TX - Crystal Seratte McDowell, 38, Baytown, 25 Aug 2017 #4

[Gardener1850]

When she sent the "no traffic today" text to Paul I wonder if she had already made it home? Maybe she pulled into the garage at 7:25, sent those texts and then walked into the house. I think the text that SM sent at 8 something asking if she was almost there was after he had killed her and was to cover so he could later claim she never made it there. JMO.

 

[pamelado2]

When she sent the "no traffic today" text to Paul I wonder if she had already made it home? Maybe she pulled into the garage at 7:25, sent those texts and then walked into the house. I think the text that SM sent at 8 something asking if she was almost there was after he had killed her and was to cover so he could later claim she never made it there. JMO.

According to the time stamps from his security she left at 7:10 from Paul's. It's about a 15 minute drive.
That's been my theory - I think she sent the text walked in the house. Maybe set her phone down? (Or it could be that when the text came it dinged.) I think Steve saw the "I love you" text (or asked her who was texting her at 7:30 in the morning). And the altercation began.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Hoosier952]

For everyone concerned about Crystal's suffering and/or making noise while being strangled:

I am friends with a man who loves MMA UFC fights (gross imho) to the point that he takes classes and enters amateur fights. He told me how amazed he was that he was once accidentally rendered unconscious in mere seconds by an opponent during a practice.

He was held in a well-known move called a "rear naked choke" which is executed from behind, as titled. Pressure is put on the carotid(s) until a person faints. Cops learn and use this maneuver as well. It's relatively easy to learn.

Obviously, MMA fighters and cops release the hold as soon as the opponent is subdued so that blood flow is immediately restored to the brain. My friend had no pain and zero clue he was even passing out until after he'd hit the mat and come to, simultaneously.

Knowing this, I'm praying that Steve put Crystal in a rear choke as she had her back to him so that she had very little suffering or struggle. It would help explain her children not being awakened. It's quick and silent; cutting off the blood supply to the brain is not the same violence as strangling the breath out of someone via crushing their trachea. It's still horrific beyond words, but only putting this out here with the hope that it might give others some smidge of peace--hoping sweet Crystal suffered far less than we've all imagined. Who knows what the autopsy can or will show, but this is all I've pictured since learning that he caught her from behind. That, like my friend, she felt nothing.

You can google on your own or read about the science behind the move here: https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/...choke-or-what-happens-when-you-get-choked-out

*mod, pls remove if inappropriate, with my apologies.

I think passing out from lack of blood flow would happen no matter what method he used if he was coming from behind. From the front, it would be easy to direct pressure right on the larynx/trachea. From behind, whether using his hands or his arm, so much pressure would be on the sides of the neck to even come close to squeezing hard enough to stop breathing. I was testing various methods on various objects like yarn and water bottles and I couldn't come up with a method that looked like it wouldn't put enormous amounts of pressure on the sides/10-11 and 1-2 o'clock positions on the neck while simultaneously putting a significant amount of pressure at the 12 o'clock position.

It takes very little pressure to cut off blood flow. You can easily test this by placing the base of both palms on either side of your windpipe with very little pressure for a few seconds (or just take my word for it). Doesn't take more than a second or two to start feeling the effects.

I believe it was mentioned in one of the interviews (I'll try to find out which one) where that was mentioned as a concern. Of course, if he posts bond, who knows what would happen.

EDITED: Found this from the Ashley Banfield transcript , it doesn't say that he's being monitored now.

"BANFIELD: So there was this report in March that Crystal called the police. There was a grave concern of hers that Steve was a danger to her,

a danger to the children, and importantly, a danger to himself, as well, in the way that she feared he may be suicidal. That report was lengthy. It

was adjudicated. And there is some thought at this point that he may also have been suicidal around the time of this murder, as well.

HAWTHORNE: Yes, there was talk of it. And we`ve tried to take all those precautions. And I will tell you the time that I have spent with him, I

don`t feel that he is, but we still are taking the precautions to make sure that he is safe himself.

BANFIELD: So without naming, you know, details, fair to say there`s evidence to suggest that.

