In the quiet town of Pocatello, Idaho, the evening of September 22, 2006, turned into a real-life horror story. Sixteen-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart, a bright and responsible high school student, was brutally murdered in what would become one of the most chilling and senseless crimes in recent American history. Her death wasn’t the result of a robbery, accident, or random act of violence—but a premeditated murder orchestrated by two of her classmates who were inspired by slasher films and real-life killers.
The murder of Cassie Jo sent shockwaves across the country and continues to haunt those who followed the case. This article will explore who Cassie was, the events of the night she died, the people involved, the court proceedings, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Who Was Cassie Jo Stoddart?
Born on December 21, 1989, Cassie Jo Stoddart was described by her family and friends as a kind, artistic, and trustworthy young woman. She was a student at Pocatello High School, where she was known for being responsible and mature beyond her years. She loved animals, enjoyed drawing and music, and had aspirations of pursuing a career in law or forensics.
Cassie lived with her mother, stepfather, and siblings in Pocatello. She had a boyfriend, Matt Beckham, with whom she shared a close and happy relationship. Like many teens, Cassie enjoyed hanging out with her friends and going to school events—but unlike many of her peers, she had a serious and dependable nature. This was part of the reason her aunt and uncle trusted her to house-sit and take care of their pets while they were out of town on that fateful weekend in September.
The Night of the Murder
On Friday, September 22, 2006, Cassie was house-sitting at her aunt and uncle’s home on Whispering Cliffs Drive in Bannock County. Her boyfriend Matt came over to keep her company, and for a while, it was a typical evening. They watched TV, talked, and spent time together.
Later that evening, two of Cassie and Matt’s classmates, Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik, dropped by unexpectedly. They claimed they were just stopping by to say hello and maybe watch a movie. After hanging out for a short time, they left—or so it seemed.
Unknown to Cassie and Matt, Brian and Torey had snuck back into the house and were hiding in the basement. They had unlocked the door before leaving, allowing themselves re-entry. Dressed in dark clothing and masks, and armed with knives, they plotted to murder Cassie while documenting their actions and thoughts on video camera tapes.
At one point during the evening, the power in the house flickered, which made Cassie uneasy. Matt called his mother to ask if he could stay the night with her, but she said no. He eventually left around 10:30 p.m., leaving Cassie alone in the house.
Sometime later that night, Draper and Adamcik crept upstairs and brutally stabbed Cassie 29 times, 12 of which were fatal. She fought back but was overpowered. They left her body in the house and returned to school the following Monday as if nothing had happened.
The Investigation Begins
Cassie’s body was discovered two days later by her relatives. The scene was horrifying. Investigators immediately began piecing together her last known moments and interviewed her boyfriend Matt, who had been the last person to see her alive.
Initially, suspicion fell on Matt, as is common in such cases. However, his alibi held up, and he cooperated fully with authorities. He informed the police that Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik had been at the house that night, which led investigators to question both teens.
During questioning, both boys initially denied involvement but eventually cracked. Draper confessed and led police to the Black Rock Canyon area, where they had buried key pieces of evidence—including the murder weapons, clothing, and chilling video tapes documenting their plans
The Video Tapes: Cold-Blooded Confessions
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the case was the video footage Draper and Adamcik recorded before and after the murder. In these videos, the two teens openly discussed their plan to kill Cassie. They expressed excitement and anticipation, referring to her as a target and fantasizing about the fame they would receive after committing the crime.
One tape showed the pair driving to Cassie’s house, talking about how she “had to die.” After the murder, they recorded themselves celebrating their actions and boasting about what they had done.
These tapes provided damning evidence of premeditation and a complete lack of remorse. Prosecutors would later use the footage to show how the boys were not only inspired by horror films like Scream but were seeking infamy by emulating fictional and real-life killers.
The Trial and Sentencing
Both Draper and Adamcik were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. They were tried separately in 2007.
During their trials, the defense attempted to argue that the teens had been influenced by violent media, poor home environments, and peer pressure. However, the prosecution focused on the deliberate and calculated nature of the crime, using the videotapes as central evidence of their intent.
Both were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. They were only 16 years old at the time of the murder.
Over the years, both Draper and Adamcik have appealed their sentences, citing various legal and constitutional grounds. However, as of 2024, both remain incarcerated in Idaho prisons, serving life sentences.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Cassie Jo Stoddart’s murder had a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader community. Her death was senseless, shocking, and left a permanent scar on the lives of those who knew her.
Her family, particularly her brother Andrew Stoddart, has continued to speak publicly about her life and legacy. They advocate for youth violence prevention, media literacy, and remembering Cassie not for how she died—but for how she lived.
Numerous true crime documentaries have covered Cassie’s case, including:
- Dateline: The Last Day – an in-depth look into the events leading up to the murder.
- Killer Kids and The Killer Speaks – both of which analyze the psychological motivations of teenage murderers.
- YouTube documentaries and podcasts – including channels like That Chapter, Kendall Rae, and others who have explored the case in detail.
Cassie has also become a cautionary tale about the dangers of peer pressure, desensitization to violence, and the consequences of untreated mental health issues in adolescents.
Who Were Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik?
Brian Draper was born on March 21, 1990, and had a fascination with serial killers and dark themes. He reportedly admired the Columbine shooters and frequently wrote violent stories.
Torey Adamcik, born June 14, 1990, also had an interest in film-making and horror. He and Draper bonded over shared interests, particularly horror films, and developed an obsession with becoming “famous” through murder.
Together, they formed a toxic and delusional partnership that led to the planning and execution of Cassie’s murder. Their dynamic was later compared to other criminal duos in history, where groupthink and validation from each other escalated the severity of their actions.
Remembering Cassie
In the years since her death, Cassie’s story has remained in the public consciousness. Her name often resurfaces in true crime discussions, YouTube videos, and media retrospectives.
Her family has continued to honor her memory through local events and memorials. Despite their grief, they have shown incredible strength in sharing Cassie’s story and advocating for justice.
Final Thoughts
The murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart is more than just another crime story—it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life, the potential darkness of youth when left unchecked, and the real-life consequences of glorifying violence. Cassie’s life was full of promise, and her death left a void that can never be filled.
Through documentaries, court records, and testimonials, her story continues to be told—not to glorify the murderers—but to honor the victim and to educate others about the dangers of peer influence, obsession with violence, and untreated mental illness.
At theukwire, we believe it’s important to shed light on such stories—not just to explore the facts, but to remember the victims and learn from the tragedies that shake our communities.