!!!

[@montanamike7948]

Kinda hard when it was a inside job

[@Darksagan]

It blows my mind at how frail so many minds are when it comes to the smallest amount of stress and how quickly they we will resort to murder. Its like empathy has been removed from that inner dialogue. Imagine how many killers you walk past in grocery stores, malls, etc that have never been caught.

[@myishacherry7242]

It's utterly frightening to realize that truth!. We had a neighbors in the town we lived in lil over 10 years ago, older gentleman & his young adult son. They were super kind to us & I was often downstairs visiting them w my niece as the son was artistic & liked to show us some of his work. The Dad woukd regal us with stories of his life back in the 1960's & 70's. The often let me come use their computer instead of walking all the way to use our library 's. Few years after we moved away, the son unalived his father. It was the most eerie thing seeing our neighbor online in a news article for slaying his dad. You just never know....God & his angels are so often shielding us from danger we are entirely clueless about❤🙏

[@pureone8350]

Yeah, that is very scary. There was a story in my local town about a doctor that ordered a hit on another doctor that he perceived as obstructing his way to success in the medical field. I actually met this guy and his wife and we had lunch together back in 2016. I was so shocked to find out the truth about him! Luckily, the doctor he targeted got out harmless because he was warned beforehand by the hitman who had a change of heart.

[@myishacherry7242]

@pureone8350 Wow omg!... So glad he found out & is ok, mercy!

[@moralityisnotsubjective5]

1 in 25 have sociopathy. So for every 25 people you meet 1 of them may be a sociopath. 1 in 100 are psychopaths. Odds are you have met them and not known it. And men are six times as likely to have sociopathy. Chilling knowledge to be sure.

[@bonzo6826]

​@@myishacherry7242the son unalived the father.....😮

[@renaysari6631]

What an evil human. It just goes to show you you never know someone. My sweet girl was murdered by her boyfriend, along with her nephew. He was always nice and polite to me, and was welcomed in my home. I never in a million years thought he would kill her. He will of course spend the rest of his life in jail, but that is no comfort for those two not being here.

[@nont18411]

Sorry for your loss. Stay strong.

[@Blackhaze3000]

I’m sorry to hear that, RIP to your daughter & nephew. I can’t imagine that type of horror

[@nicolefusco9643]

My god I am so so so sorry. I cannot imagine the strength you have. 🙏🏻

[@endless3cho]

I don't know what to say... My heart goes out to you and I hope that you're keeping all the memories of your girl alive in your heart.

[@renaysari6631]

@Duck Thank you.

[@rf4341]

I can only imagine the guilt her daughter feels for bringing such evil in their home. RIP

[@Luminousmorrow]

What confuses me is why this family never invested in security cameras... After several incidents you think you would take advantage of beefing up your home security...

[@kassieparish314]

@@Luminousmorrow my thoughts exactly I’d get cctv all around the house after the first two incidents knowing it’s connected

[@greghii8093]

It's a lesson for all young women. Too desperate and trusting to acknowledge red flags.

[@morganadias8692]

I was waiting on mr ballen to say they invest on cameras. I would like put camera in the background. And also begin to imagine what I could do to the backyard to prevent those people. Like how to trap the mouse kid of thing. But cameras on the inside. But mr ballen mentioned dog and that for my understanding was a new thing. But I would definitely suspect something wrong because it happens after this guy moves in. Not suspected that he is doing it intentionally but like have he some people that wants to hurt him. And I find it very brave for people that still leave in the house even after all of this. But I gets many reasons are money 💰 You can not just buy new house. But I would be so scare of leaving there

[@Velvettearsss]

@@greghii8093 nah hold men accountable. 95% of these stories are about men doing messed up sh*t. Can’t blame it on women when there’s literally patterns.

[@rebeccanika]

My six year old daughter has Down syndrome and is largely non-verbal. My heart breaks for Kyle. I guarantee that he understands more than what he is able to communicate. This is devastating on so many levels.

[@stormyskyz4251]

I have a non verbal 5yr old boy with Down syndrome, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement. My heart is shattered for that boy.

[@msme9790]

That is horrible!!!!

[@Generouslife153]

Dude, you are the single most talented storyteller I have ever come across. The way that you are able to bring emotion into these stories despite doing them for years and years hundreds thousands of times it’s incredible I can’t even put on an act to sell a damn vacuum cleaner, you must actually enjoy doing this anyway, thank you for keeping me company for countless lonely nights.

[@cmoney7891]

That last detail about Kyle at the restaurant really got me. This is a very sad story and I hope this family can find some peace.

[@MarcieJ2000]

Agree, that part is the most heartbreaking 💔

[@treyerickson7459]

Got me too

[@JonnyQuest64]

He left out tail wagging...

[@ibanheadhunter8317]

Yes. Its very sad and heartbreaking.

[@danielmartin4133]

When he said that it kinda haunted me.

[@evanjrowley]

What crushing story. That family was so generous and it's totally shocking what that Jeff did to them. There is an incredible amount of trust good people like Melina have in humanity and abusing that is a crime in itself.

[@wvtrucker10420]

apparently you've never stayed with a mother-in-law

[@thelogicaldanger]

@@wvtrucker10420 Then he should have manned up and moved out, instead of cowardly killing her in front of her granddaughter and son.

[@allenpruitt8650]

Should have been given the death penalty.

[@thelogicaldanger]

@@allenpruitt8650 I agree, at a minimum life imprisonment. 33 years is ridiculous, a guy this pyscho can never be trusted in society again.

[@strwbrybabyg245]

TheLogicalDanger it's called white privilege

[@crispena8897]

I have a brother with DS and I have tended to many others with the same condition. The utter rage that I feel towards Jeff for killing Melinda AND leaving Kyle to experience such horror is indescribable. He deserves to rot in prison.

[@terrykelly6113]

Chris what is DS?

[@michellebear144]

@@terrykelly6113 down syndrome

[@FukYubtch]

I have a Nintendo ds 😆

[@FukYubtch]

@@michellebear144 Nintendo down syndrome ? Never knew that

[@terrykelly6113]

@@michellebear144 thank you

[@meadowmaiden4621]

this is horrific. How can you hate someone so much? This is crazy

[@Dani.J.]

The whole story is heart breaking but hearing that the little boy still waits for his mom to show up was an extra blow to the feelings ..That poor family.

[@hmdoc16]

Yeah, kinda like Hachi...

[@malicioussoftware8242]

Kills my soul

[@carolcoates2736]

Too sad 😔

[@RaGoddessOfLoveNLite]

so tragic.....

