At 9:12, I accidentally say "Emily's sister" when I meant to say "David's sister." Sorry about that, everyone. I misspoke and didn't catch it during the editing process. I think I was meaning to say "sister-in-law," and got ahead of myself. Please be sure to sign the petition and donate to the GoFundMe campaign if you can. Also, THANK YOU to my Patreon supporters for helping me be able to do my work. If you would like to offer monetary support, please visit patreon.com/gavinfish.
I work in healthcare. Hitting and screaming at someone is the opposite of de-escalating the situation. Toxic people like to create chaos wherever they go and Emily's own words tell us how toxic she is. Everyone is different, but people with mental illnesses are not inherently violent. Nor are they necessarily a danger to themselves or others.
My daughter and I watched Sherrilyn talk about this case. We were immediately moved to go to sign the petition for an investigator to really look into David's death. Clearly his relationship was toxic, and we were in awe at the lack of a real investigation. Thank you both for getting this case out into the light! "Mental health issues" doesn't automatically mean homicidal or suicidal. It's so frustrating that many people (especially those in official roles) continue to push that agenda.
Toxic and narcissistic relationships need to be talked about more. This relationship was as toxic as it gets and David was just as naive as I was when marrying a narcissistic person. His wife's behavior was emotionally abusive and we need to start taking that more seriously. He ended up dead because he didn't see her behavior for what it was and he was trying to be the "good Christian spouse" and make a toxic situation work. The church and the justice system need to catch up and recognize that emotional abuse IS domestic abuse. The stress of it causes physical damage to the victim (in this case David's mental health) and victims are DYING from this type of abuse!
I so agree with your comments. When I met the narcissist (and I don’t throw that word around carelessly) I was naive. I had never met a person like that. They will convince you your crazy by manipulative tactics like gaslighting and triangulation among many others. They will convince you that ALL your problems as a couple are your fault and that you can never do anything right no matter how hard you try. It degrades your mental health to an extreme.
Exactly. I was with someone for four years who was horrible to me. Very selfish, cruel in purpose to me even in front of my daughter. He even admitted to it all and told a woman he tried to date after me that he did not care at all how he hurt me. I was in a very dark place after being with him for so long. I contemplated taking my life because he broke me down so effectively. People like that are calculated and they do not care who they destroy. It’s something that everyone needs to be aware of and take seriously when they experience it or see it happening.
Unfortunately, I don’t think his wife is the toxic one, it’s very common also for the toxic one to claim the other one is the problem. I don’t doubt that they were both imperfect people. And when he started developing mental illness, it’s difficult to blame her for believing she could help him when she couldn’t. Slapping him to get him to snap out of it, while it’s a terribly wrong thing to do, it could have been done out of ignorance and frustration. And yes, it might’ve worked once or twice. It doesn’t make it right but it also doesn’t make her a killer. It’s not as if they didn’t know each other for a very long time before they got married. They grew up together in the church. If anybody’s going to make a claim that David is a good Christian boy, they better make the same claim about his wife. In fact , I personally know that David had a bit of a vengeful personality when anybody tried to hold him accountable for anything. But his parents blew it off as just “boys will be boys” behavior. I don’t get the same vibe from her family. Yes, I know them personally.
The day before the horrific tragedy happened David told his parents he was going to leave Emily & move back home. Don’t come for me, but I truly believe Emily lit David on fire. So many things are off about this case. She was abusive & controlling. Look how she even acted in front of his family. Emily is a liar 🤥 PERIOD! David was isolated, she didn’t want him to have anyone in his life, but her. Law enforcement & the Justice System dropped the ball. WHY in the heck did they wait so long to go into the apartment. If they were that worried about David doing something to the officers they had ways to protect themselves. I’m not a detective & I can see all that discrepancies in this case 😢. She reminds me of my children’s dad, it gives me chills. In the beginning he was so charming, loving, kind, & treated me well. After our 2nd daughter he started being manipulative, emotionally, & financially abusive. Then he became physically abusive! He made sure I had no friends & I couldn’t even talk to or see my own family. I had no one besides my daughters & him.. in front of people he acted like a good man. Behind closed doors it was a different story. It was like Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde. I left & never looked back. The day I left he choked me, I knew if I didn’t leave for good he would kill me.
I think it’s fabulous that you are helping to bring this injustice into the light. What a horrific situation, David’s family deserves answers and justice.
Your telling of the story and evidence and everything that comes with it, especially the human perspective rather than a standard documentary style, is brilliant. Thanks for the content and production. I found you thru someone else talking on the DUI Guy law channel.
So at the court hearing that decided rather or not David would be released none of his immediate family attended to speak to the Judge? Interesting decision to leave it to Emily, whom they say they don't trust, to advocate for him. Remind me, who failed David?
I’ve been following you for awhile now. Thank you for doing these videos! You’re one of my favorites. There are a handful of True Crime RUclipsrs who do a PHENOMENAL job. You do deep dives. Treat each case & victims with respect. I can tell you put so much love into each video. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!! We appreciate you, respect, & love you.
Thank you for bringing stories to light that often aren't spoken about elsewhere on YT true crime channels. Your passion and dedication to helping families find justice and truth rather than simply creating videos for audience shock value or morbid fascination etc is truly admirable and more importantly purposeful. Also love how much research you do, and all the documentation you find and share on your site & Patreon. You deal with facts and remain humbly unbiased. What you said at the beginning about people making mistakes and not wanting to admit them is such a significant point. So many investigations have gone way off track because of pride, money, pressure to close cases, prejudice, closed-mindedness, flaws in obtaining evidence, corruption, nepotism, etc etc, which is really painful and scary to know... for the sake of the victims, their loved ones, and anyone wrongfully accused. I'll be following this case and hope the Elmquist family stay strong.
I am so glad this case is getting more attention. It has haunted me ever since I saw it covered on Sherrilyn Dale's channel & there's so much that doesn't make sense. His family seem like such good people & parents, his father in particular, are working so hard to get this case to be looked at again by those who have the power to do something about it & I'm so glad that you are doing a deep dive into this. I don't doubt that David was going through a tough time with his mental health but I truly do not believe David did this to himself, especially given the sequence of events the night it occurred. I also don't believe LE/prosecutors have handled this properly from the time they arrived on scene while David was still on fire to this moment. I hope your look into the situation will get David's story out to more people & lead getting the case fully reopened or at least looked into by an independent investigator
It's absolutely creepy imo how absolutely emotionless she is about the love of her life. Talking about him; she might as well be reading the weekly weather report. It wouldn't be surprising if he was enjoying working away from her bc of how she treated him & he just needed to feel like he could breathe by getting far away from her abuse. If my husband were down like that (naked on the floor) I'd be in tears & holding him & calling the best psychiatrists along with emergency mental assistance. She doesn't even sound upset, rattled or her voice breaking. No tears. Emotionless, abusive narcissist.
Gavin, you have such a way of telling a story .. a very heartbreaking case indeed. I am so interested in hearing more and I can't wait for Parts 2 and 3.
I am so glad i saw your post about the files before i watched this. I got SO much out of it after reading the files and examining the photos. The recordings were very telling. Great job. I went through all that info and you fit it all into 90 mins. Look forward to more on this case. I've noticed some things that haven't been mentioned! Lol
Having experienced a friend and a brother-in-law who had mental health issues, this breaks my heart. David limited his wife’s involvement in his care, so why would the court consider her opinion in this situation? Make it make sense!
Sounds like Emily, demeaned David in any way she could. Instead of working with him, she sure as heck worked against him. I haven't heard the whole story but I can see her driving him into the ground. So sad. Also, I question the integrity of certain prosecutors and lawyers in MN. Especially, if they are close to a certain Politician.
I wish David would’ve told her, “either you move over here where I plan on having a 30 year career, or we’re just not meant to be together and I wish you the best of luck”.
