Episode 170 - Unlikely Assassins - The Case Of Ellen Friar

It was a cool fall morning in Medford, Oregon when police picked up three young runaways by the side of the road.



19-year-old Gavin MacFarlane, a high school dropout, his girlfriend, 15-year-old Ellen Friar, and their mutual friend 22-year-old, Russell Pierce Jones II, a young man with a criminal record and a history of mental illness.



From the back of the police cruiser, Russell made cryptic comments about being the couple’s “protector.” Ellen and Gavin claimed they’d run away because Ellen’s parents disapproved of their age difference; back at home, Ellen’s younger sisters had a very different story to tell.



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Featured Podcast:

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Research & Writing:

Matt Snell



Editing:

Aiden Wolf



Sources:

Circle Youth Ministries (Official Website)

Facebook: April 7, 2016 post by Medford Police re: Det. Stephanie Smith

Facebook: Ellen Friar personal profile

Facebook: Gavin MacFarlane personal profile

Facebook: Mike Smith (Russell Jones) personal profile

KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Final co-conspirator sentenced in Aaron Friar murder case

KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Medford murder investigation continues

KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: Medford police investigating possible homicide

KOBI-TV NBC5 Medford: “Nothing will bring him back,” Murder victim’s sister pleads for trial to begin 4 years after his violent death

KTVL: Friends remember Aaron Friar after his death

KTVL: Homicide investigation underway in Medford

Mail Tribune: Man admits to beating girlfriend's father to death

Mail Tribune: Man sentenced in connection with beating death

Mail Tribune: Police say daughter conspired with boyfriend in killing

Wikipedia: Medford, Oregon 

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon: Spring 2016 Concert Series

YouTube: Ellen Friar's full statement at her sentencing hearing

YouTube: Friend of accused Aaron Friar killer speaks out

YouTube: Medford teenager sentenced in plot to murder father

YouTube: Explore with Us—The Craziest Interrogation You’ll Ever See