[@jenniferwilliams9548]

My son is on the spectrum, and Non-verbal, I never used to wear my seatbelt or be so concerned about my health and diet ,but I worry about my son, what he would do without me. I know I am his world, and I couldn't imagine how hard it would be on him, my heart breaks for Kyle, I hope he still feels her presence, and Love and I pray he's at peace and happy.

[@jacobwallace8017]

You're like that dude everyone wants as a friend. Youve got that universally chill guy vibe. Keep on killing it man!

[@MrBallen]

Thanks man!

[@jumatron2060]

He does seem like we could chew khat and hang out with

[@adriennesargent7019]

@@MrBallen totally awesome way to spend the first days of the new year! (Sadly it was a very sad, dark and mysterious way). You have an amazing ability!! Keep doing your thing!! Plus, thank you for your service! My grandfather was in WWII, my great uncle was in Vietnam and I have a very close friend stationed in the Carolinas. He’s a Sergeant in the Air Force and he enjoys watching your videos too! 🇺🇸

[@dfgiuy22]

@JUMATRON 20 of all the drugs, Khat? Really? Going for some blackhawk down vibes? Way better drugs to chill out with than amphetamines! A drink or three, joint or even just a coffee and chat. Khat, really?

[@iLovedWhatiHated]

That escalated quickly

[@louiseepoppers911]

Heartbroken for the family, Melinda’s son who doesn’t understand that she’s gone and still expects to see her places is devastating, as is the fact that Anna’s mum was murdered by her own fiancé, the thought of her trying to explain that to her child, and the fact he killed his own child’s grandmother. He put the whole family through 2 years of hell, people he was supposed to love the most, and wouldn’t even have the decency to explain why he did any of it. I hope the family is getting all the support possible, my thoughts truly go out to them.

[@shirleygrimes2522]

Sad.

[@BBrett]

The fact that they haven't had anymore sightings or harassment from the alledged 'strangers' is proof if was him staging all of that all along. What a monster :(

[@austingoyne3039]

It’s baffling. There has to be more to the story than this.

[@lucybullwhip8103]

Mom*

[@louiseepoppers911]

@@lucybullwhip8103Mum** If you’re from England like me :)

[@O0dZ-x5e]

One of the grossest things is cops saying there’s nothing they can do….so instead of patrolling or staying in near the area just in case, forany amount of time they just leave, and let crimes happen while they lock up and extort innocent civilians that didn’t call them for help or want their presence.

[@lighthousefilms5530]

Teared up at the end when he's talking about Kyle waiting for his Mother. Just heartbreaking

[@MJ-oi5wb]

I can't see putting him through that for years. A good therapist could help break the news to him

[@mebelle473]

To think that Kyle probably witnessed this horrendous act on his mom is truly heartbreaking

[@rockynathaniel8908]

Same

[@MannyBrum]

The fact that those large adults could never seem to break a door down made it suspicious really quick.

[@TyIer0]

i know right, if they really wanted to get in they would have used something to break the glass.

[@joeb9645]

It was intentional, a strong show of force but never actually enough to fully break in. All part of his alibi building, that's why they ran when confronted or when "caught".

[@tormentedslayer7498]

For real... it wasn’t someone trying to really get in, it was just a scare tactic, just to put the family more on edge. God! I hope Jeff gets what is coming to him in prison... he’s not the kinda person that’ll survive in that type of environment, every hardened guy in there... I hope they smile an look at him like fresh meat! An then the painful stuff starts happening to him. Cause I know if that was my mom... he wouldn’t have made it to prison.. I would’ve taken him out! I’d be soo blind by fury... that not to long after I found out... he’d be dead.

[@SuperChoronzon]

Yeah, didn't flag as quick for me tho', as I had thought that maybe they were trying to lure him out, and attack him as group, I don't suppose there's owt worse than being suckered with that one, you turn a corner and there's 4 or 5 peeps waitin' for ya with God-knows-what... squeaky-bum time, lol.

[@cpryor98]

It’s possible they were just trying to rationalize the situation. Obvious to us now that they weren’t there to break in just “set the scene” for this elaborate murder that makes even less scenes. I can’t accept that there wasn’t something else going on that we will never know unless Jeff tells us what was really going on. Even then could you believe him if he did. We’ll never know

[@sari-kitty]

It's so heartbreaking to know that Kyle doesn't understand that his Mom is gone. It sucks that the baby girl will grow up knowing that her Dad took her Gramma's life. What a senseless crime. So very sad for the family.

[@TheMachinery.]

The way you execute these stories is truly, truly an art. I've always been drawn towards storytellers, you are the best storyteller I have ever come across, every single change of inflection, every single method of revealing detail is truly superb and I'm so thankful to have found your channel. Keep slapping the like button in the face with raw salmon, I know I will.

[@leahbussell4334]

Man that is heartbreaking about Kyle looking out the window in expectation of his mother’s arrival🥺 The way you tell a story is absolutely incredible. Thank you for always delivering.

[@jayrose6312]

His storytelling is addictive! I had to actually look for a video of his tonight as I’ve seen almost all of them! 👍

[@vincedidiana5781]

@ Leah Russell 😍

[@leahbussell4334]

@@vincedidiana5781 thanks😁

[@howdareyouexist]

@@leahbussell4334 🤮

[@colenexoxo8939]

I know So Sad for that boy.😭😭😭

[@ryanm7263]

Jeff: Carefully constructs a narrative and alibi for months Also Jeff: Leaves murder weapons in his own car

[@guilhermehank4938]

Such a basic mistake

[@guilhermehank4938]

Always have a plan to dispose of the evidence after the deed is done, including the murder weapon

[@rainsrapidly]

🤣🤣🤣right.. and leaves a living witness

[@KCCAT5]

Its always the stupid mistakes that trips them up

[@jonldavis]

So he left the clothes and weapons in his car for days and even took them to the funeral?

[@tamarabradshaw4799]

It’s very frustrating that Jeff won’t fess up and talk about the motive. Did he blame Melinda, a disciplined and respected school teacher, for his intense feelings of inadequacy? Formerly decent men have been known to snuff out their entire families because they couldn’t handle the shame of failing financially. I feel that Jeff couldn’t accept his responsibility as a young father and husband so he took it out on the one person that made him feel inadequate. “If she were dead then I wouldn’t feel so much pressure.”

[@greywalker505]

That definitely does add up. Men-myself included-like to consider themselves self-reliant, so the idea of other people bailing us out as adults, even if they’re our parents, can make us feel like we can’t do anything right. For most, I would think it’s something easily resolved, but there was something especially wrong with with him. It became a personal pride/paranoia thing. Pure speculation, and I’m no expert; just giving an opinion.

[@mitchbaker5995]

Maybe he's protecting someone else who was involved with the plan kinda funny how only he and his wife ever saw these people

[@chuyitochuyin5894]

@@mitchbaker5995 same thing I was thinking. im guessing some type of life insurance to which her daughter and son were the primary beneficiaries.

[@cherylfox6765]

Bingo. Most men cannot stand a mother in law riding them over money. I'm sure it was her little comments that hit a nerve in him. Though, this never excuses this POS murderer in any way.

[@annebodee]

He's a sociopath. They don't need a reason for their evil. It was said he hated her from the moment he moved in the house so he didn't "snap." He's just pure evil.

[@cyka666]

I feel so so sorry for Jeff’s daughter. Having a father like that. Rough.

[@Bhnbhn]

I’m actually surprised the police didn’t advise them to put up surveillance cameras after so many calls. In my country we even have police-certified CCTVs. Police can’t be that helpless and wait for someone to be killed.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Well they may have. If you ever do some independent research on these stories, you will find there are a lot of details left out, I assume for the sake of the telling.

[@tabitha2706]

Welcome to America. The police aren’t here to help anyone. They’re here to clean up after it’s already happened

[@bradsanders407]

I can't believe they didn't take it upon themselves to get a camera. This was 2016. Some people just have that "we live in a nice neighborhood" mentality and never take precautionary steps to help insure their safety.

[@chadking8767]

@@bradsanders407 cctv dosent stop crime it just records it lol

[@bradsanders407]

@@chadking8767 really? They don't? I thought it started shooting at the perp and then sent in robots to detain the scumbag. Imagine my disappointment if my camera ever caught someone breaking into my car. Geesh I really got egg on my face. Thanks for pointing that out for me. Hey idiot, if they had gotten a camera they would have known it was the boyfriend and they could have taken appropriate steps from there.

[@charliebear154]

I just want to say that this form of commentary where you’re not using a script is so refreshing. The way you tell the story feels like my friend is telling me the story just naturally on a Friday night lol it’s great!

[@kalnedlewil2897]

And it feels like he was there ! Very talented man 😍

[@lucybullwhip8103]

He uses a bullet point type script. He's just so good that you can't tell.

[@charliebear154]

@@lucybullwhip8103 that’s what I mean, it’s so seamless you can’t even tell. It’s like he’s telling you a story that literally happened to him, super talented!

[@lynpatricia6854]

He says he practices stories ahead of time with his wife.

[@charliebear154]

@@lynpatricia6854 the dedication shows ✨

[@Williamtravis9898]

My heart broke at the end hearing about how Kyle doesn't understand that his mother is gone and that he always looks out the window for his mother when he goes out to eat which is something he loves to do, I pray for their family and I hope they are able to find happiness and peace after that horrible tragedy and sick and pure evil act from a something that I dont think can be considered human

[@lisas8244]

Seeing the son in so much pain because he doesn't understand where his mother is would make it doubly painful for the surviving family members.

[@kayden5238]

Same, it hit me hard in the feels , makes me want to slap jeffs face so hard he will look like a picasso artwork

[@illegalghost7117]

Same

[@jerrycraig6522]

YEP, NOT human, phycopaths/sociopaths are absolutely NOT humans, no emotions or any empathy for people with human emotion!!!

[@SieMarie]

How could you give this guy the possibility of parole?! He planned an elaborate murder for 2 YEARS before carrying it out & then played dumb til he got caught. Can you imagine the things he’ll have planned after 33yrs in prison?!

[@artchic528]

Kyle eagerly looking out the restaurant window for his mother every time he and his family eat out just rips my heart into shreds. I’m literally crying just thinking about it. That and how he must have seen his mother dying in a pool of her own blood and not understood that she wasn’t ever “waking up” again. This just hits too close to home for me. I have a cousin with Down Syndrome and though he is verbal and can communicate very well, when his father, my uncle, took his own life, he really didn’t understand it fully. My heart breaks for Kyle, and for the rest of the family having to deal with this huge loss.

[@samanthalee4403]

Omg so so sorry to hear that about ur family my prayers 🙏 r with u and ur family hun…but hearing about Kyle also made me cry and ripped my heart out too my goodness I can’t even begin to understand this just absolutely disgusted me when it came out that Jeff did this to this family again so sorry about ur family hun…..

[@joannajamerson35]

I'm only halfway through and this is just devastating so far I would have put surveillance or moved and surveillance was available back in the early 2000s and the 2010s and the 2015s

[@xElvirax]

and now im crying

[@artchic528]

@@samanthalee4403 Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Though this event happened years ago, it still has long reaching effects.

[@carliecole2563]

Omg that's what I said too! And I felt HORRIBLE near the end because, well.... From the beginning it says "Someone in this photo has a secret!" & Honestly, since there was so LITTLE reference to Kyle throughout- I honestly was almost POSITIVE it was gonna turn out to be KYLE'S DOINGS!!! (too many horror movies??) I felt like such a jerk for even thinking that after he mentioned Kyle still waiting for his mom to come to dinner... Geez you really ARE a black hearted jerkwad, Carlie....

[@jennifermichelle9256]

Not only do I live in Strongsville, but I live on their street. This was so tragic for the community. And for over a month afterwards, there was an endless parade of cars driving down our street just to get a look at their house..... That poor family had no peace.

[@cheyenner.c3391]

I hope that doesnt happen again because of this video. I'm not very close to the family but I got to know them through an ex-boyfriend and they're really nice people. I don't think they are going to be happy about this video going up.

[@hahanofuckyou]

@@cheyenner.c3391 I know this family too. They aren't happy at all. He even showed photos of BOTH sides of their house.

[@cheyenner.c3391]

@@hahanofuckyou I know and its awful! He pretty much doxxed them to over 5 million people! There's no reason to show both sides of the house, or street. Unfortunately its been made public info because the photos shown were on the news but 100% he wouldn't like his house and street posted to 5 million people, especially considering the circumstances. I used to be a fan of this guy's videos because I thought he at least contacted the families with cases like this. Actually so disappointed he thought including such close details was even remotely a good idea. How can you go through digging up all of this information and not think of asking for permission first????? Not to mention all the unblurred photos, including of the baby?!?! Dude just why. I really hope they're okay, I know this has to be difficult for them

[@aygenesisx3]

@@Neverendingstory78 exactly!!

[@cheyenner.c3391]

@@Neverendingstory78 I'm well aware of that, believe it or not. Its not a matter of legality or public info but a matter of human decency and understanding that maaayybe making this video without the families permission could potentially be harmful to them and cause more issues than they've already had to deal with. If this happened to you would you want dozens of cars lining up outside your house? Would you want millions of complete strangers to know what your house looks like and the town and street you live on? You don't even have to reply, the answer is no because no one would want that. It would be different if he at least got ahold of them to ask. If he has time to dig up all this info, public or not, he has time to contact the family too.