The wedding incident with flipping him off, that's a good sign of a major lack in emotional regulation. I'd feel humiliated if I did something like that. And for her to say that she didn't do that. Shows more of her character. Doesn't take responsibility for her actions.
Narcissists will seek out empaths and target them. I think David found himself in an impossible situation and was trying to please his wife and, in a way, even before the incident, he sacrificed himself for her. She was not worthy of his love to be sure but I really think he was trying to do the right thing and be a good husband.
About that 1 gallon oil jug that is mentioned in the police report and video, it's NOT a one gallon jug. That appears to be a 5 gallon jug. The reason that size matters in this case is weight! I did a search for weight on Bakken Oil. It is a lightweight oil. 5 gallons is going to weigh close to 40 pounds. Also look at the hole that oil comes out of. When you turn that jug over to pour the oil out it is not a smooth pour like water from a glass. Now think of David lifting this 40 pounds of oil over the top of his, armed stretched high above his head to hold the container upside down and the oil would glug, glug.... It would be a hard task, not impossible, but hard. I know it was mentioned that there were gatorade bottles of Bakken Oil, but I did not see any of those in the photo's. Could the superficial abrasions on David's scalp be made from this plastic container? Perhaps.
I found your channel from Sherrilyn and her coverage of this case was very good, she’s so passionate for David and his family. I also liked your video of the case, listening to his father and sister talk about what a beautiful human David was and how he was probably being abused physically and mentally in my opinion by Emily. I’m appalled by how much emphasis Emily and the Authorities are trying to blame this on his mental health, as a retired mental health professional of 20 years I think they are trying to change the narrative of his case. He suffered with delusions brought on by stress I believe, he wasn’t a danger to himself or others. I think he should of been released from the hospital in his parents care since she was not involved in his treatment at the hospital, big red flag 🚩 for me. I signed the petition weeks ago and shared it on my social media. From what you and Sherrilyn have reported so far I definitely don’t think he committed suicide, you can hear Emily gaslighting the Fire Chief with every answer it’s disgusting. And the fact that she remarried so soon after David’s death is repulsive 🤮.
you know.....I am almost through the whole episode and wonder, are the family members aware of how toxic they were? who calls their child weak? constantly telling them to "be a man" or "man up." this guy got it from his family and then from his wife. no wonder he may be suicidal. what else is he to do to escape the torment besides drink? and then the sister stating she won't be raising her boys to be weak like her brother? wow!
Ugh YES. The police handled the situation wrong, not Emily. I don’t know any of them personally, but I believe Emily’s take on things over his family’s. I’m a social worker and work solely with adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I think his family are reading way too much into things. When the “can only release info to the dad” thing came up, I kept thinking it sounded like a mistake on intake paperwork. And even if it was purposeful, paranoia is often the first indication of schizophrenia (not to mention most people with those diagnoses have their first episode in their early twenties.
Man, I'm only 2\3rds through the video and already seems to me like Emily is a classic narcissist and controlling. Evidenced by her response to why she flipped David off. "He should have been over by her and family at the reception." ( And yeah, you can mistake one "bird" flying at ya, but the "double bird"?...not likely). It appears Emily had their life mapped out and David wasn't following closely. It really struck me when he finally got the water drilling job how Emily 2 or 3 times told Stoltts " If David would be moving up". I feel an enormous bias coming on. Back to finish the video. Thank you Gavin.
I'm thinking of this case a lot and trying to put myself in both David's and Emily's shoes and trying to see what would be more likely, suicide on David's part due to heavy depression or murder on Emily's part due to anger & jealousy. Honestly, I can totally see how both people could be driven to do either, but I'm feeling more convinced--just based on what is in this video--that Emily's situation would be harder and more infuriating than David's situation. It's sad, I feel like both people were feeling forced to live a life they didn't want to and I don't think I could even put into words how ENRAGED I would be if I were in Emily's situation. Seriously. Not to dismiss the pain David was going through too, but I'm sure Emily was a walking time bomb and I'm sure she tried to make him just as miserable as she was. With him though, he didn't take his feelings out on Emily, he was taking things out on himself...but in comparison, I feel like she's be more likely to snap than he would be. I can see how Emily was feeling very out of control, and when people feel out of control, they will exert control in anyway they can. Even though Emily seems calm in her interview, you can clearly hear her seething disdain for certain things.
Id like to say, I first heard about you from Sherrilyn. So I'm here now refreshing up on all the info. I know that David's rally is coming up on Oct. 22, 2022 & right now it's the 18th. (Just wanted to mark the date, I feel there will be history made in this case coming soon🤞🏻) In part 1 one of the video, where I struggle the most at, is how in the heck did the courts allow him to go home with her. I know eventually they would've had no choice to release him. But hear me out. First of all, from the beginning, in David's own words, from his mouth, he didn't want his wife knowing any part of his treatment plan, while he was there in the hospital. That is a huge red flag that they missed, IMO. Next, the hospital was wanting him to stay longer, why wouldn't the wife also want that for him? What was her rush to get him out of there? I think where I'm missing something? Is where was she able to go from not being aloud to be involved, & him only wanting his dad or parents, to her being the one involved. Is it because she's the wife so she's legally the next of kin? Idk. The fact that she was literally asked by the court, "you said you felt safe in numbers". But they let her just slide right past it. & not explain herself. She can talk herself out of anything this woman, can. Great job Gavin. I see why Sherrilyn speaks so highly of you! I subbed! 👍🏻
Oh so slapping hims OK? Different story if other way round I'm sure. She just admitted assault and there are witnesses. That should be enough to make her suspect no.1. Sounds like she is anyway. Man I hate this woman.
Shout Out..Sherrilyn Dale 😀 I found this channel from her suggestion. I only just heard about David's case from Sherrilyn..and brace yourself 😠 cuz it's infuriating,and such an injustice!! You almost can't believe this is real life..😕 sadly,it is.
Hi Gavin, you are doing great job sharing David's story and helping his family find out the truth. I listened Emily's interviews and what upsets me the most is her language. I don't know, did you noticed when Emily laying she uses phrases "kind of" and "like", you can easily say when she making staff up (those phrases are quite common for layers). In my opinion her narcissistic personality destroyed and finally killed David.
After watching this and Sherrilyn Dale's videos on David's case, and looking at documents/photos etc.. I have to say personally, as sketchy as his wife's behaviour was, it still seems very possible that this was an act of self-immolation. I don't want to use the word suicide, as that suggests that we know exactly what David's intention was - and with my theory (which I'm still open to reconsidering of course), I think this was a tragic case of a psychotic break leading to a very sudden and impulsive decision due to detachment from reality.. as obviously lethal a decision that was, someone in the midst of psychosis might not realise that, and have their own belief of what will result from the action. Psychotic breaks can creep up with warning signs, or they can just happen in a flash (at least outwardly.. there would likely be thought distortions occurring in the sufferer's mind that they may not express verbally or physically until it 'snaps' in a disastrous manner). So he may very well have been fine or seemed fine one hour, then the next.. this. I'm purely speculating here and do work in the medical field and psychiatry but am by no means skilled in the areas concerning David's entire case - examination of the scene, autopsy, understanding of thermal injury patterns etc. One thing that puzzles me is why there was a container of crude oil in the house. Are there reasonable uses for it domestically? Why would it be in the house and who would've obtained it? Was it from the rig he worked at? (if so, when could he have obtained/taken it home? Could this piece point to premeditation at all?) The other obviously strange aspect are the distinct areas on the anterior sides of his wrists that don't show the same degree of thermal injury as the rest of his arms. The idea of him wearing gloves is preposterous for so many reasons, and I can't imagine those straight lines being caused by a binding of some sort (duct tape or cloth) as they would've left residue. To me, they kind of look like he was leaning forward on a flat surface with his palms flat, with the edge of the surface (kitchen bench?) creating that straight line... would also help explain how the areas are similar in distance / the lines are roughly the same way up the arms. If he was leaning forward with those areas protected from the flames, that would probably explain why it was just the underside/anterior portions of his wrists and not having any burnt residue on them (as with the gloves theory). I wish there were more photos of the kitchen. Is it possible that it shows that David was leaning as I described on the kitchen bench, particularly above the dishwasher, or sink? There are patches of blood on the edges of those, with gaps that could have been due to arm placement? I'm curious as to why the tiled floor just beneath the kitchen sink/dishwasher isn't covered in blood etc like the rest of that small kitchen area. It looks like the shape of someone standing there, no? Really hope you get forensic and medical experts to share their opinions. It's such an awful case with so many oddities. I have so many questions about the scene too.. like was he walking around in there after the fire started? Is that pattern on the lounge chair of him sitting? If he was doused and lit on fire by someone else, was he able to reach the front door and let himself out after his wife did? If so, why didn't he? I'm still going through all the documents and reddit discussions etc so I could be waaaaay off, but it almost seems like he didn't try to escape or ease his burns (something you expect he'd be trained to do on an oil rig) during that whole time before officers attended to him. So many questions... no wonder his poor family are tormented by this confusing and devastating loss.
