Cassie Jo Stoddart was born on December 21, 1989, in Pocatello, Idaho, United States. At 16 years old, she was described as a typical teenager: passionate about music, drawing, and animals.
She attended Pocatello High School and was dating Matthew Beckham, a fellow student. Cassie was dedicated and responsible, often taking care of her aunt and uncle’s house while they were away.
A Normal Night
On September 22, 2006, Cassie was house-sitting for her aunt and uncle while Matthew kept her company. He invited his friend Tori Adamcik over, who brought along Brian Draper, another schoolmate. What no one knew was that Tori and Brian had a macabre plan: a list called “People to Kill,” and Cassie was one of their targets.
During the visit, the four watched the movie Kill Bill. After a few hours, Tori and Brian made an excuse to leave for the cinema, but before leaving, Brian unlocked the basement door. This small act was the first step in a cruel plan to be executed later that night.
The Killers’ Return
After leaving the house, Tori and Brian parked their car across the street, donned masks and gloves, and armed themselves with knives. They entered through the unlocked basement door and started making noises to lure Cassie and Matthew. However, the couple, who were in the living room watching TV, did not hear anything.
Frustrated, the pair cut the power to the house. The sudden blackout scared Cassie, but she decided to stay. Matthew’s mother arrived around 10 PM to pick him up, urging Cassie to spend the night with them. However, Cassie refused, saying she needed to take care of her aunt and uncle’s home.
A Night of Horror
After Matthew left, Tori and Brian cut the power again. When Cassie did not come to investigate, they decided to enter the house. Armed, they started making noises, but Cassie, asleep on the couch, did not react.
The pair then brutally attacked her, stabbing her more than 30 times. Most of the wounds were directed at her chest, hitting her heart. After committing the crime, they fled the scene.
The Discovery of the Body
The next morning, Matthew tried calling Cassie several times, but she did not answer. His mother also called, concerned. On September 24, Cassie’s aunt and uncle returned from their trip and found the front door open.
Upon entering, they noticed objects scattered around and broken glass. Soon, they discovered Cassie’s body on the living room floor. Horrified, they called the police.
Investigators quickly determined that Tori Adamcik and Brian Draper were the last people seen with Cassie. During interrogations, the two gave conflicting stories. Tori claimed Brian was responsible for the attack, while Brian initially denied involvement but later confessed to stabbing Cassie under Tori’s orders.
Three days after the crime, Brian led the police to a hiding spot in Black Rock Canyon, where they had buried evidence: knives, masks, gloves, and a video tape.
The Video Tapes
The recordings found by the police were among the most disturbing details of the case. In one tape, Tori and Brian explicitly discussed their plans to kill Cassie, laughing and showing no remorse. After the murder, they recorded another video describing what they had done, comparing themselves to infamous serial killers like the Zodiac Killer and Ted Bundy.
They also mentioned being inspired by the Columbine Massacre and the horror film Scream. In a joking tone, the teenagers spoke about wanting to become famous serial killers.
Trials and Sentencing
The two young men were tried separately.
Brian Draper: In April 2007, he was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Tori Adamcik: In June 2007, he received the same convictions.
Both were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 30 years for conspiracy.
Impacts and Additional Details
Pre-Crime Evidence: Before the murder, Brian and Tori purchased knives from a pawn shop and recorded videos at school where they mentioned their plans. In one scene, they apologized to Cassie’s family for what they were about to do.
Questionable Motives: Despite their statements of hatred and fascination with serial killers, theories suggest Brian was in love with Cassie and jealous of her relationship with Matthew. However, nothing was confirmed.
Civil Action Against the School: In 2010, Cassie’s family sued the Pocatello school district, claiming negligence for not recognizing Tori and Brian as threats. The case was dismissed.
The case of Cassie Jo Stoddart is one of the most chilling in true crime, highlighting the coldness and insensitivity of two teenagers who aspired to become serial killers. The brutality of the crime and the records left by the duo shocked the community and serve as a grim reminder of how far the human mind can go.
Cassie, who was only 16 years old, was the victim of a crime that should never have happened. Her legacy lives on through the memories of her friends and family, while her killers spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