[@jaggirl]

I can't believe they didn't install camera's around the home, when all this harassment started. Some people have soo much hate. It's insane.

[@tonicardanini1863]

Yeah, I wondered why they didn't get cameras too.

[@jason2014]

The cameras wouldnt have helped if Jeff knew about them..

[@MR.GRIMM760]

Cameras, motion activated lights/cameras, maybe pick up a firearm and train with it. I'm sorry but I would of dropped a mother F'er that's been stalking and terrifying my family clearly couldn't count on the police. Nothin against police but damn that department could of done more

[@andremessado7659]

@@jason2014 Yes but it may have deterred him from committing the crime.

[@Hannahgs]

@@MR.GRIMM760 I’m sure they tried whatever they could.

[@catlady5359]

I watched statements made by the family members (both daughters and the father) to the judge at sentencing for Jeff. They were very dignified and his ex-fiancée, Anna, called him manipulative and a sociopath who would kill again. He certainly played a lot of mind games with her family. Apparently, Jeff’s family wasn’t involved with the baby or upcoming marriage at all because they didn’t like Anna’s parents (and family, I assume) which might be indicative of Jeff’s own attitude and behaviour. 30 years in prison before parole can be considered (they always find ways to reduce this) only puts him at 50 years of age which would allow him to get involved with other innocent women and likely use them and possibly harm them. I hope he never gets out of prison after taking Melinda away from Kyle who can’t understand why his mom isn’t around. What kind of selfish, sick person does that out of selfishness? A sociopath. I hope Kyle finds a way to move forward without his wonderful mom. 😢

[@TheBOG3]

Jeff’s parents never said they don’t like Mel or Bruce. He made all that up to keep them apart so he could continue with his lies and manipulation tactics. His mother said she knew nothing about supposedly having to meet up at Applebees to give Mel money for Jeff and Anna’s wedding. He made all of that up, too.

[@williambock1821]

Were the Strongsville police unaware of the existence of security cameras ? The only suggestion they had for the family was ,”Call us back if they show up again” ? Did no one in the family realize EVERY square foot in the country is watched by a security camera except THEIR house? Was Jeff ever AGAINST buying security cameras? If I saw a group of strangers just standing in my back yard and staring at me ONE TIME, I’d have my entire yard booby trapped like bloody Vietnam and cameras filming from every possible angle by the next morning! 😂

[@jenl1107]

Omg you made me 🤣

[@justinstayton6640]

Bro, sit this one out 🤦‍♂️

[@donebread6641]

Scooby-Doo traps

[@brwils3378]

Could take pic with phone or video. Also why did every member that could get armed and trained. To protect there own selves. Police clearly were not going to do nothing until after the damage is done. I truly blame all involved.

[@-._.-KRiS-._.-]

@@brwils3378 You really want to give an infant and a person with Down's Syndrome a gun?

[@lindsayeller8649]

That ending has me in tears. My youngest son is autistic, non verbal, and cognitively disabled. He is the light of my life, he lights up when he sees me when I pick him up from school. My heart just breaks for Kyle. What an absolutely senseless crime.

[@glynnisrowley998]

It broke my heart too. My 35 year old son has Down's syndrome, and is the light of my life. He is non verbal too, and his favourite treat is going out to lunch or dinner. My heart goes out to the family.

[@ItsMeYourRealDad]

You both are great people

[@Itsnotthatserious2023]

yes, boys love their mamas. That is heartbreaking!

[@nikkic.8012]

I can't imagine how her daughter feels. The fact that she brought him into their lives & home has got to be gut wrenching. The worst part is that her precious son is still waiting for her to show up because he doesn't understand death. God bless him...

[@domolad771]

Idk Kyle and his mind but my cousin has a similar situation. He's mentally disabled and he hasn't comprehended that his brother is gone. Honestly doh when he talks about him coming back to play football with him, he's the happiest. It's a smile of hope and happiness that he has even doh he's told a hundred times he's gone. So I hope Kyle thinks like that as it becomes not the worst part but the best part.

[@summergiddens6792]

Seems like the daughter was in on it. She was the only other one that supposedly saw people prowling outside and a motive has still not been given by the boyfriend.

[@HonRevPTB]

@@summergiddens6792 Hmmm, that's a possibility!!!

[@novac1990]

@@summergiddens6792 without evidence serious claims like this shouldn't be made. Is there evidence that you have that the police do not in regards to the daughters involvement in the killing of her mother in front of her daughter and brother?

[@Petra44YT]

The baby girl must feel rotten about this too once she's older and can understand. She doesn't have a daddy because he killed her loving grandmother and is now in jail. That's not the kind of background story you'd tell everyone.

[@TubularBelles]

WOW! That’s what you get for being kind! Was not expecting that ending!

[@ticrific]

I feel so bad for Kyle. He saw his mom die but doesn’t believe she’s dead. Honestly, I believe he was spared because he’s non verbal. Jeff thought he could get away with it since the witnesses weren’t able to communicate what they saw. I’m glad Kyle is alive. It must be so hard for him having trauma that he is unable to process

[@srcastic8764]

I have an autistic and mentally disabled son who almost completely nonverbal, only able to communicate very basic wants and needs - I want drink, I want hamburger, I need potty, etc. He’s really gentle and sweet, but does have quick, semi-violent outbursts that are almost always associated with him being frustrated about something and unable to express himself. For example, if you are doing something to him he doesn’t like he can’t tell you so he will hit you real quick. So as a father dealing with this daily, I can truly understand the inability to express themselves and the frustrations of it, or at least have some understanding. But I can’t imagine what Kyle must deal with or how someone could even try to help him deal with it. Every day I wonder what my son is thinking about, what’s going on inside that sweet head of his as he stares silently around the world. I can’t imagine the pain Kyle’s father feels as he tries to imagine the same about Kyle.