Okay this case has been on my mind all night. Read through more documents and got a better idea of the timeline of the incident and statements from witnesses / police on scene. Two major issues: 1. Part of my theory above is of David having a sudden psychotic break, brought on by stress. If he had brought up divorce that day/night with Emily, that would've clearly enraged her based on what we hear of her personality and opinion on divorce. So not only would that conversation bring on immense stress for David, but it would probably make Emily hate him.... so, again total hypothetical narrative, but if David's stress led to the psychotic break, leading to self-immolation... I think Emily's actions (or lack thereof) to help him are explained by her being so angry over the divorce, that she effectively let him die... even choosing to ensure he died by telling the police he was armed with a knife (that's the only real fact we have, but there are other elements that raise questions but are based on her changing story of what happened exactly... like whether she saw smoke before she left the apartment, why did she have time to collect personal items and her dog and wash off oil from her arms yet didn't worry enough to call 911 right there and then, etc). So I do feel she killed him in an indirect way, if self-immolation was indeed the case. 2. The police on scene totally mishandled the whole situation from beginning to end. No other way to say it. Regardless of whether or not Emily warned them he might be armed with a knife (they were told there were no guns in the house).. they arrived at a scene of obvious fire inside a small apartment with no escape besides the front door.... the police were armed.. they are not stupid enough to believe that a person left inside a smoke-filled apartment after being doused with accelerant and lit on fire for over half an hour would still pose a danger to them... or even be alive. They called for him to come out with no response... so they took more time to clear the area and protect themselves from a knife attack before going in to rescue him. I'm still unsure whether there were firefighters on scene as well? It sounded like only police were there at first, then medics and fire dept? The cops demanding a victim of serious smoke inhalation and visible burn injuries all over his body to CRAWL to them, and denying him water, is horrifying. Some of the police statements refer to him as 'the suspect', too. They completely fucked up, hence the dodgy cover up and poor investigation. They, along with Emily, made the worst decisions that guaranteed David would die. So far I'm still learning towards psychosis and self-immolation... seeing that David walked around the apartment and sat down on the armchair, on the bed, and it looks like he sat down on the red armchair next to the dog cage too? Means visibility inside the apartment wouldn't have hindered him from seeing or knowing where the front door was... and it was unlocked... and if he was lit by Emily, why didn't he use his work training to put the flames out and reduce the smoke and his burns by jumping in the shower? Police statements all say there was an oven mitt on the stove burner creating smoke when they arrived, which they removed. David could've done that, surely? I guess it's impossible to know what being on fire can do to your mental faculties unless you've experienced it... I'm sure smoke inhalation / reduced O2 and the agony of burns could cause confusion and maybe paradoxical behaviours (like people taking their clothes off when suffering hypothermia)? Or was his strange walking and sitting around the apartment indicative of psychosis? As for the missing lighter... it doesn't help that Emily's story has changed in details several times.. and I know Sherrilyn Dale wonders how David could've set himself alight without an open flame.. but I wonder if we can find out what the flash point of the exact crude oil he was covered in? Could the oven mitt on the electric stove burner be enough to use as an ignition source?
@@Sharon_L_W He was blinded from the fire, so someone intensely suffering, on fire and blinded likely would not find their way to the front door. He sat down on the chair AFTER the maintenance man put out the fires. He was waiting for 39 minutes before he was sent to the hospital. Water is not the way to put out an oil fire, so jumping in the shower isn't the best move. Her statement said he woke her up and she had a 2-3 seconds after then he pushed her out, not enough time to grab the keys, the dog, dog leash and her cell phone. Her own statement said she did not have enough time, yet somehow she managed to have those things on her. I imagine he could have had them ready and handed them to her when he shoved her out, but she does not state that was the case. Far as the oil being in the home, supposedly he used it for work. According to his family, he was moving back home the next day. We all understand that people under severe mental stress harm themselves, millions do not. In this case, especially with all her lies, I cannot see how anyone would see it as suicide. Bizarre accident, possible, suicide, don't see it. Did they find any oil residue, drips, in the bedroom or leading to it? She said he woke her up and he was covered with oil. His arms not being burnt, I can see no reason why he would protect his arms if setting himself on fire and if he doused himself with oil surely some would have got on his arms and caught on fire. Otoh, if you are leaning over the stove/counter and someone pours oil on you your arms may not get doused.
@@cindys9858 Thanks for your reply.. and for clearing some things up that I'd misunderstood! Like how he sat down on the couch after the maintenance guy used the extinguisher. Looking at the crime scene pics on Gavin's site... the kitchen (supposedly where the fire started) is RIGHT next to the front door. Pictures 2 and 4 show how it's just a matter of turning a corner and maybe 4-5 steps to get from the kitchen doorway to the front door.. not only is that extremely close, but you'd think that a person could still find their way just by 'sense' of direction and feeling the wall within their own house, even if they are blinded? Bit like how we can get around inside our houses in the pitch darkness - say, in the middle of the night when you wake up and need to use the toilet but don't want to switch lights on. Agreed on everything you said about Emily's account of what happened and the timing. It's all very strange an hard to believe that she could have the time or even the calmness of mind (considering the obviously serious emergency situation unfolding so fast, supposedly) to collect her things and wash off some of the oil, etc. You'd think that if he did in fact wake her up and displayed signs of psychosis again (being naked, giving her instructions, then hearing/seeing the oil) that she'd have used any available time to get David out of the apartment away from any heat sources. Even if strength-wise she didn't have the best chances of wrestling him away from the kitchen, you'd think a loving partner would still try... and there'd be evidence of a struggle like things displaced. Instead, she seemingly just picked up her things and dog and callously walked out for her own safety without much overt concern for David's. And yeah, I never personally felt this was suicide. I've lived with severe mental health issues and suicidality myself, and have met people in the midst of psychosis during psych unit stays... read a lot about psychosis and psychotic breaks (that do come out of nowhere, in people without previous mental health history or drug/alcohol abuse). David was no doubt under an unbelievable amount of stress from his marriage. That alone could set off an episode without warning. So, if we're to go along with the theory of David pouring the oil over himself and setting the fire, I don't believe it was done with any sense of rationality and logical intent.. merely an impulsive act done whilst detached from reality and without the ability to know/understand what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what will happen if they do it. Another tragic case involving a psychotic break due to stress, in a young man who had no previous mental health issues and was straight-edge, leading to a wild delusion that he acted upon... resulting in his death and that of a mother and daughter in a massive car crash.. look up 'McSkillet'. Best doco of it I've seen is 'The Murderous Downfall of RUclipsr McSkillet' on YT by Coffeehouse Crime. Didn't Emily say that David woke her up and he was naked, told her to leave, and then she heard splashing sounds in the kitchen as she went about getting her things to leave? Then again she's given varied statements, soo... I'm still torn on this one. All I can confidently say or believe is that his death should not be ruled a suicide, since there's no evidence to prove his intent, plus the possibility of it being homicide.
