Episode 36: Wallowing

Murder in the Rain
Jul 20, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Nov 28, 2020

Today’s episode will introduce you to a sadistic monster who masqueraded as a good samaritan and a loving mother. She hid over 10 years of torture and abuse behind the closed doors of a cute little house nestled in a tiny rural town. Plug your headphones in and come meet the mother you never wish you had. Listen Now!

Special guest psychologist Dr. Joni Jonston will join Emily to chat all about Michelle Knotek and why it’s probably not the best idea to let her out of prison.

ree — Tori Knotek, Shane Watson, Nikki Knotek, Sami Knotek (photo credit: New York Post)

ree — David and Michelle Knotek (photo credit: New York Post)

ree — Michelle Knotek and Kathy Loreno (photo credit: Oxygen)

ree — Best friends Michelle Knotek and Kathy Loreno (photo credit: Murderpedia)

ree — Michelle Knotek and Ron Woodworth (photo credit: all readable.com)

ree — Shane Watson (photo credit: Oxygen)

ree — Sami Knotek and Shane Watson (photo credit: Oxygen)

ree — A teenage Shane Watson hugs his Uncle Dave, who would ultimately murder him

ree — The Knotek Home (photo credit: New York Post)

Thanks again to Dr. Joni Jonston!

Don’t forget to check out Dr. Joni’s YouTube series Unmasking a Murderer and her blog on Psychology Today, The Human Equation.

This week’s promo is from Scare You To Sleep

Do you like scary stories? Shelby will lure you in with her soothing voice and give you a great scare for the week.

Subscribe and follow on Twitter and Instagram @scareyoutosleep

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts

SOURCES

If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

Gregg Olsen

Thomas & Mercer, Seattle

Oxygen - Michelle Knotek's Daughters Warn She's Still a Danger | Seattle EPI - Dog Adds Twist to Raymond Case | Seattle EPI - Suspicions Raised Over Another Death | NY Post - Kids of Murderer Michelle Knotek Warned Their Mom Could Kill Again | The Daily News - Knotek enters plea | Caselaw - State v. Knotek | The Daily News - David Knotek Pleads Guilty | The Astorian - Investigators Dig for Bones | Snapped - S10 E19 Michelle Knotek |

Thanks to Newspapers.com

The Spokesman Review - Two Accused in Deaths Face Murder Charges 08.14.2003 |The Spokesman Review - Couple’s Bail Raised to $5 Million 08.15.2003 | The Spokesman Review - Prosecuter’s Reduce Charges Against Raymond Woman |

10 Comments

Britt Jackson

Mar 03, 2024

I’m reading Greg Olsens book, why won’t Kathy leave ??

Rola Raj

Aug 20, 2023

Why did kathy stay with shelley? Why she was so submissive and didn't defend herself?

jordan.p.clop.hall

Aug 30, 2021

I’m studying for my MS in clinical mental health counseling and found myself morbidly fascinated with this case. I know I’m late to the game, but I recently discovered your podcast and have been listening all the time. This episode made me go out and buy Gregg Olsen’s book and, truth be told, I devoured it in an afternoon. I found myself trying to ‘understand’ how she came to be like this. Gregg discusses what would have been a wonderful childhood for her had her behavioral problems not been so awful (of course after moving in with Lara and her father). Not that I’m trying to justify her behavior, but I think it’s probably human nature to want to know…

Murder in the Rain

Feb 28, 2022

Replying to

Thank you - that means a lot to us. We'll definitely do a live show again in the PNW, so you'll have to come so we can chat in person!

Ryan Johnson

May 02, 2021

this episode was tough to listen to, not because of the fact but because you butchered there last name all episode... smh it’s pronounced knotek like no - tech

Understandable. We do our best to use the appropriate pronunciation, and for this episode we used the wrong one. Hopefully this doesn’t stop you from enjoying our other episodes!