28.05.2026 • 29 Min.

On New Year’s Eve 2020 in San Diego, California, a woman sent a series of disturbing text messages claiming her stepfather was “waking up” in the back of her SUV. Hours later, 64 year old Tom Merriman was found dead beneath a pile of debris at the end of his driveway. How to support:For extra perks including exclusive content, early release, and ad-free episodes - Go to - PatreonHow to connect:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterTheme and Closing Track:Original compositions created for The Minds of Madness Please check out our sponsors and help support the podcast:Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/madnessQuince - Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last with Quince. Go to Quince.com/madness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Raycon - The Essential Open Earbuds are perfect for refreshing your routine this spring. Go to buyraycon.com/mindsofmadnessOPEN to get 20% off!HERS - Feel like your best self again, Visit forhers.com/MADNESS to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.LEAN - They’re having a Huge Memorial Day Sale and Lean is 25% off!! Visit takelean.com and enter THANK YOU 25 for 25% OFF.Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free for three months - just head to granola.ai/MADNESSRula - Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/madnessGhostBed - Take advantage of Spring Sale pricing, go to GhostBed.com/madness, code MADNESS for an extra 10% off sitewide. Some exclusions apply; see site for details.Research & Writing:Giselle Melanson Tattrie Editing:Aiden Wolf Sources:Toronto SunCBS8San Diego TribuneMy Crime LibraryThe Coast NewsAleida LawKATVCBS8 San DiegoLaw & Crime SidebarRotten Mango PodcastCourtTV