[@amandaahmed2142]

i hope he ends up in the deepest part of hell

[@ticrific]

@@srcastic8764 have you tried using something like AAC to have him use buttons to express something more thoroughly? That can be quite pricy though. Another option is making a sort of keyring with flash cards showing pictures or with text of something he wants/feels. He might have a lot to express that he just can’t verbalize, and that would help you get a better glimpse into his mind :) sorry if this comes across as rude and unwanted parenting advice. I’m autistic myself, so sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if my attempts at being helpful are just bothering people. I’m sure you’re already working to improve his communication skills, and that’s already great progress that he can communicate basic wants and needs! Just remember that as frustrating as it is for you as his parent, it’s just as frustrating for your son and for Kyle having so much to say and so little awareness of how to say it. I’m pretty articulate and I still get really frustrated because it’s hard to know how to express feelings. Also, he loves you and doesn’t want to hurt you ❤️ I’m sure you know that, I just want to reassure you in case you ever question it

[@srcastic8764]

@@ticrific we know he doesn’t want to hurt us. He just gets frustrated. It never upsets me, but it does upset my wife sometimes. Still, she knows why it happens and that he loves her. He’s probably the only person in the world who loves truly unconditionally. He’s certainly brought us far more joy that heartache. We’ve tried everything to try and help him communicate. His intellectual disability is so bad though - his IQ is only 35 - that he can’t use some of the more advanced methods like the electronic devices and flash cards have proven useless. After 27 years of working with him we’ve learned to read him pretty well though. Luckily, he’s a sweet and happy kid (we still refer to him as a kid even though he’s 27) pretty much all the time.

[@carlovincetti4538]

Police probably after the fact started to figure if a stranger came in to kill the mother leaving evidence to a crime of passion by stabbing her so many times would probably kill the son too with a bullet.

[@Crystal_K1tty]

I don't usually cry at murder cases but it's just the fact how Kyle doesn't understand how his mother is dead it's really sad to know that a kid doesn't know that he'll never see his mother again...❤️

[@cementmixer13]

Omg I accidentally disliked it cause of my fat fingers and cause my eyes are watering

[@silvermoons7539]

In a way it's bittersweet, because he doesn't have to feel the pain of knowing she is gone forever

[@HellenaHanbasquet]

@@silvermoons7539 that's not true at all. I'm the mother of a child with DS as well as a former SpEd teacher. Non verbal + DS does NOT mean he can't understand, it's actually worse than that. No doubt he FULLY understands, but being non verbal and his closest caregiver gone he can't communicate his trauma or pain. Be assured this will affect him for the rest of his life.

[@silvermoons7539]

@@HellenaHanbasquet thanks for letting me know. I don't know much about people with DS so thank you

[@rickneal3916]

I'm tearing-up myself and I almost never cry short of losing a close friend or relative... The part about Kyle at the end really got to me, though 🥺

[@anthonybaney9684]

It makes me angry that people like this even get a chance of parole.

[@Bomba_drastic]

What's parole

[@minuette1752]

@@Bomba_drastic Being released from prison early to try to live a better life due to good behavior. I highly doubt he will ever get it though.

[@miramuchachito296]

@@Bomba_drastic parole: hope society put in the fact that a born POS will ever again be able to live among them free.

[@daemoniumvenator7099]

@@minuette1752 not really the whole definition

[@daemoniumvenator7099]

@@Bomba_drastic Parole is a concept of letting the prisoner out of prison to live in society HOWEVER under heavy supervision from the deputy

[@nishchalgogate601]

I don't understand why homes in US and Europe are so easy to break. Only glass windows , thats very surprising.

[@moonspun4evr]

What kind of windows do you have?

[@nishchalgogate601]

@@moonspun4evr We have metal rods installed before the panes. These panes are hinged and can be opened. Even if some one breaks the glass, no one can enter the house from windows because of metal rods.

[@moonspun4evr]

​@@nishchalgogate601 I'm envisioning prison bars lol.

[@nancygonzalez9177]

Because houses here are made of wood and paper and in case of fire, they go up in flames quickly, so people need a way to escape quickly.

[@Sunnybias]

I’m baffled they didn’t put up security cameras - it happened for 2 years and yet they didn’t think of that?? That would have caught Jeff. I feel so sorry for the family and it’s scary how someone you think you know would do something like this to you... sickening!!

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I agree. I guess I am paranoid, but if weird stuff started happening at my home after a new person had moved in, I would immediately start thinking something was up.

[@MrUranium238]

I guess Jeff voted the idea of security cameras down

[@ibrahimdelomavicsmithson164]

jeff wouldve known and gotten around them somehow

[@kittuojha]

Nah, jeff would then kill her sooner, before they install any cameras. And he could do it in many ways, eg just spill some oil around her room or kitchen and she falls and breaks her bones. Then one day mix something suspicious in her drink so she falls ill, I mean keep doing this and she dies eventually.

[@reggaevibes100]

@@kittuojha 5 raw kidney beans is enough to kill a person.

[@adityastrcoep]

This makes me so sad..poor Kyle..Also it's beyond me that, why didnt they get any security cameras after being harrassed for over two years?

[@GrammarSplaining]

Or bought a gun.

[@kristenjustkristen9462]

I was thinking about that as well. While I'm sure Jeff would've disabled them or gotten around them, it would've at least been some sort of defense.. I bet he was probably always arguing against the idea though. It's amazing how manipulative he was.

[@claybond7430]

I was thinking the same thing🤷‍♂️

[@kaseysewick1691]

Or have cops stay and watch the house. I felt so bad hearing he watches for his mom to come to eat :/ they should bring a picture for her seat to help him.

[@savannajade973]

@@kaseysewick1691 true, but this was happening every 2-6 or so months so it’d be hard to predict when they would show up next

[@Summertimesadness.25]

Everyone that see’s this, best wishes.. 2022! Starting New Year right, watching the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format. Best story teller ever.. John Ballen!💯. I just saw how many people seen my comment..Thank you all.!

[@TheDoomeredDoomer]

Thanks Jeff mate same to you buddy 🤟

[@baldomniman4571]

True man

[@madameleota6731]

Happy New Year to you as well!! Thanks for all the awesome videos!!😀😀😀

[@TheBiggestSqueeze]

Dude this is depressing AF listening to this story

[@George-qr3jp]

Best wishes to you as well in 2022.

[@Marley-z-x13]

We LOVE YOU Mr.Ballen!! A shout out from Northern Alberta Canada!!! My mother and I watch you all the time and love your style, stories and showmanship keep up the amazing work Bonita & Marissa

[@juleswins3]

The guy is eligible for parole in 33 years?! He’ll only be in his late 50’s. If ever there was a premeditated murder, this is it. He should have gotten life without parole at a minimum.

[@whitesage3448]

Eligible for parole does not gets parole. The family will be there to protest.

[@Queen_at_the_Crossroads]

It would be an asshole of a judge to approve his request for parole after they receive the info of the case. I think he'll rot in there or get shanked there before then.

[@carlovincetti4538]

Crimes of passion do not warrant life without or death.

