A chilling account unfolds in the heart of Carnation, Washington, where a family gathering on Christmas Eve turned into a scene of horror and betrayal. The podcast delves into the tragic story of the Anderson family, whose lives were cut short by the shocking actions of their own kin. Michelle Anderson, fueled by anger over financial disputes and a sense of entitlement, orchestrated a brutal plan alongside her boyfriend, Joseph McEnroy. The episode meticulously recounts the events leading up to the murders, providing listeners with a poignant understanding of the motives and the devastating consequences of unresolved family conflicts. Through gripping narration, the podcast highlights how one family's holiday spirit was crushed by darkness, leaving an indelible mark on their community and raising unsettling questions about trust and human nature.

Listeners are guided through the sequence of events that led to the tragic loss of six innocent lives, including two young children. The contrast between the warmth expected during the holiday season and the horrific reality that unfolded serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly joy can turn to despair. The podcast also explores the psychological complexities behind Michelle's actions, revealing how deep-seated resentment can spiral into unfathomable violence. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the narrative emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, underscoring how unchecked grievances can escalate into tragedy. This episode is not just a recounting of a crime; it’s a somber reflection on the fragility of familial bonds and the potential for darkness that resides within even the most familiar faces.

Takeaways:

• The Carnation Murders showcase the devastating impact of unresolved family conflict and betrayal.
• On Christmas Eve 2007, an entire family was brutally murdered due to greed and resentment.
• Michelle Anderson's actions were driven by anger over financial disputes with her family members.
• The tragic case highlights the importance of recognizing red flags in familial relationships.
• Innocent lives were lost due to a chilling decision motivated by bitterness and entitlement.
• The community of Carnation was left in shock as they grappled with the aftermath of the murders.

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Research Links to Take a Deep Dive

• 2007 Carnation murders - Wikipedia
• Michele Anderson sentenced to life for killing 6 in her family in Carnation | The Seattle Times
• Fox 13 News Article

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Warning. This podcast contains graphic content including descriptions of violence, crime and other distressing topics. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

During a time that should have been a joyful holiday season turned into one of heartbreak, betrayal, devastation and the darkest edges of human nature.

A daughter, entangled with bitterness and rage and her boyfriend, along for the ride, made a decision that would change the lives of so many in one short afternoon. The crime stunned both the town and the nation.

As details and motives emerge, the victim's parents, children and grandchildren were beloved family members, taken too soon by people they trusted. The community was left grappling with grief and disbelief, struggling to understand how such a tragedy could have happened in their quiet town.

I'm your host Kimberly Holmes and you're listening to Owl in Red. Here we shine a light on the darkest corners of humanity, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves.

Every week we untangle cases that push the boundaries of justice and challenge the limits of human comprehension. Today we'll be discussing the Carnation Murders, the case of Michelle Anderson.

This story is about betrayal, anger and the devastating consequences of unresolved family conflict. But before we get started, I'd love to invite you to join our Owl in Red community where true crime fans come together.

You can find the link in the description and if you're enjoying this podcast, please rate us on Podchaser. It really helps us grow and share these important stories with more people.

Carnation, a small town about 25 miles east of Seattle, was known for its quiet charm, rolling hills and a close knit community where everyone looked out for one another. For the Anderson family, Christmas Eve was always special. A time for family laughter and togetherness.

Wayne and Judy Anderson, a retired Boeing engineer and a postal worker, were loved in their community for being so kind and generous. That evening they welcomed their son Scott, his wife erica, and their two little kids, Olivia, 5 and Nathan, 3, into their home to celebrate.

But this Christmas Eve would take a horrific turn, shocking their family and the entire community. Earlier that day, Wayne and Judy's youngest daughter, 29 year old Michelle Anderson, and her boyfriend Joseph McEnroy made a chilling decision.

Armed with two guns, they drove to the Andersons home with a terrible plan. The reason? Michelle was angry over family money issues. She had been living rent free on her parents property and felt they owed her more.

She was also furious about the $40,000 loan her brother Scott hadn't repaid. Filled with bitterness and entitlement, Michelle and Joseph decided to get rid of anyone they thought stood in their way.

