After the Fire (Chisa Hawkins, Vernard Millner)

The 'After the Fire' episode of the 'Anatomy of Murder' podcast opens on a chilling scene: a fire in Buffalo, NY, that claimed the lives of Chisa Hawkins and Vernard Millner. Fire Marshall James O'Neill and his partner are called to the scene, where they discover a two-story home engulfed in flames, with two bodies found on the second floor. The initial assessment suggests a suspicious fire, prompting an investigation that would intertwine the expertise of arson and homicide detectives.

As investigators sift through the charred remnants of the home, they unravel disturbing details: smoke detectors had been disabled, a birthday card meant for Chisa was found discarded, and the bodies showed signs of violence prior to the fire. The male victim, Vernard, had suffered a gunshot wound and severe head trauma, while Chisa appeared to have been executed. The presence of an accelerant indicated that the fire was set deliberately, likely to cover up the murders.

Attention quickly turns to Chisa's ex-boyfriend, Byron Howard, whose voice is identified in threatening voicemails left for Vernard. Despite Howard's attempts to fabricate alibis, his claims are systematically dismantled by the investigative team led by Detective Mark Lauber. Crucially, Jacobi Barr, a friend of Howard's, becomes a pivotal figure in the case. Initially providing Howard an alibi, Barr later admits to supplying the murder weapon, a unique .22 caliber pistol, and becomes a cooperating witness.

The episode culminates in Howard's arrest, which is marked by his desperate attempt to flee and use a baby as a shield against the police. Despite his resistance, Howard is apprehended and eventually stands trial. Opting for a bench trial, Howard is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, bringing a measure of closure to the families of the victims.