Overview of Episode 328 — Sword and Scale
This episode retells the May 2017 murder of 43-year-old Brad McGarry in Bellaire, Ohio, and the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of his longtime friend David Kinney. It’s a small‑town story of friendship, hidden sexual relationships, financial entanglement, lies and betrayal that ended in a violent death. Detective Ryan Aller (Belmont County) guides much of the investigation narrative and interrogations are a core part of the episode.
Case summary (concise timeline)
- May 6, 2017 (Saturday): Brad spends time with David, Sherry (David’s wife) and family; attends a wedding that evening.
- May 7, 2017 (Sunday afternoon): The Kinney family drives to Brad’s home in Bellaire to drop off a weed trimmer. David goes inside to check when Brad doesn’t answer his phone; he finds Brad face down in the basement, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head. He later returns with his wife and child. 911 called.
- Investigation uncovers multiple inconsistent stories from David, sexual relationship between Brad (gay) and David (married), and financial ties between Brad and the Kinney family.
- Evidence and interrogation lead investigators to conclude the killing was not an accident or simple self-defense.
- Trial: David Kinney convicted of aggravated murder; sentenced to life without parole plus three years for the firearm enhancement. Sherry (wife) was cleared of involvement.
Key people
- Victim: Brad McGarry — popular in town, formerly a hairdresser, worked in coal mining, close family friend of the Kinneys; known to have been in romantic/sexual relationships with men.
- Accused/convicted: David (DJ) Kinney — longtime friend, married with children; had a sexual relationship with Brad which he repeatedly lied about during police interviews.
- Family: Sherry Kinney — David’s wife, present when they discovered the body; later divorced and reportedly remarried by 2024.
- Lead investigator: Detective Ryan Aller, Belmont County Sheriff's Office.
Investigation: main findings & inconsistencies
- Discovery scene: Brad found face down in basement, two gunshot wounds to the back of the head; bruising to the face; phone in pocket; drawers opened as if staged — nothing else confirmed stolen.
- Ballistics/forensics: Two shots to the back of the head — first wound likely survivable, second fatal. Shell casings were not recovered despite exhaustive searches; investigators suspected a small caliber (.22) and possibly a firearm design that traps casings (or they were removed).
- DNA: A condom found in the trash had DNA not matching David; pointed to other sexual partners Brad saw occasionally (a man called “Richie” is mentioned in interviews).
- Interrogation inconsistencies: David gave multiple versions (mysterious third man, self-defense, he left then returned), initially denied sexual activity and other incriminating details, then admitted an affair. Detectives judged many elements fabricated; they concluded David had premeditated intent and brought a weapon.
- Motive possibilities: jealous conflict over relationship expectations, money/financial entanglement (Brad paid for many things for the Kenny family), and fear of exposure. Investigators leaned toward premeditation, not defense.
Trial and outcome
- Prosecutors charged aggravated murder; defense argued against premeditation/self-defense narratives.
- Jury convicted David Kinney on all charges.
- Sentence: life in prison without parole, plus an additional three years for the firearm count.
- Sherry Kinney was not charged and later moved on with her life publicly.
Themes, notable insights & quotes
- Betrayal & secrecy: the case highlights how hidden relationships and financial dependence can complicate loyalties and motives.
- Power of interrogation: the episode focuses heavily on the detective’s methods to unspool David’s stories — the emotional unraveling is central to the narrative.
- Notable quotes:
- Detective Aller: “I think there’s a little bit of monster in everybody…” — reflecting on capacity for violence and choices.
- During interrogation: “You love this man, and there’s no shame in it.” — a moment where the detective confronts David’s emotional ties to Brad.
- Impact: the episode frames the murder not only as a legal case but as a rupture within an extended family and community; trauma to children and long-term fallout are emphasized.
Evidence-based takeaways / lessons
- Secrets and financial entanglement can create toxic dependencies that escalate conflicts.
- In homicide investigations, consistent timelines, forensics (trajectory, wounds, absence/presence of casings) and phone/GPS/camera corroboration are critical to testing witness accounts.
- Interrogation dynamics: repeated, inconsistent stories from a primary witness often point to deception or fabrication; emotional admissions can be powerful evidence in building motive/context.
Aftermath & impact
- Conviction closed the criminal case; the family and community nonetheless had long-term emotional fallout.
- The episode closes noting the children’s likely need for counseling and the long-term ripple effects of betrayal and violence in a small town.
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