@ Leigh Jacobs. I learned from a firefighter on another true crime, that they cannot ( nor should anybody) give water to a Person with severe burns or smoke inhalation. There's a reason for it.
Great video, I’m probably going to get mauled in the comments for what is seemingly a super unpopular opinion. A few observations, it doesn’t seem his family ever approved of his wife. They sound extremely critical of that relationship even going as far as telling him to “be a man” or that she gripped onto him like a leach. Does she sound like a loving supportive spouse? Not really with the context we are being given. We have no ability to know how they were alone behind closed doors. He chose to propose he chose to marry her so clearly he was intent on being with her. Coming from such a conservative Christian background I’m sure he felt so torn between the family that instilled these values into him, his father proclaiming to be a “disciplinarian” and his new wife. His parents having been married for almost 50 years & his faith saying divorce is never an option may have made him feel even more stuck. It seems like he strayed frequently from their values with the drinking and use of marijuana. I imagine that came with a lot of Christian guilt. All of these things and then you factor in mental health issues. It sounds like a ticking time bomb for him. For there to have been a lapse in this investigation you would have to conclude that 3 government agencies, the police department, the fire department and the medical examiner were all in cahoots to cover up a murder and sweep this under the rug. That idea is just completely far fetched. And believe me as a child of a murder victim I get it. You are angry, you are confused, grief has the ability to throw rational thoughts completely out the window. It truly sounds like he had a catastrophic mental break and in that took his own life in an unthinkable tragic way. Is his wife a jerk? Probably. Does that make her a diabolical murderer. Probably not.
That is why another investigation is needed. Because there are a lot of inconsistencies so forensics would speak! The family is not pointing at her rather they want another investigation.
wow! You guys did an amazing job on this! I'm keeping an open mind. I'm seeing motive for suicide, but I'm seeing an even stronger motive for murder. Does the family think his mental issues were linked to depression or could there be a history of drugging here-hiding it by emphasizing an alcohol problem?? Hmm..Can't wait for the next video!
Bit suspicious to me. Is there such a charge as 'encouraging suicide' . Like hannibal lecter, sort of. I think she drugged him and told him to kill himself or she did it. Awful. She definitely didn't bloody help!! Witch.
@@colspiracy8326 Hmm interesting theory! In some states, yes. Have you ever followed the case of..i forget..Michelle and Conrad..maybe if you type those names into the search bar along with "assisted suicide" or "encouraging suicide"...omg it was horrible. The guy was already suicidal and she was encouraging him to do it..it's wild..I highly recommend looking into that one if you haven't already.
I am on the website, looked through all the audio files, investigation files and photos. I do not see a place where Emily's transcript from the Hospital is. Can you point me in the right direction?
David’s girlfriend of the time was trying to control him. During their marriage she gave him psycholigical abuse and some physical abuse that was witnessed by his parents. David was quiet and never spoke out much and was preying on his weakness. Not a good match imo but you cannot help who you fall in love with. During their brief marriage David worked on an oil rig in Minnesota and he loved that work, but every time David she used to ring home and tell him about the long time relationship. He was on quite a good salary and his wife hated the area with a passion. After months of trying to get her own way he came back. To keep the peace he came back but was mentally I’ll. His parents were worried sick about him. Imo she either drove him to commit suicide or she had help in doing this allegedly. Much love and respect from Uk x😊
I know they say the lighter is missing, but in front of the kennel there are 2 objects, one is a knife, and the other looks like a black grill lighter to me. Am I crazy?
Oh my goodness she is mad because he isn't right beside her!!!! Then she basically calls the family liars by saying oh no they didn't see that.... They just thought it looked like that. This woman makes me SICK she took away his job that HE loved a job that as a wife I would see all of the positives out of it even if I didn't want to have to move. That money would have provided for her and their kids if they would have had any. When you get married it is supposed to be what you both want not just 1 person. Also when you literally take away a decision from your husband you are making them feel less then. Why would you ever do anything to make your husband feel less then.... I just can't understand this!!!
Hearing how his wife reacted when he was apparently having a "psychosis episode". Jaw dropped to the floor. IMO that's SUS. She's freaking out. Because she knows what's going on. And she's just putting on a show for her inlaws. Maybe she was poisoning him or something? Humor me, I haven't finished the video. No idea what's to come. But ppl who love and care about you, wouldn't abuse you while you're in need of help. Tender love and care. Not tazing and violence. Wth
Gosh Gavin!!!Sounds like the controlling hands of some church minds ,or how they think they should do this think that etc.But the voice of Emily is so controlled that some stresses aren't heard that may represent lies or guilt or even culpability a voice stress test should have tried even six months later we don't care about the scene or whatever but flipping him off when she knew he cared what people's perceptions are just very cold silly lies hands up fingers up who cares she made a scene.Things wouldn't be fixed starting out like that.
I,too,have noticed this..the wife consistently makes it sound as if David was a drug addict,and alcoholic 🙄 sounds to me,he was like any other kid,smoking a little,drinking some after work with fellow employees. Now,that being said,I do get some folks that may have mental illness run in their family..Marijuana can bring on some sort of psychosis,especially in younger folks(like around David's age)😬
He was a quiter in all carrier tests in life but it doesnt make him quiting life. I dont like voice of Emily, reminds me of evil lover of Chris Watts trying to outsmart investigation as narcissistic would do
So in your opinion this woman decided to murder him and then have the cops plant a knife and cover everything up ? Choosing to pour oil on him seems very strange as a way to commit murder .. How often do we see someone doing that? Not only that she apparently has to bind part of his hands without him fighting her ? Then make sure she knows the cops will later plant a knife ..
The police seemed to have messed with the crime scene and maybe because they waited 30 minutes outside when he needed help they wanted to cover their backs with a knife that was actually clean, so people think he was dangerous for others.
Did the wife live in the apt..the bed looked like only one sleeping there.(somehow). The apt didn't really look like anyone stayed there or showed it much love.
That is a terrific point! Yes, she lived there. Her story to police was that she was in bed while David was watching TV. But it was David's side of the bed that looked slept in. Sketchy!
@@GavinFish I noticed the same thing about the bed. It appears it was David's side that was slept in. Also if you look at the photo of the 2 couches it appears as if someone was resting on the one side with the footrest up. (Not the one David ended up on with the oil) There is a blanket and someone got up, perhaps quickly, as they didn't put the footrest down.
The short answer is I don't think so. I'll get into it deeper in Part 2, but I think the fact that David was spouting off scripture when he was headed into psychosis was a cry for help. Like he went back to the thing he knew, the thing he studied his whole life. He was looking for an "out" IMO.
his family and their words definitely were not loving nor supportive of anything. calling David weak and his sister stating her boys won't be raised like that and for him to be a man etc....smh they contributed to his mental distress I am certain
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At 9:12, I accidentally say "Emily's sister" when I meant to say "David's sister." Sorry about that, everyone. I misspoke and didn't catch it during the editing process. I think I was meaning to say "sister-in-law," and got ahead of myself.
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I work in healthcare. Hitting and screaming at someone is the opposite of de-escalating the situation. Toxic people like to create chaos wherever they go and Emily's own words tell us how toxic she is. Everyone is different, but people with mental illnesses are not inherently violent. Nor are they necessarily a danger to themselves or others.
My daughter and I watched Sherrilyn talk about this case. We were immediately moved to go to sign the petition for an investigator to really look into David's death. Clearly his relationship was toxic, and we were in awe at the lack of a real investigation. Thank you both for getting this case out into the light! "Mental health issues" doesn't automatically mean homicidal or suicidal. It's so frustrating that many people (especially those in official roles) continue to push that agenda.
Toxic and narcissistic relationships need to be talked about more. This relationship was as toxic as it gets and David was just as naive as I was when marrying a narcissistic person. His wife's behavior was emotionally abusive and we need to start taking that more seriously. He ended up dead because he didn't see her behavior for what it was and he was trying to be the "good Christian spouse" and make a toxic situation work. The church and the justice system need to catch up and recognize that emotional abuse IS domestic abuse. The stress of it causes physical damage to the victim (in this case David's mental health) and victims are DYING from this type of abuse!
I so agree with your comments. When I met the narcissist (and I don’t throw that word around carelessly) I was naive. I had never met a person like that. They will convince you your crazy by manipulative tactics like gaslighting and triangulation among many others. They will convince you that ALL your problems as a couple are your fault and that you can never do anything right no matter how hard you try. It degrades your mental health to an extreme.
Exactly. I was with someone for four years who was horrible to me. Very selfish, cruel in purpose to me even in front of my daughter. He even admitted to it all and told a woman he tried to date after me that he did not care at all how he hurt me. I was in a very dark place after being with him for so long. I contemplated taking my life because he broke me down so effectively. People like that are calculated and they do not care who they destroy. It’s something that everyone needs to be aware of and take seriously when they experience it or see it happening.
Unfortunately, I don’t think his wife is the toxic one, it’s very common also for the toxic one to claim the other one is the problem. I don’t doubt that they were both imperfect people. And when he started developing mental illness, it’s difficult to blame her for believing she could help him when she couldn’t. Slapping him to get him to snap out of it, while it’s a terribly wrong thing to do, it could have been done out of ignorance and frustration. And yes, it might’ve worked once or twice. It doesn’t make it right but it also doesn’t make her a killer.
It’s not as if they didn’t know each other for a very long time before they got married. They grew up together in the church. If anybody’s going to make a claim that David is a good Christian boy, they better make the same claim about his wife. In fact , I personally know that David had a bit of a vengeful personality when anybody tried to hold him accountable for anything. But his parents blew it off as just “boys will be boys” behavior. I don’t get the same vibe from her family. Yes, I know them personally.
The day before the horrific tragedy happened David told his parents he was going to leave Emily & move back home. Don’t come for me, but I truly believe Emily lit David on fire. So many things are off about this case. She was abusive & controlling. Look how she even acted in front of his family. Emily is a liar 🤥 PERIOD! David was isolated, she didn’t want him to have anyone in his life, but her. Law enforcement & the Justice System dropped the ball. WHY in the heck did they wait so long to go into the apartment. If they were that worried about David doing something to the officers they had ways to protect themselves. I’m not a detective & I can see all that discrepancies in this case 😢.
She reminds me of my children’s dad, it gives me chills. In the beginning he was so charming, loving, kind, & treated me well. After our 2nd daughter he started being manipulative, emotionally, & financially abusive. Then he became physically abusive! He made sure I had no friends & I couldn’t even talk to or see my own family. I had no one besides my daughters & him.. in front of people he acted like a good man. Behind closed doors it was a different story. It was like Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde. I left & never looked back. The day I left he choked me, I knew if I didn’t leave for good he would kill me.
I think it’s fabulous that you are helping to bring this injustice into the light. What a horrific situation, David’s family deserves answers and justice.
Your telling of the story and evidence and everything that comes with it, especially the human perspective rather than a standard documentary style, is brilliant. Thanks for the content and production. I found you thru someone else talking on the DUI Guy law channel.
So at the court hearing that decided rather or not David would be released none of his immediate family attended to speak to the Judge? Interesting decision to leave it to Emily, whom they say they don't trust, to advocate for him.
Remind me, who failed David?
I’ve been following you for awhile now. Thank you for doing these videos! You’re one of my favorites. There are a handful of True Crime RUclipsrs who do a PHENOMENAL job. You do deep dives. Treat each case & victims with respect. I can tell you put so much love into each video. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!! We appreciate you, respect, & love you.
Thank you for bringing stories to light that often aren't spoken about elsewhere on YT true crime channels. Your passion and dedication to helping families find justice and truth rather than simply creating videos for audience shock value or morbid fascination etc is truly admirable and more importantly purposeful. Also love how much research you do, and all the documentation you find and share on your site & Patreon. You deal with facts and remain humbly unbiased.
What you said at the beginning about people making mistakes and not wanting to admit them is such a significant point. So many investigations have gone way off track because of pride, money, pressure to close cases, prejudice, closed-mindedness, flaws in obtaining evidence, corruption, nepotism, etc etc, which is really painful and scary to know... for the sake of the victims, their loved ones, and anyone wrongfully accused.
I'll be following this case and hope the Elmquist family stay strong.
I am so glad this case is getting more attention. It has haunted me ever since I saw it covered on Sherrilyn Dale's channel & there's so much that doesn't make sense. His family seem like such good people & parents, his father in particular, are working so hard to get this case to be looked at again by those who have the power to do something about it & I'm so glad that you are doing a deep dive into this. I don't doubt that David was going through a tough time with his mental health but I truly do not believe David did this to himself, especially given the sequence of events the night it occurred. I also don't believe LE/prosecutors have handled this properly from the time they arrived on scene while David was still on fire to this moment. I hope your look into the situation will get David's story out to more people & lead getting the case fully reopened or at least looked into by an independent investigator
It's absolutely creepy imo how absolutely emotionless she is about the love of her life. Talking about him; she might as well be reading the weekly weather report. It wouldn't be surprising if he was enjoying working away from her bc of how she treated him & he just needed to feel like he could breathe by getting far away from her abuse. If my husband were down like that (naked on the floor) I'd be in tears & holding him & calling the best psychiatrists along with emergency mental assistance. She doesn't even sound upset, rattled or her voice breaking. No tears. Emotionless, abusive narcissist.
Another sad case 🥺
Thank you Gavin.
I could listen to you for hours. You have me invested.
Gavin, you have such a way of telling a story .. a very heartbreaking case indeed. I am so interested in hearing more and I can't wait for Parts 2 and 3.
I’m here because Sherrilyn mentioned you! Thanks 😊
Me too!! Love Sherilyn!!!!
Didn't she do this case too?!
Fellow Sippendales 💖💖
Here because of Sherrilyn AND Stephanie Harlowe!
@@rachelallan8138 Yes, I believe she put out 2 videos about this case. She referred back to Gavin's content quite a bit in the second video.
I am so glad i saw your post about the files before i watched this. I got SO much out of it after reading the files and examining the photos. The recordings were very telling. Great job. I went through all that info and you fit it all into 90 mins. Look forward to more on this case. I've noticed some things that haven't been mentioned! Lol
Having experienced a friend and a brother-in-law who had mental health issues, this breaks my heart. David limited his wife’s involvement in his care, so why would the court consider her opinion in this situation? Make it make sense!
Sounds like Emily, demeaned David in any way she could. Instead of working with him, she sure as heck worked against him. I haven't heard the whole story but I can see her driving him into the ground. So sad. Also, I question the integrity of certain prosecutors and lawyers in MN. Especially, if they are close to a certain Politician.
This case is so sad and disturbing! I just can’t imagine what David’s thoughts were that evening.
I’ve heard Stephanie Harlowe talk about you, so of course I had to check you out! I can’t wait to watch this video.
Gavin, are you planning on a Part 2? Anxiously awaiting..... Thanks for your excellent work!
It goes live today at 2:00pm Eastern time!
great analysis! thank you!
I wish David would’ve told her, “either you move over here where I plan on having a 30 year career, or we’re just not meant to be together and I wish you the best of luck”.
The wedding incident with flipping him off, that's a good sign of a major lack in emotional regulation. I'd feel humiliated if I did something like that. And for her to say that she didn't do that. Shows more of her character. Doesn't take responsibility for her actions.
Narcissists will seek out empaths and target them. I think David found himself in an impossible situation and was trying to please his wife and, in a way, even before the incident, he sacrificed himself for her. She was not worthy of his love to be sure but I really think he was trying to do the right thing and be a good husband.