What unfolded next was a horrific act of violence. When they arrived at the house, Joseph distracted Judy in the kitchen while Michelle confronted her father, Wayne, in the other room.

But when her gun jammed, Joseph stepped in and shot Wayne, killing him instantly. He then turned to Judy, shooting her next.

They dragged the bodies into the backyard shed to hide the evidence, carefully cleaned the scene, and waited calmly for Scott, Erica, and the kids to arrive. Later that evening, when Scott, Erica, and their children finally came through the front door, they had no idea what awaited them.

Michelle shot Scott multiple times, while Erica, injured and terrified, managed to grab a cordless phone to call 911. But before help could arrive, Joseph snatched the phone and destroyed it. Erica's faint, heartbreaking last words were captured on the emergency call.

Not the kids. No. But the horror did not stop. Following Michelle's orders, Joseph shot Olivia and Nathan, the two innocent children.

Michelle and Joseph later claimed they killed the kids because they didn't want any witnesses and believed the children would have been too traumatized to live after seeing what happened.

Police were dispatched to the scene in response to the 911 call, but the gate to the property was locked, and the officers decided not to investigate further. The gate was only locked because Michelle Anderson had run out to lock it after she realized Erica's 911 call had went through.

This act of cruelty wiped out an entire Anderson family. Six lives taken over selfishness, anger, and greed.

Two days later, on December 26, a family friend, concerned that Judy Anderson had not shown up for work, went to the home. Peering through a window, she saw bodies on the floor and immediately notified police.

While detectives were there at the home investigating, Michelle and Joseph arrived at the property. Both were taken in for questioning. Their stories quickly unraveled, and within hours, they had confessed.

Wayne and Judy, a hardworking couple who had built a loving home, were gone without mercy. Scott and Erica, parents doing their best to raise their children in love and joy, were brutally murdered.

And Olivia And Nathan, just 5 and 3, had their young lives stolen before they even had a chance to grow. The tragedy shocked the small town of Carnation, leaving a lasting scar on the community.

Investigators and people across the country were horrified by the case, A grim reminder of how anger and greed can lead to unimaginable violence.

The Anderson family's story is a heartbreaking example of how life can change in an instant and how darkness can hide behind even the most familiar faces. It took two agonizing years for arrests to be made and confessions to be recorded.

Both Michelle Anderson and Joseph McEnroy admitted to their roles in the crimes. During interrogations, Michelle claimed that she was motivated by money.

Brother Scott owed her $40,000, an alleged debt she said their parents ignored. She also resented having to pay rent on the mobile home after years of free living. Both were charged with six counts of first degree murder.

During sentencing, family members of the victims spoke directly to Michelle.

Erica's mother, Pam Mantle, described how Erica maybe could have forgiven the murder of the adults, but her desperate warning, not the kids, was met with cruel indifference. She called Michelle a bully and a coward, words echoed by so many who suffered after this tragedy.

The trial offers closure, but Erica's mother gravely reminds us the pain of losing six family members in one night never truly fades.

Three generations, all stolen in the blink of an eye, the Carnation Murders remind us of the fragility of family bonds, the devastation of unchecked resentment, and the unfathomable depths of human cruelty. It's a case that underscores the importance of spotting red flags and intervening when something feels off. Could this tragedy have been prevented?

We may never truly know. But by examining such cases, perhaps we can learn and work to ensure no family endures such an unimaginable loss.

Again, if today's episode left you contemplative or even heartbroken, take a moment. For the victims, Wayne and Judy Scott and Erica, Olivia and Nathan, Their lives, while cut short, remind us to value the connections we hold dear.

Thank you for listening to Owl in Red. If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving us a review on Podchaser. It not only helps us grow, but keeps these vital stories alive.

Together, we ensure the voices of the silence are heard. And don't forget to join our Owl in Red community to discuss today's episode with other true crime enthusiasts.

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And don't miss next week's episode.

We'll be covering the shocking Gene Simmons murders, a shocking Christmas tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 family members. A case that will leave you speechless. Until next time, I'm Kimberly Holmes. Stay curious, stay compassionate, and as always, stay vigilant.