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The Scream Killers: 5 Chilling, Updated Facts About The Murder Of Cassie Jo Stoddart

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The tragic and chilling murder of 16-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart continues to haunt the true crime world, with fresh details and recent legal movements keeping the case in the public eye even in late 2025. This case, often dubbed the "Scream Murder" due to its disturbing inspiration from the horror film franchise, involved two of Cassie's own classmates, Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik, who meticulously planned and documented their "thrill kill." Nearly two decades later, the question remains: Where are the killers now, and what new information has emerged about the Pocatello, Idaho tragedy? The details of the crime remain a stark reminder of the senseless violence committed on September 22, 2006, while Cassie was house-sitting for her aunt and uncle. Recent documentaries and podcasts, including a February 2024 *Dateline* episode, have reignited interest, providing new context on the victim's life and the ongoing consequences for her murderers and family.

Cassie Jo Stoddart: A Brief Biography

Cassie Jo Stoddart was a vibrant, 16-year-old junior at Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho. Her life was tragically cut short in an act of premeditated violence by two boys she considered friends.
  • Full Name: Cassie Jo Stoddart
  • Date of Birth: December 21, 1989
  • Age at Death: 16
  • Date of Murder: September 22, 2006
  • Location: Pocatello, Idaho
  • High School: Pocatello High School
  • Family: Survived by her father, mother (Anna Stoddart, who passed away in April 2022), and brother (Andrew Stoddart).
  • Circumstance of Death: Stabbed to death while house-sitting for her aunt and uncle.
  • Perpetrators: Brian Lee Draper and Torey Michael Adamcik, both classmates.

The Chilling Plot: How the Thrill Killing Unfolded

The murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart was not a crime of passion or opportunity, but a calculated act of sadism and a desire for notoriety, documented in shocking detail by the killers themselves.

The *Scream* Inspiration and the Video Diaries

The primary, and most disturbing, element of the case is the killers' admitted motive: a "thrill kill" inspired by the movie *Scream*. Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik, both 16 at the time, made video recordings of their plans, discussing how they would murder their victims and "go down in history" as serial killers. In the videos, they expressed a desire to emulate the fictional killers from the horror film, discussing the premeditation of their actions with a shocking lack of remorse. The night of the murder, Cassie was dog-sitting at her aunt and uncle’s home in Pocatello, Idaho. Her boyfriend, Matt Beckham, and the two killers, Draper and Adamcik, were initially present.

The Power Outage and the Luring

Draper and Adamcik convinced Cassie and her boyfriend to watch a movie with them. While the group was in the living room, one of the boys secretly slipped into the basement and plugged in a space heater, causing a power outage. The power outage was a key part of their plan, designed to create fear and confusion. After the power went out, Matt Beckham’s mother insisted he return home, leaving Cassie alone in the house. The killers, who had already gained access to the house through a basement door they unlocked, returned once Cassie was alone. They made noises to frighten her, including scratching on the walls and turning the lights on and off, adding to the terror of the isolated setting.

The Brutal Attack and Confession

Cassie, believing she was alone, was watching a movie when Draper and Adamcik burst into the room wearing dark clothing and masks. They attacked her, stabbing her repeatedly with hunting knives. She was found the next day by her family, who came to check on her after she failed to answer the phone. The critical piece of evidence that sealed their fate was a post-murder video the boys recorded. In the footage, one killer states: "We just killed Cassie. We just left her house. This is it. I feel like I'm in a movie. It was awesome". This video, along with the knives found buried near a creek, provided undeniable proof of their conspiracy and first-degree murder conviction.

5 Updated Facts on the Killers' Current Status (Late 2025)

The legal battle for Brian Draper and Torey Adamcik did not end with their 2007 convictions. As of late 2025, the case remains relevant due to ongoing appeals and media coverage. Both were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and an additional 30 years to life for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

1. Brian Draper Remains In Custody in Idaho

Brian Lee Draper (IDOC # 85763) is currently incarcerated within the Idaho Department of Correction system. His official status is "In custody," and he is serving his life sentence at the Idaho State Correctional Institution, located in Boise, Idaho.

2. Torey Adamcik's 2022 Federal Appeal Was Denied

Torey Michael Adamcik has consistently pursued appeals to challenge his conviction and sentence. A significant recent legal action was the case *Torey Adamcik v. Al Ramirez* (No. 20-35445), which was heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit issued a decision in 2022, upholding his conviction and sentence, effectively denying his request for relief. This denial was a critical blow to his hopes for a new sentence or vacating his conviction, reinforcing his life sentence.

3. The Killers' Sentencing Was Re-evaluated Due to Juvenile Law

Since Draper and Adamcik were 16 years old at the time of the crime, their mandatory life sentences without parole were subject to review following key U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding juvenile offenders, specifically *Miller v. Alabama* and *Montgomery v. Louisiana*. Despite these rulings, which restrict mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles, Idaho courts have consistently upheld the sentences for both Draper and Adamcik, finding that their crimes demonstrated a rare, irreparable corruption.

4. The Case Continues to Receive Fresh Media Coverage

The enduring horror of the "Scream Killers" case ensures it remains a subject of new media. In February 2024, *Dateline* aired an episode on the case, bringing the story to a new generation of true crime followers. Other 2024 documentaries and podcasts, such as *Killer Connections* and *The Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart* (Apple TV), continue to explore the disturbing video evidence and the impact on the Pocatello community.

5. The Stoddart Family’s Ongoing Grief and Loss

The Stoddart family has endured immense, continuous pain. In a tragic, recent development, Cassie's mother, Anna Stoddart, passed away in April 2022, nearly 16 years after her daughter's murder. This loss serves as a powerful reminder that the consequences of the "thrill kill" extend far beyond the initial crime, affecting the victim's family for decades. Her brother, Andrew Stoddart, has previously spoken out about the devastating impact of the murder on his family. The case of Cassie Jo Stoddart is a profound example of a crime committed for the sheer "thrill," a motive that shocked the entire state of Idaho and continues to resonate today. The recent legal updates and continuous media attention confirm that while the killers are behind bars, the story of Cassie Jo Stoddart is far from over.
cassie jo stoddart
cassie jo stoddart

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