Murder Victims Phone Recording Solves Case
Aug 15, 2023, 01:00 AM
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A 31-year-old Colorado man was sentenced to 97 years behind bars for the fatal shooting of his sister and her boyfriend in their home last year. The unprovoked attack, captured on audio by one of the victims, led to a lengthy legal process that concluded with a stern verdict.
Casey Devol, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his sister, Jessica Mitchell, 32, and her boyfriend, Bryan “Todd” Gray, 34, and one count of felony animal cruelty. The murders took place on February 8, 2022.
Douglas County District Judge Patricia Herron handed down the sentence, ordering Devol to serve 97 years in a state correctional facility for the murders. The sentencing comes after an arduous legal battle that involved the compelling evidence provided by an audio recording made by Jessica Mitchell herself.
District Attorney John Kellner emphasized the pivotal role played by the audio recording in ensuring justice was served. "When no eyewitnesses to these murders existed, a digital recorder device became a voice for the victims. Jessica likely sensed something was wrong, and her instincts to start a recording and archive the tragic turn of events helped detectives and my prosecutors piece this mystery together and bring justice to their families." He commended Jessica Mitchell's quick thinking to start recording, which helped law enforcement authorities piece together the tragic events leading up to the fatal shooting.
The initial response from law enforcement came on that fateful day when deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a residence on S. Russellville Road. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Jessica Mitchell and Bryan Gray. Autopsies confirmed that both victims had died as a result of fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigations quickly revealed surveillance footage capturing a suspect entering the victims' garage with multiple firearms. Subsequent information provided by a friend of Jessica Mitchell pointed to her brother, Casey Devol, as the likely perpetrator. Devol's resemblance to the suspect in the surveillance footage provided a strong lead for investigators.
However, the unexpected discovery of a digital recording device on Jessica Mitchell's person during the autopsy truly unraveled the case. The audio recording, which started during a dinner conversation between the three individuals, offered chilling insights into the events leading up to the murder.
"On the recording, you hear three people talking over dinner. The recording is unclear as to what the motive was behind the shooting. What is clear is that two of the three people having dinner that night were murdered and the only person who can answer ‘why’ is Mr. Devol," shared Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrew Steers.
Tragically, the audio recording captured Devol's chilling actions even after the fatal shootings. Mitchell's family members were compelled to address the court, revealing that they could hear Devol "staging and taunting the bodies" and even "beating their dog with a hammer" in the recording. The conversation before the incident was described as "jovial," further highlighting the senselessness of the attack.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Casey Devol, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his sister, Jessica Mitchell, 32, and her boyfriend, Bryan “Todd” Gray, 34, and one count of felony animal cruelty. The murders took place on February 8, 2022.
Douglas County District Judge Patricia Herron handed down the sentence, ordering Devol to serve 97 years in a state correctional facility for the murders. The sentencing comes after an arduous legal battle that involved the compelling evidence provided by an audio recording made by Jessica Mitchell herself.
District Attorney John Kellner emphasized the pivotal role played by the audio recording in ensuring justice was served. "When no eyewitnesses to these murders existed, a digital recorder device became a voice for the victims. Jessica likely sensed something was wrong, and her instincts to start a recording and archive the tragic turn of events helped detectives and my prosecutors piece this mystery together and bring justice to their families." He commended Jessica Mitchell's quick thinking to start recording, which helped law enforcement authorities piece together the tragic events leading up to the fatal shooting.
The initial response from law enforcement came on that fateful day when deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a residence on S. Russellville Road. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Jessica Mitchell and Bryan Gray. Autopsies confirmed that both victims had died as a result of fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigations quickly revealed surveillance footage capturing a suspect entering the victims' garage with multiple firearms. Subsequent information provided by a friend of Jessica Mitchell pointed to her brother, Casey Devol, as the likely perpetrator. Devol's resemblance to the suspect in the surveillance footage provided a strong lead for investigators.
However, the unexpected discovery of a digital recording device on Jessica Mitchell's person during the autopsy truly unraveled the case. The audio recording, which started during a dinner conversation between the three individuals, offered chilling insights into the events leading up to the murder.
"On the recording, you hear three people talking over dinner. The recording is unclear as to what the motive was behind the shooting. What is clear is that two of the three people having dinner that night were murdered and the only person who can answer ‘why’ is Mr. Devol," shared Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrew Steers.
Tragically, the audio recording captured Devol's chilling actions even after the fatal shootings. Mitchell's family members were compelled to address the court, revealing that they could hear Devol "staging and taunting the bodies" and even "beating their dog with a hammer" in the recording. The conversation before the incident was described as "jovial," further highlighting the senselessness of the attack.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com