HAWTHORNE: Well, there is some written evidence. And so because of that, I think it`s only appropriate for me to take those precautions."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1709/12/ptab.01.html

BBM- Not sure how much faith I place in SM's new buddy Mr. Hawthorne. Sheriff also thinks SM is just lonely and feels bad for what he did.

Maybe she told him that morning...she may have been angry and wanted to hurt him, after he texted her about their daughter, where was she, etc...it could have been the "last straw" for him, so to speak. Not giving him an excuse, as he may well have killed her anyway but it could have sparked the situation at that time. I don't think she walked in the door and he crept up and killed her but jmo.

I can't imagine CM telling SM anything about the cruise beyond the need to know. She already had experienced threats to herself and her children, why would she tell SM anything about PH going, knowing he would likely freak out? Maybe I'm wrong.

I figured he was just mad because she was running late or because she blew him off the night before. I think he was already a ticking bomb, and I really don't think it would have taken much to set him off. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a history of paranoia in SM regarding CM and imagined relationships. It seems like people like SM who threaten to kill/hurt themselves and others when they don't get their way also tend to make up scenarios about their significant others. I don't know if it's a way to justify their behavior or if it's a symptom of some form of mental illness.

 

[NC_Nurse]

IMO, Honestly, I think he knew she was moving on and when she arrived at the house, I'm sure she told SM that she and the kids were not staying home that weekend and he probably knew they would be staying with her new boyfriend and he just snapped. I imagine he probably thought that with the storm coming, she and the kids would be home with him. When she broke the news that they weren't going to be there, he probably knew CM was going to introduce the kids to PH.

 

[Gooddeeds]

When she sent the "no traffic today" text to Paul I wonder if she had already made it home? Maybe she pulled into the garage at 7:25, sent those texts and then walked into the house. I think the text that SM sent at 8 something asking if she was almost there was after he had killed her and was to cover so he could later claim she never made it there. JMO.

-That sounds likely. Since the Sheriff has given little details on the timeline, autopsy and 'Motive' there isn't a way to know for sure? There is no confirmation on if or when he called in to work. That could give more accuracy in relation to his text about meeting her at work.

OT. Im just curious about Steve living in a large house? Aside from him needing extra garage space for his cars that's a big house for he and the kids? IMO

 

[cluciano63]

IMO, Honestly, I think he knew she was moving on and when she arrived at the house, I'm sure she told SM that she and the kids were not staying home that weekend and he probably knew they would be staying with her new boyfriend and he just snapped. I imagine he probably thought that with the storm coming, she and the kids would be home with him. When she broke the news that they weren't going to be there, he probably knew CM was going to introduce the kids to PH.

I wonder if she could take both kids that weekend without his consent, or what their custody said about it? If they really had cusfody of one child each, or even joint, can one parent just take both whenever? Especially as she planned to take them away on a cruise within days? Just thinking of things that could have erupted...

 

[Gooddeeds]

IMO, Honestly, I think he knew she was moving on and when she arrived at the house, I'm sure she told SM that she and the kids were not staying home that weekend and he probably knew they would be staying with her new boyfriend and he just snapped. I imagine he probably thought that with the storm coming, she and the kids would be home with him. When she broke the news that they weren't going to be there, he probably knew CM was going to introduce the kids to PH.

-Agreed. I believe he was stewing over it a few days before. I think her text response Thursday night about being there in the morning accelerated his controlling rage over his inability to sway her differently. We don't know how or when he became aware that he wasn't going on the cruise. IMO, with or without him knowing Paul would be going on the cruise he would still be angry about him not going regardless. 'How dare her go without 'ME'?!

 

[Gooddeeds]

For everyone concerned about Crystal's suffering and/or making noise while being strangled:

I am friends with a man who loves MMA UFC fights (gross imho) to the point that he takes classes and enters amateur fights. He told me how amazed he was that he was once accidentally rendered unconscious in mere seconds by an opponent during a practice.

He was held in a well-known move called a "rear naked choke" which is executed from behind, as titled. Pressure is put on the carotid(s) until a person faints. Cops learn and use this maneuver as well. It's relatively easy to learn.

Obviously, MMA fighters and cops release the hold as soon as the opponent is subdued so that blood flow is immediately restored to the brain. My friend had no pain and zero clue he was even passing out until after he'd hit the mat and come to, simultaneously.

