Episode 249: Final Curtain Call: Theatre of Pain - The Murders of Daniel Wozniak

This week’s episode details a murder that, at first glance, appears to be a cut-and-dried case of a lover’s quarrel turned deadly.  Upon investigation, it is discovered to be a much more thought-out and sinister plan. When authorities uncover the real killer he turns out to be an actor who attempted to parlay his skills as a performer to pull off “the perfect crime”. Sources: “Actor is held in double slaying.” Los Angeles Times, 29 05 2010,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104583077/actor-is-held-in-double-slaying/. “Actress convicted of lying to police about ex-fiance's double murder pleads innocence in interrogation tapes.” ABC News, 30 May 2019,  https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/actress-convicted-lying-police-fiances-double-murder- pleads/story?id=63234575 . Accessed 4 July 2022. “As coldblooded as a murderer gets.” Los Angeles Times, 09 01 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104976453/as-coldblooded-as-a-murderer-gets/. Berg, Tom. “Justice delayed: Why it took more than 5 years for trial of Daniel Wozniak, accused of killing 2, beheading one victim.” Orange County Register, 7 December 2015,  https://www.ocregister.com/2015/12/07/justice-delayed-why-it-took-more-than-5-years- for-trial-of-daniel-wozniak-accused-of-killing-2-beheading-one-victim/. Accessed 4 July 2022. “Brother of double killer is arrested.” Los Angeles Times, 24 12 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105002079/brother-of-double-killer-is-arrested/. “Death Penalty for OC Killer.” Los Angeles Times, 12 01 2016,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104977538/death-penalty-for-oc-killer/. “Neighbor beheaded and his friend killed.” Modesto Bee, 29 05 2010,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105001017/neighbor-beheaded-and-his-friend-killed/. Pelisek, Christine. “Daniel Wozniak Murders Re-examined in New Podcast | PEOPLE.com.” People, 28 August 2018,  https://people.com/crime/daniel-wozniak-rachel-buffett-murders-in-new-podcast/. Accessed 28 June 2022. “Prosecutors will seek death penalty.” Los Angeles Times, 26 05 2012,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104951198/prosecutors-will-seek-death-penalty/. Sclafani, Julia. “Double murderer's ex-fiancée is sentenced to jail as accessory after slayings.” Los Angeles Times, 8 November 2018,  https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-buffet-sentencing-20181108- story.html. Accessed 4 July 2022. “This community theater actor's final performance was a chilling confession to double murder.” ABC News, 29 May 2019,  https://abcnews.go.com/US/community-theater-actors-final-performance-chilling- confession-double/story?id=63181588. Accessed 4 July 2022. “Woman pleads not guilty in beheading.” The Californian, 05 12 2012,  https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104945493/woman-pleads-not-guilty-in-beheading/. The following music was used for this media project: Music: Cinematic Background Sad by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8181-cinematic-background-sad License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5048-stay-the-course License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  Edge Of Forever by Tim Kulig Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8488-edge-of-forever License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license What Lurks In The Dark by Dave Deville Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8233-what-lurks-in-the-dark License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Thanks to our sponsors: Listen to SCAMFLUENCERS on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or listen one week early and ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app. Get started at chime.com/once. Download your new favorite getaway, BEST FIENDS, for FREE today on the App Store or Google Play. You'll even get $5 worth of in-game rewards when you reach Level 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices