Episode 11

full
Published on:

6th Jul 2026

Patrick Scott Case - Live Q&A Discussion

Apple Podcasts Episode Description

Go behind the scenes of one of the most complex missing persons investigations we've ever covered on Chasing Evil. In this special live Q&A, host Christopher Godsick is joined by the investigators who solved the murder of 17-year-old Valerie Tyndall.

Rush County Detective Randy Meek, Detective Shawn Smallwood, Senior U.S. Deputy Marshal Tom Abreu, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department K9 Officer Tony Weaver discuss the investigative decisions that ultimately exposed Patrick Scott's lies and led to his conviction. From preserving critical digital evidence and analyzing surveillance footage to the remarkable work of cadaver dog Bailey, the panel answers listener questions and reveals the challenges that couldn't fit into the original two-part series.

The investigators explain how teamwork between local, state, and federal agencies helped solve the case, why the first days of a missing person investigation are so critical, and what they learned from one of the most difficult cases of their careers.

If you listened to Parts 1 and 2, this conversation provides an inside look at the investigation from the people who lived it.

Show Notes

In this special live listener Q&A:

  • Detective Randy Meek explains when Valerie Tyndall's disappearance became a homicide investigation.
  • Detective Shawn Smallwood discusses Patrick Scott's deceptive interviews and how investigators recognized the inconsistencies.
  • Senior Deputy U.S. Marshal Tom Abreu shares how the U.S. Marshals Service joined the investigation and why a fresh set of eyes proved invaluable.
  • IMPD K9 Officer Tony Weaver explains how cadaver dog Bailey is trained and how human-remains detection dogs work.
  • The panel discusses using digital evidence, surveillance cameras, social media, and search warrants to reconstruct Valerie's final movements.
  • Learn how investigators unexpectedly discovered critical evidence through Apple Health data.
  • Hear why preserving digital evidence in the first hours of a missing person investigation can determine whether a case is solved.
  • Discover how local, state, and federal agencies coordinated their efforts during the six-month investigation.
  • The investigators answer audience questions about Patrick Scott, the search for Valerie, sentencing, investigative strategy, and lessons learned from the case.

Guests

  • Randy Meek – Rush County Sheriff's Office
  • Shawn Smallwood – Rush County Sheriff's Office
  • Tom Abreu – Senior Inspector, Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service
  • Tony Weaver – Detective, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Missing Persons Unit
  • Bailey – Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9

Listen to the Patrick Scott Series

If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of the Patrick Scott investigation before this Q&A for the complete story.

This live discussion expands on the investigation featured in Episodes 1 and 2, providing additional insight into the forensic techniques, investigative strategy, and teamwork that ultimately brought justice for Valerie Tyndall.

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About the Podcast

Chasing Evil
A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.

About your host

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Chris Godsick

I have worked in the entertainment community for my whole career, and in all the jobs I’ve had, they all have one thing in common, the search for great stories and engaging characters. I started my career sorting mail at the William Morris Agency in LA, and with a lot of luck and perseverance, I eventually became a motion picture agent. I worked with some of the top talent in Hollywood and also met my future bride. After a few years I left to team up with my client, legendary director John Woo. We did some fun action films like “Broken Arrow” and “Face Off”. I then joined New Line Cinema as a Sr. Vice President of Production where I bought the future hit “Shazam," got yelled at by Sean Connery, and won a bet with Adam Sandler. I left three years later to produce “Take the Lead” starring Antonio Banderas. One day I was introduced to the extremely talented British writer and director Armando Iannucci and a year later we started work on what would become the comedy hit “Veep” for HBO. I was nominated for five Emmys for my work as an Executive Producer and was fortunate enough to win two statues. I was still on top of the world when I returned home after the celebrations and my wife reminded me that it was trash night and the cans needed to be taken out to the curb! I’ve developed projects in several different genres and now I’m diving into something new. I found what I was searching for… great stories and engaging characters…and now I’m hooked!!