Knowing this, I'm praying that Steve put Crystal in a rear choke as she had her back to him so that she had very little suffering or struggle. It would help explain her children not being awakened. It's quick and silent; cutting off the blood supply to the brain is not the same violence as strangling the breath out of someone via crushing their trachea. It's still horrific beyond words, but only putting this out here with the hope that it might give others some smidge of peace--hoping sweet Crystal suffered far less than we've all imagined. Who knows what the autopsy can or will show, but this is all I've pictured since learning that he caught her from behind. That, like my friend, she felt nothing.

You can google on your own or read about the science behind the move here: https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/...choke-or-what-happens-when-you-get-choked-out

*mod, pls remove if inappropriate, with my apologies.

-My apologizes if this has been covered. Does an autopsy typically differentiate these types? Or is it random case by case as to the exact method?

 

[TruthIsStranger]

I wonder if she could take both kids that weekend without his consent, or what their custody said about it? If they really had custody of one child each, or even joint, can one parent just take both whenever?

Too bad the June divorce didn't clue him into the fact that she was moving on. [emoji15] I've never been through a divorce, but I would imagine that the person who doesn't want it holds out hope until something major happens (like a new relationship). Just like in a missing person's case-- the family holds out hope until a body is found. [emoji25]

Unfortunately, I think that there are some people who are so enraged that no matter what you do or how nicely you try to cut ties, you can't win. I think that if you have ever been threatened (it boggles my mind that it comes to seem somewhat normal that your life is threatened), you should have a gun and a burly escort with a gun and meet face to face as little as possible. Still not a guarantee. The bottom line is that I think she continued to stay because she knew he was crazy enough to kill the babies just to spite her. You know he would--he's a murderer, now, not just a distraught, angry ex husband. Unfortunately, by the time you realize he would kill the kids, too, you're dead. This is all so depressing to me!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[DeDee]

http://www.crimeonline.com/2017/09/...continues-boyfriend-shares-her-last-messages/

Crystal also texted with the potential homebuyer that she had a closing with on Friday. She was not required to be present for the closing. I believe those texts were around 7:27am. and available for viewing on her RE FB pg. iirc

 

[Gooddeeds]

I wonder if she could take both kids that weekend without his consent, or what their custody said about it? If they really had cusfody of one child each, or even joint, can one parent just take both whenever? Especially as she planned to take them away on a cruise within days? Just thinking of things that could have erupted...

-I'm inclined to think the way custody can in some instances hop around based on the individual preferences (tweaks along the way) it could mean whatever they communicated it to be?? Maybe for weekend getaways both of the children could go? Based on Crystals kind nature she most likely would be flexible. But subject to change if she felt she needed to protect the kids further. All just my thoughts, and assumptions.

 

[Gooddeeds]

Hoosier952:
BBM- Not sure how much faith I place in SM's new buddy Mr. Hawthorne. Sheriff also thinks SM is just lonely and feels bad for what he did. QUOTE

-So far I have no faith. I hope that changes. But for now, how long can SH go on with his bold reported conclusions about SM?! I'm wondering if he has the nerve to show up at the service since its in *his County* and being as *he* orchestrated the successful search. I wouldn't be surprised. Though if he is reading FB he may not. To my knowledge he has yet to publicly acknowledge any of Uncle Jeffs angst or condolences to the family. I don't understand that.

 

[cluciano63]

I would like to think the sheriff is playing a gane with SM, being buddies to keep him on track to plead guilty. But probably not.

 

[DeDee]

-Agreed. I believe he was stewing over it a few days before. I think her text response Thursday night about being there in the morning accelerated his controlling rage over his inability to sway her differently. We don't know how or when he became aware that he wasn't going on the cruise. IMO, with or without him knowing Paul would be going on the cruise he would still be angry about him not going regardless. 'How dare her go without 'ME'?!

I differ a little bit from this very good theory. SMc knew about her past weekend in Galveston. He was not pleased by that knowledge either. Then, she spends Thursday evening away from her family. When she arrives home Friday morning, he is livid. It did not take knowledge of the cruise for him to strangle her, as I think he planned it, in advance. It was not a heated passion moment although he was angry when she held her neck, tightly, for four minutes or longer.

I do not think SMc slept Thursday night. Waiting and seething. He is a manager where he works. I cannot understand why Crystal would not have already been at his home when he called into work about being late. So, I think he sent the text on his phone: "When will you be here?" after she arrived home, even if she was still in the garage parking her car, yet it implies she is not yet home.

We know the text about the dishwasher was a hoax, as if he really thought she could read it, while she, weighing now only 30 pounds, was dead, by his own hands, after being tossed into the tick-infested flooded woods for over two weeks. SMc was trying to cover his tracks. Wish we had access to their cell phone records.

 

[ckarmst]

I differ a little bit from this good very theory. SMc knew about her past weekend in Galveston. He was not pleased by that knowledge either. Then, she spends Thursday evening away from her family. When she arrives home Friday morning, he is livid. It did not take knowledge of the cruise for him to strangle her, as I think he planned it, in advance. It was not a heated passion moment although he was angry when she held her neck, tightly, for four minutes or longer.

I do not think SMc slept Thursday night. Waiting and seething. He is a manager where he works. I cannot understand why Crystal would not have already been at his home when he called into work about being late. So, I think he sent the text on his phone: "When will you be here?" after she arrived home, even if she was still in the garage parking her car, yet it implies she is not yet home.

We know the text about the dishwasher was a hoax, as if he really thought she could read it, while she, weighing now only 30 pounds, was dead, by his own hands, after being tossed into the tick-infested flooded woods for over two weeks. SMc was trying to cover his tracks. Wish we had access to their cell phone records.

How do you know he actually knew about her weekend in Galveston?

 

[DeDee]

-My apologizes if this has been covered. Does an autopsy typically differentiate these types? Or is it random case by case as to the exact method?

The fragile hyoid bone located in the throat is usually crushed during a strangulation but, not always, as some are left intact as in the JonBenet's Strangulation.

How much time should be deducted from his imprisonment because he revealed the location of where he placed Crystal in the woods?

*WARNING: SCROLL AND ROLL*


*VERY SENSITIVE TOPIC*


Basically, all that was left of Crystal's body were her bones and teeth and some of those may have fallen out. Two weeks in the wild and water logged, too, will speed along decomposition. She weighed between 110 - 120. At time of discovery, she lost 3/4 of her body weight. The AR is certainly going to be vague as there is not much left to report but for the weight of her bones.

 

[luckystar01]

-My apologizes if this has been covered. Does an autopsy typically differentiate these types? Or is it random case by case as to the exact method?

I'm just an average girl with no experience on the matter whatsoever, but my gut tells me that, under "normal" conditions, they'd be able to tell from the bruising around the neck area. I don't know if they'll be able to tell in her case though, since her body wasn't in the best condition. Perhaps it's not impossible.

I think he put her in a headlock from behind. It's just easier to control someone that way.

I keep waiting for some sort of criminal complaint or other document outlining the charges, but so far nothing. I wonder why that is? It was immediate in the Laura Wallen case.

 

[DeDee]

How do you know he actually knew about her weekend in Galveston?

She told Paul that he knew. SMc did not know about the cruise, at that time when she told Paul about SMc learning about G, to her knowledge, nor do I think she planned to tell SMc that morning.

 

[bestill]

We actually need to be appreciative of SM finally caving and telling where Crystal was and what happened. The family can have some type of closure. This is the only thing that I can say positive about this situation, had he not revealed it - she would still be missing and no answers for her loved ones.

 

[Gooddeeds]

I'm just an average girl with no experience on the matter whatsoever, but my gut tells me that, under "normal" conditions, they'd be able to tell from the bruising around the neck area. I don't know if they'll be able to tell in her case though, since her body wasn't in the best condition. Perhaps it's not impossible.

I think he put her in a headlock from behind. It's just easier to control someone that way.

I keep waiting for some sort of criminal complaint or other document outlining the charges, but so far nothing. I wonder why that is? It was immediate in the Laura Wallen case.

-Its oddly peculiar? I just hope it turns out to the victims advantage. The family is suffering and I believe with each piece of accurate information that comes, with it comes bits of closure.