Stephanie Harlowe sent me here. Her content around the Ellen Rae Greenberg case features your channel, and she recommended this channel
About that 1 gallon oil jug that is mentioned in the police report and video, it's NOT a one gallon jug. That appears to be a 5 gallon jug. The reason that size matters in this case is weight! I did a search for weight on Bakken Oil. It is a lightweight oil. 5 gallons is going to weigh close to 40 pounds. Also look at the hole that oil comes out of. When you turn that jug over to pour the oil out it is not a smooth pour like water from a glass. Now think of David lifting this 40 pounds of oil over the top of his, armed stretched high above his head to hold the container upside down and the oil would glug, glug.... It would be a hard task, not impossible, but hard. I know it was mentioned that there were gatorade bottles of Bakken Oil, but I did not see any of those in the photo's. Could the superficial abrasions on David's scalp be made from this plastic container? Perhaps.
just found you thanks to danelle hallan! Im excited there’s so much content i haven’t heard! Binge starts now
Welcome!
I found your channel from Sherrilyn and her coverage of this case was very good, she’s so passionate for David and his family. I also liked your video of the case, listening to his father and sister talk about what a beautiful human David was and how he was probably being abused physically and mentally in my opinion by Emily. I’m appalled by how much emphasis Emily and the Authorities are trying to blame this on his mental health, as a retired mental health professional of 20 years I think they are trying to change the narrative of his case. He suffered with delusions brought on by stress I believe, he wasn’t a danger to himself or others. I think he should of been released from the hospital in his parents care since she was not involved in his treatment at the hospital, big red flag 🚩 for me. I signed the petition weeks ago and shared it on my social media. From what you and Sherrilyn have reported so far I definitely don’t think he committed suicide, you can hear Emily gaslighting the Fire Chief with every answer it’s disgusting. And the fact that she remarried so soon after David’s death is repulsive 🤮.
She'll get what's coming 🙏
you know.....I am almost through the whole episode and wonder, are the family members aware of how toxic they were? who calls their child weak? constantly telling them to "be a man" or "man up." this guy got it from his family and then from his wife. no wonder he may be suicidal. what else is he to do to escape the torment besides drink? and then the sister stating she won't be raising her boys to be weak like her brother? wow!
Ugh YES. The police handled the situation wrong, not Emily. I don’t know any of them personally, but I believe Emily’s take on things over his family’s. I’m a social worker and work solely with adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I think his family are reading way too much into things. When the “can only release info to the dad” thing came up, I kept thinking it sounded like a mistake on intake paperwork. And even if it was purposeful, paranoia is often the first indication of schizophrenia (not to mention most people with those diagnoses have their first episode in their early twenties.
Curious if he was on any medications leading up to hospital stay.
Not leading up to it.
Thank you!
Man, I'm only 2\3rds through the video and already seems to me like Emily is a classic narcissist and controlling. Evidenced by her response to why she flipped David off. "He should have been over by her and family at the reception." ( And yeah, you can mistake one "bird" flying at ya, but the "double bird"?...not likely). It appears Emily had their life mapped out and David wasn't following closely. It really struck me when he finally got the water drilling job how Emily 2 or 3 times told Stoltts " If David would be moving up". I feel an enormous bias coming on. Back to finish the video. Thank you Gavin.
Love your channel and sherylyns as well
I'm thinking of this case a lot and trying to put myself in both David's and Emily's shoes and trying to see what would be more likely, suicide on David's part due to heavy depression or murder on Emily's part due to anger & jealousy. Honestly, I can totally see how both people could be driven to do either, but I'm feeling more convinced--just based on what is in this video--that Emily's situation would be harder and more infuriating than David's situation. It's sad, I feel like both people were feeling forced to live a life they didn't want to and I don't think I could even put into words how ENRAGED I would be if I were in Emily's situation. Seriously. Not to dismiss the pain David was going through too, but I'm sure Emily was a walking time bomb and I'm sure she tried to make him just as miserable as she was. With him though, he didn't take his feelings out on Emily, he was taking things out on himself...but in comparison, I feel like she's be more likely to snap than he would be. I can see how Emily was feeling very out of control, and when people feel out of control, they will exert control in anyway they can. Even though Emily seems calm in her interview, you can clearly hear her seething disdain for certain things.
Id like to say, I first heard about you from Sherrilyn. So I'm here now refreshing up on all the info. I know that David's rally is coming up on Oct. 22, 2022 & right now it's the 18th. (Just wanted to mark the date, I feel there will be history made in this case coming soon🤞🏻)
In part 1 one of the video, where I struggle the most at, is how in the heck did the courts allow him to go home with her. I know eventually they would've had no choice to release him. But hear me out. First of all, from the beginning, in David's own words, from his mouth, he didn't want his wife knowing any part of his treatment plan, while he was there in the hospital. That is a huge red flag that they missed, IMO. Next, the hospital was wanting him to stay longer, why wouldn't the wife also want that for him? What was her rush to get him out of there? I think where I'm missing something? Is where was she able to go from not being aloud to be involved, & him only wanting his dad or parents, to her being the one involved. Is it because she's the wife so she's legally the next of kin? Idk. The fact that she was literally asked by the court, "you said you felt safe in numbers". But they let her just slide right past it. & not explain herself. She can talk herself out of anything this woman, can.
Great job Gavin. I see why Sherrilyn speaks so highly of you! I subbed! 👍🏻
Can anyone clarify why there was a court hearing for his release from hospital? I've never heard of this procedure. Thx
Oh so slapping hims OK? Different story if other way round I'm sure. She just admitted assault and there are witnesses. That should be enough to make her suspect no.1. Sounds like she is anyway. Man I hate this woman.
Thanks Gavin!
Shout Out..Sherrilyn Dale 😀
I found this channel from her suggestion.
I only just heard about David's case from Sherrilyn..and brace yourself 😠 cuz it's infuriating,and such an injustice!! You almost can't believe this is real life..😕 sadly,it is.
Hi Gavin, you are doing great job sharing David's story and helping his family find out the truth. I listened Emily's interviews and what upsets me the most is her language. I don't know, did you noticed when Emily laying she uses phrases "kind of" and "like", you can easily say when she making staff up (those phrases are quite common for layers). In my opinion her narcissistic personality destroyed and finally killed David.
After watching this and Sherrilyn Dale's videos on David's case, and looking at documents/photos etc.. I have to say personally, as sketchy as his wife's behaviour was, it still seems very possible that this was an act of self-immolation. I don't want to use the word suicide, as that suggests that we know exactly what David's intention was - and with my theory (which I'm still open to reconsidering of course), I think this was a tragic case of a psychotic break leading to a very sudden and impulsive decision due to detachment from reality.. as obviously lethal a decision that was, someone in the midst of psychosis might not realise that, and have their own belief of what will result from the action.
Psychotic breaks can creep up with warning signs, or they can just happen in a flash (at least outwardly.. there would likely be thought distortions occurring in the sufferer's mind that they may not express verbally or physically until it 'snaps' in a disastrous manner). So he may very well have been fine or seemed fine one hour, then the next.. this.
I'm purely speculating here and do work in the medical field and psychiatry but am by no means skilled in the areas concerning David's entire case - examination of the scene, autopsy, understanding of thermal injury patterns etc.
One thing that puzzles me is why there was a container of crude oil in the house. Are there reasonable uses for it domestically? Why would it be in the house and who would've obtained it? Was it from the rig he worked at? (if so, when could he have obtained/taken it home? Could this piece point to premeditation at all?)
The other obviously strange aspect are the distinct areas on the anterior sides of his wrists that don't show the same degree of thermal injury as the rest of his arms. The idea of him wearing gloves is preposterous for so many reasons, and I can't imagine those straight lines being caused by a binding of some sort (duct tape or cloth) as they would've left residue. To me, they kind of look like he was leaning forward on a flat surface with his palms flat, with the edge of the surface (kitchen bench?) creating that straight line... would also help explain how the areas are similar in distance / the lines are roughly the same way up the arms. If he was leaning forward with those areas protected from the flames, that would probably explain why it was just the underside/anterior portions of his wrists and not having any burnt residue on them (as with the gloves theory).
