Episode 344
- Mar 21, 2026
- 58:17
- Full Episode
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On a cold March evening in 2023, police in Englewood, Colorado responded to a 911 call from 81-year-old Reginald Maclaren. Inside his upscale apartment, they uncovered a scene so brutal, it would briefly dominate headlines before vanishing just as quickly. The victims were Reginald’s wife and daughter. They were two women who lived quietly, knew no one, and left behind almost nothing. It was their bodies, and the way they were found, that told the horrifying story of their deaths.<br /><br />Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com
Brief Summary
Reginald McLaren murdered his wife and daughter due to financial stress, later confessing to the crime after a chaotic police investigation.
Key points
- Double Homicide in Englewood. Reginald McLaren discovers his wife and daughter murdered in their apartment.
- The Investigation Begins. Police respond to a 911 call and discover a gruesome crime scene.
- Reginald's Confession. In a hospital bed, Reginald McLaren calmly admits to murdering his wife and daughter.
- Desperation Leads to Murder. Reginald reveals his fear of homelessness drove him to commit the unthinkable act.
- The Search for Family. After the murders, no one was left to claim the bodies of Bethany and Ruth.
- The Search for Bethany. Sangeeta reaches out to the Nepali community to find information about Bethany McLaren.
Episode highlights
- The Investigation BeginsPolice respond to a 911 call and discover a gruesome crime scene.“The apartment isn't chaotic. It looks like they're in mid-move.”6:55Mar 21, 2026
- Reginald's ConfessionIn a hospital bed, Reginald McLaren calmly admits to murdering his wife and daughter.“I killed them? Both of them?”38:13Mar 21, 2026
- Desperation Leads to MurderReginald reveals his fear of homelessness drove him to commit the unthinkable act.“I could not see myself or my family.”42:20Mar 21, 2026
- The Search for FamilyAfter the murders, no one was left to claim the bodies of Bethany and Ruth.“No one to plan their funerals or give them a peaceful sign-off.”47:51Mar 21, 2026
- The Search for BethanySangeeta reaches out to the Nepali community to find information about Bethany McLaren.“Sangeeta began to ask everyone she could in the 10,000-plus member Nepali community.”49:07Mar 21, 2026
- A Shocking RevelationReginald's lies unravel as evidence shows he was not facing eviction.“There was no evidence that Reginald and his family were about to be evicted whatsoever.”53:31Mar 21, 2026
- Verdict DeliveredReginald is found guilty of murder after a week-long trial.“After about a week in court and just a few hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty on all charges.”55:26Mar 21, 2026
- A Heartfelt TributeA friend remembers Bethany as a fine and humble human being.“I would like to remember her as a fine and humble human being, a dependable friend, and a very helpful person.”57:26Mar 21, 2026
Tension
85/ 100High tension