[@patrickfoster4586]

@@carlovincetti4538 This obviously was not a crime of passion the guy had been building an alibi for two years. He should've already been hung in front of the courthouse like in the good old days. Cowardly bastards like Jeff would cease commiting these murders if they were able to see what happens to convicted premeditated murderers. The murder rate has skyrocketed since we did away with public executions.

[@nayan7398]

That is for people who sell or use drugs.

[@orcashadow8989]

I feel SO bad for Kyle. He lost his most important person. That's tragic enough, but being mentally disabled as he was, the impact of losing his mom must be unfathomable. So sad...

[@R24579D3541]

Also, him having issues verbalizing his thoughts and emotions.

[@alonedownthere47]

@@R24579D3541 what an unfathomable hell. what could a loving god do to make up for something like that?

[@ProTuner06]

There is no impact. He doesn't even realize she's gone....

[@Charles-7]

is kyle is considered disabled, i sure fell sympathy cause i too is disabled cause of my asd.

[@phoenixxxashez]

I hate to compare humans to dogs and I am no way saying people with disabilities are like dogs, but if you ever hear those stories about dogs losing their owners and they are just waiting for them to come back. This is kind of the same ordeal. It's heartbreaking because they can't process that their loved one is gone and that they will never see them again.

[@kathrinsides2838]

OMG. That was just heartbreaking, the part about her son expecting his mom to show up to dinner every time they go out to eat. I really appreciate the incredible compassion that you display when you tell these stories. Not only are you a great story teller, but you are clearly a wonderful person. And you obviously get what your wife has to deal with (the curling iron joke made me LMFAO)! You rock!!!!

[@jellyking4271]

Ya that part about her son waiting for her every time they go out to eat makes me so sad I feel like I'm going to cry 😢

[@westonrodriguez6973]

That last part made me tear up ngl

[@jonasjelich4576]

I shed a tear at that part so heartbreaking

[@jennymulhall816]

Gosh. I’m just sobbing at that last part. The heartlessness of this crime is just unfathomable. That poor, poor lad. 🥺

[@teleuk3589]

Spoilers

[@kateaustin9428]

The ending really broke my heart. Poor innocent boy ❤

[@tamaramarie968]

You have a way of telling a horrifically tragic story in such an empathetic manner. Other channels with similar content give me the creeps when attempting to hear a story. Always including thoughtful tid-bits about the victims. I appreciate that as I know they would too 🙏

[@eoneternal8051]

Mr Ballens empathetic style compared to Mick from 'The Chapter,' who dyou think is more compassionate towards the victims? And who's re-telling of horrific incidents is better?

[@bubbaXzone]

Also the story is so well said i can easy follow and imagine!

[@madelinedaigle7598]

@@eoneternal8051 I'm a fan of both, started first with MrBallen last year and then That Chapter the last few months. I think MrBallen wins overall empathic delivery of his stories, consistently maintaining the tone and energy that retelling such tragedies calls for. Mike's style is similar, but he's got a bit more of a quirky sarcastic and jaded edge to his narrations that, over time, his viewers come to understand as just how he is and it's not to be taken as him being disrespectful or a sensationalist. They're both completely different men and personality types and I love them both :) But yeah MrBallen wins this one.

[@tannersmith1784]

Nailed it on this one!

[@willisverynice]

Depends on the person, many people don’t want details about them published.

[@ShariceBurrows]

I hope this family is able to find peace considering this horrific act was done by someone they trusted. Truly sad.

[@Bomba_drastic]

@@boxjellyfish9819 WoW 😲

[@boxjellyfish9819]

@@Bomba_drastic I pooted

[@johnharrisonschulz]

Very thoughtful. Without peace, something sad or bad has to fill that void.

[@mommyfindingfit]

The fact that he was willing to even hurt his fiance and his own child, putting them through 2 years of terror before he murdered her is insane to me. The brutality in his actions is unimaginable. Someone that calculating and cold blooded should never have the chance to get out of prison! This is premeditation on a whole other level!

[@YUHJKT]

Thank god there is someone in the comments who understands the one most important point in this story. The absolute evil of this loser who selfishly caused this nightmare to happen. I would have to say that ol Jeffy boy doesn't deserve to breath anymore.

[@ffblegend]

I thought that same thing, what a POS he is. I feel sorry for the family, I am sure the daughter felt like shit.

[@Halo2glitchlover22]

He’s a psychopath.

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

I hope someone "inside" takes "care" of him so he never gets out unless it's in a body bag. What a huge piece of shite!

[@Pleiades-111]

Umm, he killed his mother in law, not his fiancé

[@goddessofcha0s]

My heart physically aches for Kyle. That sweet soul 😢

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

I can't believe that anyone as evil as Jeff would EVER be eligible for parole.

[@StillPooh62]

The downside of a plea bargain. The family was saved the horror of a trial, but the scumbag can hold out the hope of someday breathing free air.

[@crashers17]

He should never get out. What a p.o.s this guy is....!

[@cheapmovies25]

He looks like the type that would be a p**** in jail and real good too then get out and kill someone 30 years later

[@stephanieann8115]

I’m hoping that any parole board would see the brutality of his actions and tell him HELL NO!

[@KatriceMetaluna]

Eligible. That means they'll have one of those parole hearings or whatever they are called. And I'm completely certain the family will be right there to remind everyone what a horrible person he is and his parole will be denied, until the next parole hearing where this will happen again.

[@Vixendee666]

Can we take a minute and appreciate how little ads are in our favorite storytellers videos? Regardless of the amount of followers he is gaining daily, he doesn't change his MO. Congrats Mr. Ballen! Cheers to another year !

[@williamfranceschi2903]

That's hella cool but utube controls the ads don't b disappointed when more ads start

[@Barzano6390]

@@williamfranceschi2903 yea I had 3 interruptions, two ads each, sooo

[@TrojanLube69]

Less ads = less money for him. So you are happy he does more work and get less money. Nice! Good job brain dead. What else you appreciate? That he gets PTSD from his veteran days ? KZbin controls the ads too, less ads = youtube thinks is not suitable for many companies.

[@johnniewasr5740]

No

[@lailanimessina1473]

@@williamfranceschi2903 HE can ad more ads if he wanted to lol

[@caroladler3148]

No one in the family noticed Jeff may have acted strange at times? How could he have such hatred toward Melinda and kept it hidden? He must have been one hell of an actor. And he had some type of "criminal intelligence" if he had people stalk their backyard and rattle the back doors. That's premeditation. I wonder if Melinda, as a teacher, had an uneasy feeling about Jeff, but denied her intuition for her daughter's sake.

[@autarko]

It's not uncommon to have a strained relationship with the mother-in-law.