I wish there were more photos of the kitchen. Is it possible that it shows that David was leaning as I described on the kitchen bench, particularly above the dishwasher, or sink? There are patches of blood on the edges of those, with gaps that could have been due to arm placement? I'm curious as to why the tiled floor just beneath the kitchen sink/dishwasher isn't covered in blood etc like the rest of that small kitchen area. It looks like the shape of someone standing there, no?
Really hope you get forensic and medical experts to share their opinions. It's such an awful case with so many oddities. I have so many questions about the scene too.. like was he walking around in there after the fire started? Is that pattern on the lounge chair of him sitting?
If he was doused and lit on fire by someone else, was he able to reach the front door and let himself out after his wife did? If so, why didn't he? I'm still going through all the documents and reddit discussions etc so I could be waaaaay off, but it almost seems like he didn't try to escape or ease his burns (something you expect he'd be trained to do on an oil rig) during that whole time before officers attended to him.
So many questions... no wonder his poor family are tormented by this confusing and devastating loss.
Okay this case has been on my mind all night. Read through more documents and got a better idea of the timeline of the incident and statements from witnesses / police on scene. Two major issues:
1. Part of my theory above is of David having a sudden psychotic break, brought on by stress. If he had brought up divorce that day/night with Emily, that would've clearly enraged her based on what we hear of her personality and opinion on divorce. So not only would that conversation bring on immense stress for David, but it would probably make Emily hate him.... so, again total hypothetical narrative, but if David's stress led to the psychotic break, leading to self-immolation... I think Emily's actions (or lack thereof) to help him are explained by her being so angry over the divorce, that she effectively let him die... even choosing to ensure he died by telling the police he was armed with a knife (that's the only real fact we have, but there are other elements that raise questions but are based on her changing story of what happened exactly... like whether she saw smoke before she left the apartment, why did she have time to collect personal items and her dog and wash off oil from her arms yet didn't worry enough to call 911 right there and then, etc). So I do feel she killed him in an indirect way, if self-immolation was indeed the case.
2. The police on scene totally mishandled the whole situation from beginning to end. No other way to say it. Regardless of whether or not Emily warned them he might be armed with a knife (they were told there were no guns in the house).. they arrived at a scene of obvious fire inside a small apartment with no escape besides the front door.... the police were armed.. they are not stupid enough to believe that a person left inside a smoke-filled apartment after being doused with accelerant and lit on fire for over half an hour would still pose a danger to them... or even be alive. They called for him to come out with no response... so they took more time to clear the area and protect themselves from a knife attack before going in to rescue him. I'm still unsure whether there were firefighters on scene as well? It sounded like only police were there at first, then medics and fire dept? The cops demanding a victim of serious smoke inhalation and visible burn injuries all over his body to CRAWL to them, and denying him water, is horrifying. Some of the police statements refer to him as 'the suspect', too. They completely fucked up, hence the dodgy cover up and poor investigation. They, along with Emily, made the worst decisions that guaranteed David would die.
So far I'm still learning towards psychosis and self-immolation... seeing that David walked around the apartment and sat down on the armchair, on the bed, and it looks like he sat down on the red armchair next to the dog cage too? Means visibility inside the apartment wouldn't have hindered him from seeing or knowing where the front door was... and it was unlocked... and if he was lit by Emily, why didn't he use his work training to put the flames out and reduce the smoke and his burns by jumping in the shower? Police statements all say there was an oven mitt on the stove burner creating smoke when they arrived, which they removed. David could've done that, surely?
I guess it's impossible to know what being on fire can do to your mental faculties unless you've experienced it... I'm sure smoke inhalation / reduced O2 and the agony of burns could cause confusion and maybe paradoxical behaviours (like people taking their clothes off when suffering hypothermia)? Or was his strange walking and sitting around the apartment indicative of psychosis?
As for the missing lighter... it doesn't help that Emily's story has changed in details several times.. and I know Sherrilyn Dale wonders how David could've set himself alight without an open flame.. but I wonder if we can find out what the flash point of the exact crude oil he was covered in? Could the oven mitt on the electric stove burner be enough to use as an ignition source?
@@Sharon_L_W He was blinded from the fire, so someone intensely suffering, on fire and blinded likely would not find their way to the front door. He sat down on the chair AFTER the maintenance man put out the fires. He was waiting for 39 minutes before he was sent to the hospital. Water is not the way to put out an oil fire, so jumping in the shower isn't the best move.
Her statement said he woke her up and she had a 2-3 seconds after then he pushed her out, not enough time to grab the keys, the dog, dog leash and her cell phone. Her own statement said she did not have enough time, yet somehow she managed to have those things on her. I imagine he could have had them ready and handed them to her when he shoved her out, but she does not state that was the case.
Far as the oil being in the home, supposedly he used it for work. According to his family, he was moving back home the next day.
We all understand that people under severe mental stress harm themselves, millions do not. In this case, especially with all her lies, I cannot see how anyone would see it as suicide. Bizarre accident, possible, suicide, don't see it.
Did they find any oil residue, drips, in the bedroom or leading to it? She said he woke her up and he was covered with oil. His arms not being burnt, I can see no reason why he would protect his arms if setting himself on fire and if he doused himself with oil surely some would have got on his arms and caught on fire. Otoh, if you are leaning over the stove/counter and someone pours oil on you your arms may not get doused.
@@cindys9858 Thanks for your reply.. and for clearing some things up that I'd misunderstood! Like how he sat down on the couch after the maintenance guy used the extinguisher.
Looking at the crime scene pics on Gavin's site... the kitchen (supposedly where the fire started) is RIGHT next to the front door. Pictures 2 and 4 show how it's just a matter of turning a corner and maybe 4-5 steps to get from the kitchen doorway to the front door.. not only is that extremely close, but you'd think that a person could still find their way just by 'sense' of direction and feeling the wall within their own house, even if they are blinded? Bit like how we can get around inside our houses in the pitch darkness - say, in the middle of the night when you wake up and need to use the toilet but don't want to switch lights on.
Agreed on everything you said about Emily's account of what happened and the timing. It's all very strange an hard to believe that she could have the time or even the calmness of mind (considering the obviously serious emergency situation unfolding so fast, supposedly) to collect her things and wash off some of the oil, etc. You'd think that if he did in fact wake her up and displayed signs of psychosis again (being naked, giving her instructions, then hearing/seeing the oil) that she'd have used any available time to get David out of the apartment away from any heat sources. Even if strength-wise she didn't have the best chances of wrestling him away from the kitchen, you'd think a loving partner would still try... and there'd be evidence of a struggle like things displaced. Instead, she seemingly just picked up her things and dog and callously walked out for her own safety without much overt concern for David's.
And yeah, I never personally felt this was suicide. I've lived with severe mental health issues and suicidality myself, and have met people in the midst of psychosis during psych unit stays... read a lot about psychosis and psychotic breaks (that do come out of nowhere, in people without previous mental health history or drug/alcohol abuse). David was no doubt under an unbelievable amount of stress from his marriage. That alone could set off an episode without warning. So, if we're to go along with the theory of David pouring the oil over himself and setting the fire, I don't believe it was done with any sense of rationality and logical intent.. merely an impulsive act done whilst detached from reality and without the ability to know/understand what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what will happen if they do it.
Another tragic case involving a psychotic break due to stress, in a young man who had no previous mental health issues and was straight-edge, leading to a wild delusion that he acted upon... resulting in his death and that of a mother and daughter in a massive car crash.. look up 'McSkillet'. Best doco of it I've seen is 'The Murderous Downfall of RUclipsr McSkillet' on YT by Coffeehouse Crime.
Didn't Emily say that David woke her up and he was naked, told her to leave, and then she heard splashing sounds in the kitchen as she went about getting her things to leave? Then again she's given varied statements, soo...
