In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the tragic murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five who was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Del Rio, Texas. I walk through the timeline of the attack, the emergency medical response, the forensic realities of stabbing investigations, and the evidence investigators use to reconstruct violent crimes.
As this case continues to unfold, I focus on the verified facts while honoring Caroline's life and the family she leaves behind.
This episode contains discussion of homicide and violent injury. Listener discretion is advised.
Jul 8
37 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the tragic Mechanicville family deaths involving Amy Steadman. I walk through the investigation, the forensic process used to reconstruct the events, and the challenges investigators face when responding to scenes involving multiple deaths.
As always, my goal is to help you understand the investigative process while honoring the victims and the lives forever changed by this tragedy.
Listener discretion is advised.
Jul 1
43 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, forensic death investigator Julie Mattson examines the case of Shawn Michael Grate, whose decade-long series of murders shocked communities across northern Ohio. Julie explores the investigation, the forensic evidence that linked the crimes, and the challenges investigators faced in bringing justice to the victims. As always, this episode keeps the focus on the lives of the women who were lost, honoring their stories while providing insight into the forensic process behind a complex serial homicide investigation.
Jun 24
30 min
Who am I, and how did I end up investigating death for a living?
Originally released as Episode One, I'm bringing this episode back for new listeners who want to know the story behind the voice of Pushing Up Lilies. This is my story, from my path into nursing to becoming a Forensic Nurse Death Investigator. I'll talk about what drew me to this unique profession, what it's really like to investigate deaths, and why I felt called to create this podcast.
Jun 17
8 min
In last week's episode, I explored the tragic death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and the events that unfolded during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. This week, I'm following the case into the courtroom as we examine The State of Texas vs. Karmelo Anthony.
During this episode, I'll walk through the key moments of the trial, the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense, and the jury's ultimate decision.
Jun 11
30 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a high school student whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been an ordinary day at a track meet.
In April 2025, a confrontation between two young men at a Frisco, Texas, athletic event ended in an act of violence that shocked a community and made headlines across the country. What began as a disagreement escalated in a matter of moments, leaving one family grieving the loss of a son, brother, friend, and teammate.
Jun 3
32 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the heartbreaking case of Rachel Castillo, a young mother whose disappearance in Southern California led investigators to a devastating discovery, and ultimately, the conviction of her estranged husband, Zarbab Ali.
As a forensic death investigator, I walk through how cases like this begin to unfold behind the scenes, how small pieces of evidence start forming a timeline, how investigators interpret behavioral patterns, and how critical those early investigative decisions become when someone suddenly disappears under suspicious circumstances.
May 27
32 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the mysterious death of Spencer Irwin, a 30-year-old Fresno City College student whose body was discovered behind a business loading dock in Fresno, California, in August of 2024.
What initially appeared to authorities to be a tragic but straightforward case quickly became something far more complicated...
May 20
30 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m covering the tragic and deeply disturbing case of Sonia Exelby, a 32-year-old woman from Portsmouth, England, who traveled to the United States in October of 2024… and never made it home.
According to investigators, Sonia flew into Gainesville, Florida, after connecting online with a man named Dwain Hall through a fetish website. She was expected to return to the UK just three days later, but she never boarded her flight.
What followed became an international homicide investigation that shocked both sides of the Atlantic.
May 13
32 min
In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I continue Inside the Crime That Shook a Community with Part Three, focusing on the trial of the man responsible for the death of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
This is the part of the story where the legal process begins… but that doesn’t make it any easier.
As I walk through the courtroom proceedings, I do so with the same care and intention, because behind every testimony, every piece of evidence, and every legal argument is a family still living with unimaginable loss.
May 6
33 min
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