[@infinitybeyond8887]

I wondered about this myself. If he hated her so much to stab her over 30 times could they not feel his disdain for her. Also, it started happening when he came. Why did no one question that? Plus, it mostly happened when he was gone from the house. There are sooo many questions. Who are the other people that were in the back yard? Did they know his plans?

[@mapleflag6518]

You guys seem to forget that killers can hide their intentions well. Thats how people like Bundy and Gacey lured their victims in.

[@davinasquirrel7672]

I suspect Jeff is a psychopath/sociopath, who can be convincing liars.

[@LashaTheOne]

According to his confession he snapped because she kept calling him “fat and ugly”

[@rivers28]

my heart goes out to kyle.. im in literal tears for him. i cant imagine putting someone through that, especially when they dont fully understand the situation. its so so heartbreaking..

[@susanhawk8730]

The harrassment started happening as soon as the boyfriend moved in. I was suspicious of that fact but I thought someone was after the boyfriend maybe a jealous stalker. I also thought it was awful that the cops did not investigate more and have the house under surveillance.

[@wynettedabney7390]

I said the same thing! The cops could have done a little more. And I’m pretty sure at some point they would have figured out it was the boyfriend. SMH. This might have been prevented maybe.

[@genderfluidlygay7146]

I also thought that!!! They could have put the house under surveillance or install cameras around the house. I felt this case was really much neglected. Poor kyle and rip melinda. My condolences to Melinda's family :'(.

[@stewpidasso3910]

As an Ohioan. Our cops only do their job when they want to arrest you. When your life is in danger it's always "we can't do anything we have no evidence"

[@suvamhangsubba9662]

The cops only takes action after someone gets killed. Easier to catch criminal that way for them so yeah, they simply take the easy road. 😑 I'm so mad at them... They were called a lot of times and yet they couldn't do ANYTHING for them? C'mon!!! This world is crappy.

[@jimmythe-gent]

Cops are always minutes away when you need them. Thats why you do like Mr. Ballen and get yourself an HK '416' (or just a standard affordable firearm)

[@nrgao]

"Someone in this picture is hiding an EVIL SECRET" me: "I'm keeping my eye on that baby!"

[@syrusangi8743]

Ngl, I did the same thing 😂😂😂

[@rissa280]

😂😂😂

[@frankedenborough5392]

This happened while I was her student back in 6th grade. Everyone was completely shocked and hurt, including me. She was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful woman. The teachers put up a photo of her near her classroom to remember her. Im a sophomore in highschool now and its insane this happened back in 2017. Rip.

[@blc28x]

💔

[@susanxyz5730]

❤️

[@lauramayfair7887]

💜

[@Charles-7]

and i feel sympathy for Kyle too, if i see my mother died like that, i would probably be lost and feel like i have nothing to live in this world.

[@nicolechafetz3904]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I’m so sorry this psychopath cast his shadow on your community, Honey.

[@mob6percent]

this story is so frustrating. no cctv, no extra cautions knowing those men would come again and finally be bold enough to attack. THREE times they failed to get those faces because they're impatient, unprepared and unaware of their surroundings enough. why would you run at them? why would you bring your dog to attempt peeking at a bunch suspicious strangers in the dark? and WHY didn't at least you had your phones ready to capture their faces or record the door? god, it's like they had no survival instinct.

[@nessarose3234]

My son is 14 with autism and he's also 100% nonverbal. My heart aches for this woman's son and how much loss, fear, and trauma he has and cannot verbalize.

[@nessarose3234]

@James Bond I was 19

[@SpitfireLionheart]

Spent the past year studying autism and neurodevelopment for an MSc degree. Fascinating area to learn about, and to work with autistic individuals has been a joy though challenging at times.

[@nessarose3234]

@@SpitfireLionheart the nonverbal people are extremely fascinating to watch, my son is like a christmas present, you never know what he will do next. I seen him sprinkling something into his water bottle, i thought it was playdough crumbs, i said "dont do that, messy" and then realized it was sweet and sour crumbs from his candy, he was making his water flavored

[@Danovio]

@@nessarose3234 My daughter is 5 and my son is 3, both got autism and both are nonverbal so far, so sad for this family.

[@misska7535]

My nephew is autistic and has asperger's syndrome. He can barely speak. He sounds like a 2yr. He can't function without my sister (his mother). Tjis is heartbreaking & he's such a heartless monster. God bless 👑🙏🏼💝💝

[@chrissylibertyk9]

Opportunity for parole?!?! This is possibly one of the most premeditated murders ever in history and this guy gets parole. This is where you understand a vigilante

[@GrammarSplaining]

Well, he took a plea, so no chair.

[@JediOfTheRepublic]

@@GrammarSplaining It's 2022, their wouldn't be a chair even if he got death.

[@dianawatton7570]

I totally agree when a person takes a life they should have to give their life in prison with a sentence of no possibility of parole.

[@scottcantdance804]

Cases of escalating harassment and criminality like this perfectly illustrate why it should be legal to booby trap your own property. You wouldn't want innocent people to be hurt by your booby traps, but if you have signs posted saying "no trespassing", or a fence enclosing your property, it should be legal.

[@sheilablake7913]

You should hear how lenient our system is in the U.K.! You’d be as disgusted as I am, sometimes just a handful of years, the sentences can be halved & then get out early - for-good behaviour! Sickening especially as we obviously don’t have the right to bear arms either.

[@racheld23biscuitsmom42]

It takes a POS to savagely murder a woman after she’s opened her home to you, but leaving her with her developmentally disabled son is on a whole other level. The cruelty toward both mom and son is astonishing.

[@lovely1641]

I mean you never know. Stories can flip in the most unexpected ways. She could have been super passive aggressive/psychologically abusive or worse behind closed doors. Not to ever condone what he did but that's also a possibility

[@lonestargazer9255]

@@lovely1641 it isn't like he snapped and lashed out, he planned this for years, some people are just shit, he could've left anytime

[@WontSeeReplies]

Well said.

[@randomloser4674]

I'm going to sound like a total jerk but are we sure her daughter was completely innocent in all this? The only people who saw the supposed intruders was her and hubby. If her hubby was the fake intruder jimmying the door how did she not recognize him?

[@racheld23biscuitsmom42]

@@lovely1641 none of that would matter. Although, it’s unlikely considering the level of planning he put in to it. Also, if that were the case, why traumatize the son by leaving him there for hours?

[@bedjouisthebbg]

I know this is a two year old video now, but I've just discovered Mr. Ballen. This story shook me. OMG. I never saw that ending coming.

[@dknight25]

How can you loathe someone who welcomed you into their home as part of the family? That's just insane how cruel this was.

