Medicine Made Me Murder - St. George, Utah

In this episode, we dive into the complicated and tragic murder case of Janice Fondren, who was found dead in 1990 in St. George, Utah. The episode recounts the events leading up to Janice's murder, including the relationships between Janice, Nancy Snow, and Nancy's ex-husband Joseph Charles Gardner, who becomes the prime suspect.

After a harrowing and mysterious series of events involving Janice and Nancy, with Nancy claiming Gardner was stalking her after their divorce, things took a dark turn when Janice was murdered. The police investigation revealed blood, a bullet hole in the window, and eventually led to Gardner's arrest. The prosecution's case centers around the brutality of the murder and Gardner’s mental state, influenced by his use of Prozac.

The defense lawyer attempts to argue involuntary intoxication due to Prozac, based on a controversial precedent set by a previous case involving another medication. This episode explores the complex interactions between mental health medication and legal responsibilities, raising significant ethical questions about accountability and state laws regarding involuntary intoxication.

After multiple attempts to appeal and delays due to mental health evaluations, Gardner was ultimately sentenced to five years to life in prison. His later attempts to get parole are explored, alongside the persistent impact on Janice's family and the community as a whole. The episode serves as a reflection on the intersections of mental health, legal systems, and the haunting aftermath of violence.