I'm still torn on this one. All I can confidently say or believe is that his death should not be ruled a suicide, since there's no evidence to prove his intent, plus the possibility of it being homicide.
@ Leigh Jacobs. I learned from a firefighter on another true crime, that they cannot ( nor should anybody) give water to a Person with severe burns or smoke inhalation. There's a reason for it.
David was a normal happy guy until he got involved with Emily! Sickening to see what she did to him.
Great video, I’m probably going to get mauled in the comments for what is seemingly a super unpopular opinion. A few observations, it doesn’t seem his family ever approved of his wife. They sound extremely critical of that relationship even going as far as telling him to “be a man” or that she gripped onto him like a leach. Does she sound like a loving supportive spouse? Not really with the context we are being given. We have no ability to know how they were alone behind closed doors. He chose to propose he chose to marry her so clearly he was intent on being with her. Coming from such a conservative Christian background I’m sure he felt so torn between the family that instilled these values into him, his father proclaiming to be a “disciplinarian” and his new wife. His parents having been married for almost 50 years & his faith saying divorce is never an option may have made him feel even more stuck. It seems like he strayed frequently from their values with the drinking and use of marijuana. I imagine that came with a lot of Christian guilt. All of these things and then you factor in mental health issues. It sounds like a ticking time bomb for him. For there to have been a lapse in this investigation you would have to conclude that 3 government agencies, the police department, the fire department and the medical examiner were all in cahoots to cover up a murder and sweep this under the rug. That idea is just completely far fetched. And believe me as a child of a murder victim I get it. You are angry, you are confused, grief has the ability to throw rational thoughts completely out the window. It truly sounds like he had a catastrophic mental break and in that took his own life in an unthinkable tragic way. Is his wife a jerk? Probably. Does that make her a diabolical murderer. Probably not.
That is why another investigation is needed. Because there are a lot of inconsistencies so forensics would speak! The family is not pointing at her rather they want another investigation.
wow! You guys did an amazing job on this! I'm keeping an open mind. I'm seeing motive for suicide, but I'm seeing an even stronger motive for murder. Does the family think his mental issues were linked to depression or could there be a history of drugging here-hiding it by emphasizing an alcohol problem?? Hmm..Can't wait for the next video!
Bit suspicious to me. Is there such a charge as 'encouraging suicide' . Like hannibal lecter, sort of. I think she drugged him and told him to kill himself or she did it. Awful. She definitely didn't bloody help!! Witch.
@@colspiracy8326 Hmm interesting theory! In some states, yes. Have you ever followed the case of..i forget..Michelle and Conrad..maybe if you type those names into the search bar along with "assisted suicide" or "encouraging suicide"...omg it was horrible. The guy was already suicidal and she was encouraging him to do it..it's wild..I highly recommend looking into that one if you haven't already.
@@laurieclarkson9180 hello, I think I may know the one your referring to, it was awful. Have a nice day 😃👍
Thanks!
Thank YOU!
I am on the website, looked through all the audio files, investigation files and photos. I do not see a place where Emily's transcript from the Hospital is. Can you point me in the right direction?
Sorry about that. It was hidden from public view. I've got it published now. It's the first file listed under "Investigation Files."
@@GavinFish thank you ! Will go read it now. Was looking forward to that one.
She said he's pretty and red head is apparently good looking lol I'm in stitches please stop
David’s girlfriend of the time was trying to control him. During their marriage she gave him psycholigical abuse and some physical abuse that was witnessed by his parents. David was quiet and never spoke out much and was preying on his weakness. Not a good match imo but you cannot help who you fall in love with. During their brief marriage David worked on an oil rig in Minnesota and he loved that work, but every time David she used to ring home and tell him about the long time relationship. He was on quite a good salary and his wife hated the area with a passion. After months of trying to get her own way he came back. To keep the peace he came back but was mentally I’ll. His parents were worried sick about him. Imo she either drove him to commit suicide or she had help in doing this allegedly. Much love and respect from Uk x😊
I know they say the lighter is missing, but in front of the kennel there are 2 objects, one is a knife, and the other looks like a black grill lighter to me. Am I crazy?
Was oil found in the bedroom? Sorry, I haven't heard about this before
Oily footprints were in the bedroom, but oil hadn't been poured out in there.
Oh my goodness she is mad because he isn't right beside her!!!! Then she basically calls the family liars by saying oh no they didn't see that.... They just thought it looked like that. This woman makes me SICK she took away his job that HE loved a job that as a wife I would see all of the positives out of it even if I didn't want to have to move. That money would have provided for her and their kids if they would have had any. When you get married it is supposed to be what you both want not just 1 person. Also when you literally take away a decision from your husband you are making them feel less then. Why would you ever do anything to make your husband feel less then.... I just can't understand this!!!
Sounds like Emily was a self centered brat who was unwilling to compromise.
Hearing how his wife reacted when he was apparently having a "psychosis episode". Jaw dropped to the floor. IMO that's SUS. She's freaking out. Because she knows what's going on. And she's just putting on a show for her inlaws. Maybe she was poisoning him or something? Humor me, I haven't finished the video. No idea what's to come. But ppl who love and care about you, wouldn't abuse you while you're in need of help. Tender love and care. Not tazing and violence. Wth
Gosh Gavin!!!Sounds like the controlling hands of some church minds ,or how they think they should do this think that etc.But the voice of Emily is so controlled that some stresses aren't heard that may represent lies or guilt or even culpability a voice stress test should have tried even six months later we don't care about the scene or whatever but flipping him off when she knew he cared what people's perceptions are just very cold silly lies hands up fingers up who cares she made a scene.Things wouldn't be fixed starting out like that.
I,too,have noticed this..the wife consistently makes it sound as if David was a drug addict,and alcoholic 🙄 sounds to me,he was like any other kid,smoking a little,drinking some after work with fellow employees.
Now,that being said,I do get some folks that may have mental illness run in their family..Marijuana can bring on some sort of psychosis,especially in younger folks(like around David's age)😬
He was a quiter in all carrier tests in life but it doesnt make him quiting life. I dont like voice of Emily, reminds me of evil lover of Chris Watts trying to outsmart investigation as narcissistic would do
Intrigued
So in your opinion this woman decided to murder him and then have the cops plant a knife and cover everything up ? Choosing to pour oil on him seems very strange as a way to commit murder .. How often do we see someone doing that? Not only that she apparently has to bind part of his hands without him fighting her ? Then make sure she knows the cops will later plant a knife ..
Using the oil as the method was symbolic of David wanting to work on the oil rig and the wife not wanting to move. Oil was what came between them.
The police seemed to have messed with the crime scene and maybe because they waited 30 minutes outside when he needed help they wanted to cover their backs with a knife that was actually clean, so people think he was dangerous for others.
Did the wife live in the apt..the bed looked like only one sleeping there.(somehow). The apt didn't really look like anyone stayed there or showed it much love.
That is a terrific point! Yes, she lived there. Her story to police was that she was in bed while David was watching TV. But it was David's side of the bed that looked slept in. Sketchy!
@@GavinFish I noticed the same thing about the bed. It appears it was David's side that was slept in. Also if you look at the photo of the 2 couches it appears as if someone was resting on the one side with the footrest up. (Not the one David ended up on with the oil) There is a blanket and someone got up, perhaps quickly, as they didn't put the footrest down.
She guilty as sin yes?
Sad for David and his family. Is this mostly about religious reasons?
The short answer is I don't think so. I'll get into it deeper in Part 2, but I think the fact that David was spouting off scripture when he was headed into psychosis was a cry for help. Like he went back to the thing he knew, the thing he studied his whole life. He was looking for an "out" IMO.
Is sounds a lot like he carried religious guilt.
his family and their words definitely were not loving nor supportive of anything. calling David weak and his sister stating her boys won't be raised like that and for him to be a man etc....smh they contributed to his mental distress I am certain
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