[@JessieHTX]

Sometimes people don’t like someone for no reason. They usually don’t murder that person.

[@d.o.p.d.o.p.1775]

Maybe they met before or Jeff is the type of person to dislike middle school teachers, or she reminded him of something.

[@anthonyrobertson2011]

She may have gotten onto him about things in the past a few times and he just really didn't like her judging him. That would be my guess. Just simple things like he should've been home with his daughter and wife to help out instead of going out with friends the other night.

[@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206]

@@JessieHTX meow!

[@zoltore23]

Nothing better than starting the new year with a new episode of strange, dark and mysterious delivered in story format.

[@kentoscocos5238]

and we come to the right place, because that's mr ballen and his family do

[@ronniedrake.]

Thats right my guy!

[@albertoaguilar1701]

Yeah but the story is sad it's not funny

[@strange8628]

i love this channel are there any good channels similar to this one...

[@XENONEOMORPH1979]

you cert like to hit the wrong button one day you just might be on his channel for the wrong reasons

[@ElisaDunivent]

No one can tell a story quite like you. You always have a way of telling it in the best manner possible. You bring more to a story then all the others on KZbin. Sympathetic to the victims and they're family's. All you hard work and hours you put into each story definitely shows.

[@jangelderloos2211]

Too long winded imo.

[@67vette52]

R u kidding, there's many on youtube better, like That chapter and he doesn't steal stories from reddit and wikipedia and just repeat them word for word.

[@aeonversestudios01]

Me after the third encounter: "So anyway I started blasting!"

[@PiperAtTheGatesOfYourMom]

I wish this guy had a podcast where he just talks about his life, military experiences, why he loves doing stories, etc. He has such a good voice and a way of telling stories that I think could make for a very cool podcast.

[@keahiggs9069]

Yessssssssss 🙌🏽

[@ajpeggs]

I agree!

[@KDu400]

Absolutely! He could read the dictionary and I’d listen!

[@ianjacka469]

I want the original 1st pressing of your thumbnail on Vinyl LP, lol.

[@thespyderwithin]

Judging by his appearance and Melinda being a school teacher I would bet that they had consistent conflict over Jeff being lazy, not cleaning up, not taking care of the baby, not treating her daughter well, etc. Which means he killed her because she expected him to be a good person, which he wasn't. And the weird stalking (shaking the glass door during the day, running away when noticed, nails in tires, the car alarm) is not to draw attention away from him, it was to gaslight Melinda/make her life miserable by keeping her up all night when she has to get up early for work. It's also odd that the girl he was about to marry didn't recognize him at the back door. The two times it happened when that girl was home alone...

[@MrZergMan]

we don't know that was him, right? Could've been a friend?

[@thespyderwithin]

@@MrZergMan not in my opinion, what motivation would his friend have to solo terrorize his friends family? Not to mention willing to risk criminal charges just to stand there or awkwardly "try" to get in? Preceding incidents were terroristic preamble, not an attempt at a clever ruse.

[@sherryditzler7908]

There is only one issue I have with your take in Jeff. Things started happening the very next day he moved in. Could it be Melinda insisted Jeff and her daughter not sleep together til they got married? Even still....something doesn't add up. There is more to this. Possibly Melinda didn't want Jeff seeing her daughter. However after her daughter became pregnant she had a change of heart. She may have said something unkind about him which her daughter told him when she was infatuated with him and wanted to see him regardless of her mother's concern.

[@kimgysen10]

@@sherryditzler7908 Lol what à stort. There is no evidence for that. Jeff didn’t give a reason.

[@seashellsff5er8691]

That's very suspicious, the only people who see those bad guys are Jeff and Melinda, if Jeff payed strangers to do that, I'm sure those strangers would've come out since they could've thought it was a harmless prank. My theory is that Jeff and Melinda worked together, and that they had long term plan to get the life insurance money from both of the parents! Unlive the mother the dad will write a will for his daughter and grandkid and later unlive him.

[@pennylambley2536]

I’m surprised that the Police did not advise them to install cameras, outside lights etc. after all the call-outs they had to this property.

[@unknownuser8454]

The family is stupid af

[@jhmi7877]

Yeah I don't understand why this wasn't done. Even if it wasn't advised by the cops, I'd imagine that the family (in year 2017) would think about putting up cameras. Especially since their stuff were being stolen. ??? It's a bit mind boggling.

[@solarqueen2555]

Is that really the police's fault? If someone tries to break into my house i dont need ANYONE telling me, i'm driving to the camera store that DAY.

[@kendramanuel968]

My thoughts exactly

[@clarenceboddicker9360]

The police are very bad at their jobs.

[@two1delta1]

Crazy. So sad for Anna and the kids. But also, the story and events themselves are just beyond frustrating - could have protected themselves much more.

[@leanneshephard8034]

Completely heart broken for Kyle and his family. What I don’t understand is why security cameras weren’t thought of nor installed even after a few months. I find that fact completely mind boggling

[@pollypockets508]

Jeff would have done something to them or turned them off.

[@Kthb80]

@@pollypockets508 good point

[@rayelee1301]

@@pollypockets508 Maybe, but why wouldnt the owner of the house install them?

[@dearhazel.3710]

I said this to.

[@rchltrrs]

I was thinking the same thing. I would have immediately wanted cameras and motion-sensor lights. Maybe they thought of it but Jeff somehow talked the out of getting them?

[@tarnaparish9938]

My heart hurts for Melinda’s family, especially poor Kyle. I can’t ever understand how someone could hurt another person, so the idea of taking a life is incomprehensible to me, and I’m sure most other people feel the same.

[@subwichman]

@@i8143 Neat. The overwhelming majority do not. Most come from poor & abusive environments with no sense of traditional culture. Kids who grow up in relative poverty but in places with strong sense of community & custom, far more rarely turn out like that than any of the others

[@PsychedOut..]

I have a non-verbal son. This story hurt my heart. That poor boy, I can’t even imagine what those few hours were like for him, left at home with his mum stabbed and shot on the kitchen floor. My son adores his mum, we affectionately call him ‘Shadow’ as he’s always by her side. The thought of him going through something like this is too much. What an evil bastard that guy is.

[@mamalupine7604]

True

[@jackieboy-kh8gz]

He is pure evil

[@ITI-xi5zx]

I was raped by a boy with down syndrome when I was 4 years old.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

That's terrible, & I'm sorry you have had to survive that nightmare. That boy was not this one, tho.

[@Angela-qx1zn]

That was a plot twist I was not expecting!!!!! 😱 My heart is broke thinking of Kyle waiting for his mommy to come home 😢