The Scream Killers: 7 Shocking Facts About The Cassie Jo Stoddart Murder Case And Where Her Killers Are Today

The tragic murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart remains one of the most disturbing and analyzed true crime cases in modern history, particularly due to its chilling resemblance to a horror film plot. As of late 2024, the case continues to generate significant interest, fueled by recent legal appeals and in-depth coverage on shows like *Dateline*. The story of a teenage girl brutally murdered by two of her classmates, a crime they meticulously planned and documented, serves as a stark reminder of the darkest impulses that can hide in plain sight.

The horrific events of September 2006 in Pocatello, Idaho, involving 16-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart, have been revisited multiple times by *Dateline*, including the episode "The Secret in Black Rock Canyon" and the 2022 special "The Last Day". For those seeking the most current and in-depth understanding of the case—from the victim's life to the ongoing legal battles of her convicted murderers—this article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the facts.

The Tragic Life and Death of Cassie Jo Stoddart

Cassie Jo Stoddart was a vibrant and well-loved high school junior whose life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. Born on December 21, 1989, in Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho, she was the daughter of Ronald J. Stoddart and Anna Maria Sisneros. Known for her kindness, warmth, and cheerful disposition, Cassie was cherished by her family and friends.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Cassie Jo Stoddart
• Date of Birth: December 21, 1989
• Parents: Ronald J. Stoddart and Anna Maria Sisneros
• Age at Death: 16 years old
• Location of Death: Pocatello, Idaho
• Date of Murder: September 22, 2006
• School: High school junior in Pocatello, Idaho

On the fateful weekend of her murder, Cassie was house-sitting for her aunt and uncle at their home in the Whispering Cliffs neighborhood of Pocatello. She was joined by her boyfriend, Matt Berg, and later, two of her classmates, Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper, who claimed they wanted to watch a movie with them. This seemingly innocent evening would soon devolve into a nightmare orchestrated by the two boys.

The Sinister Plot: How Two Classmates Became "The Scream Killers"

The murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart was not a crime of passion or a random act; it was a premeditated thrill killing, meticulously planned by her friends, Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper. The two 16-year-old boys were reportedly obsessed with the horror movie *Scream* and had a shared desire to commit a murder and document it on video, which they referred to as their "Death List" plan.

The planning phase involved a disturbing level of detail. On the night of September 22, 2006, while at the house with Cassie and her boyfriend, Draper and Adamcik made their first move. They secretly unlocked a basement door before leaving the house, creating an access point for their return.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

After leaving, they returned to the house, parked their car down the street, and donned dark clothing and mask-like bandanas. Armed with a dagger knife and a hunting knife, they entered the basement through the unlocked door. For hours, they attempted to lure Cassie and her boyfriend downstairs by making loud noises and flicking the circuit breakers, hoping to scare them out of the house, but their initial attempts failed.

When Cassie’s boyfriend left the house for the night, the killers saw their opportunity. They crept upstairs, and Brian Draper opened the door to the living room while Torey Adamcik rushed in and began stabbing Cassie Jo Stoddart. Cassie was stabbed multiple times, and the crime scene was described as horrific. The boys fled the scene, later disposing of their weapons and clothing in a nearby creek.

The Evidence That Sealed Their Fate

The key to solving the Cassie Jo Stoddart murder was the killers' own arrogance. Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper had recorded their plans and their thoughts about the murder on videotape. This video evidence, recovered by police, was devastating at trial, revealing their motive of sadism and a desire for fame.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The recordings showed the boys discussing their plot, celebrating the murder, and expressing their desire to commit more crimes. In one chilling moment, Draper stated, "We just killed Cassie," while Adamcik added, "We're going to be famous".

During the trial at the Bannock County Courthouse, both teenagers were tried as adults. The jury heard testimony about the gruesome details of the thrill killing and watched the video evidence. In 2007, both Torey Michael Adamcik and Brian Lee Draper were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. They were each sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Current Status of Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper (2024 Updates)

Nearly two decades after the murder, both of Cassie Jo Stoddart's killers remain incarcerated, but their legal battles are far from over. Their current status is a frequent subject of true crime updates and *Dateline* specials.

Torey Michael Adamcik's Ongoing Appeals

Torey Adamcik (IDOC #86328), born June 14, 1990, is currently in custody with the Idaho Department of Correction. His legal team has repeatedly sought a new sentencing hearing, citing the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in *Miller v. Alabama* (2012) and *Montgomery v. Louisiana* (2016). These rulings restrict the use of mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles, arguing that a judge must consider a juvenile's age and maturity before imposing such a harsh sentence.

While Adamcik's initial life sentence was upheld by the Idaho Supreme Court, his legal team continues to pursue avenues for relief. As of 2024, Adamcik's appeals are still active within the state court system, specifically challenging the constitutionality of his original sentence. The ongoing nature of these appeals ensures the case remains in the public eye and is a key focus of recent true crime coverage.

Brian Lee Draper's Incarceration Status

Brian Draper (IDOC #85763), born March 21, 1990, is also serving his life sentence for the Pocatello murder. He is currently housed at the Idaho State Correctional Institution. While his co-conspirator, Adamcik, has been the more active party in pursuing appeals, Draper's conviction and sentence of life without parole remain in effect.

Both men, now in their mid-thirties, were 16 at the time of the crime. The legal arguments surrounding their cases highlight the complex debate over juvenile sentencing and the concept of "irreparable corruption" versus the potential for rehabilitation. The fact that a *Dateline* episode in February 2024 provided an update on their status confirms that the case is still considered a developing story.

The Lasting Legacy and Dateline’s Role

The Cassie Jo Stoddart Dateline episodes have played a crucial role in keeping the memory of Cassie alive and ensuring the public is aware of the ongoing legal proceedings. The case is frequently used as a cautionary tale in true crime circles, often referred to as the "real-life *Scream* murder" due to the killers' obsession with the film.

The extensive media coverage, including the *Dateline* specials, has helped to establish a topical authority around the key entities of the case: the victim, Cassie Jo Stoddart, and the perpetrators, Torey Adamcik and Brian Draper. The details of the house-sitting murder and the chilling video diary entries have cemented the case as a staple in true crime narratives, prompting continuous curiosity from the public about the killers' current lives behind bars.

For the family of Cassie Jo Stoddart, the ongoing appeals are a painful reminder of the tragedy. However, the consistent upholding of the life sentences for the Scream Killers provides a measure of justice for a life cut short by a monstrous thrill killing. The case will continue to be a subject of legal and media scrutiny as long as the convicted murderers pursue their appeals through the Idaho Supreme Court and other legal channels.