Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode explores the complex financial crimes and elaborate cover-up surrounding the death of Michael Giles, centering on a woman named Quinetta Harris. While reporting on incarcerated survivors of domestic violence, the host, Justine Vanderloon, examines how Quinetta spent over fifteen months draining Giles's accounts, forging signatures, and fabricating stories about fake inheritances from a famous attorney or a truck accident settlement. The narrative details how investigators traced a massive paper trail of checks, car purchases, home renovations, and private school tuition. Through interviews with family members and law enforcement, the episode uncovers a bizarre impersonation scheme where Quinetta's boyfriend pretended to be a bandaged stroke victim to transfer investment funds, leading to his immediate confession when caught.
- Investigators uncovered a massive paper trail of checks, bank transfers, and property purchases linking Quinetta Harris to stolen funds. 23:17
- Quinetta fabricated elaborate stories for friends and family, claiming her money came from a wealthy biological father or a truck accident settlement. 24:20
- Quinetta's boyfriend, Deandre, confessed to forging documents and impersonating a bandaged hospital patient within minutes of being questioned by police. 31:34
Chapters
- 0:02Podcast Intro and Promotion
Hosts introduce the episode and promote the podcast subscription and ad‑free listening options.
- 1:08Justine’s Background and Quinetta Introduction
Justine explains her long‑term reporting on women in prison and how she first contacted Quinetta Harris.
- 1:40Quinetta’s Initial Survey and Reluctant Disclosure
Quinetta initially declines to answer a key question about Michael Giles’ death, but gradually shares more details.
- 6:17The Money Trail Begins
Justine discovers a new truck and suspicious vehicle ownership that hints at financial irregularities linked to Quinetta.
- 7:30Family and Friends Reveal Hidden Wealth
Princess Powell and others describe Quinetta’s sudden wealth, expensive gifts, and unexplained money sources.
- 14:10Evidence of Forgery and Account Transfers
Investigators uncover forged signatures, power‑of‑attorney documents, and large checks moving from Giles’ accounts.
- 21:35Michael Giles’ Disappearance and Body Discovery
Details of Giles’ disappearance, delayed body discovery, and forensic findings are presented.
- 27:20Financial Crimes Unveiled
Justine outlines how Quinetta siphoned over $200,000 from Giles’ assets and used it for personal gains.
- 32:07DeAndre’s Role and Confession
DeAndre Knight’s involvement is revealed, including his confession to forging documents and aiding the scheme.
- 33:22Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Justine reflects on the case’s complexity, the transformation of Quinetta’s narrative, and invites listeners to subscribe for more episodes.
Highlights
- 4:35
Uncovering the Money Trailinsight
The host introduces the financial aspect of the case, shifting focus from the homicide to the extensive theft that followed Michael Giles's death.
- 7:41
Quinetta's cousin Princess describes getting into the truck brought back from Texas and noticing an overwhelming smell of old blood and decay.
- 10:42
Princess discovers roughly $180,000 in Quinetta's bank account, which Quinetta casually claims was given to her by Michael Giles.
- 17:19
Reviewing Discovery Filesstory
The host looks through police and prosecution files provided by Roberta, finding joint checking account summaries and police reports from Garland, Texas.
- 19:03
Roberta shows a picture of Quinetta and her boyfriend Deandre posing in a red Ferrari at Caesar's Palace shortly after the murder.
- 29:19
Bank agent Donald Eberly recounts visiting Quinetta's house to verify a power of attorney and encountering a bandaged man in a hospital bed.
- 31:34
Immediate Confession by Boyfriendinsight
Investigator Gary Sweet expresses shock when Deandre confesses to forging paperwork and participating in the scheme within minutes of questioning.
Quotes
“I sent surveys out to all these women, and I ended up writing a book, Unreasonable Women, about them.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:17 “The first time I really understood the extent of the money was on one of my trips to visit Roberta, Quinetta's mom.”
Unnamed speaker · 14:10 “The money moved from account to account, so it's hard to know exactly what Quinetta bought with it all.”
Unnamed speaker · 27:39 “The gun? Never located. The bullet? No forensic evidence that would lead back to anyone.”
Unnamed speaker · 22:48 “The narrative flips. The women are portrayed as nothing more than cold‑blooded killers, liars, drama queens, fabulists, master manipulators.”
Unnamed speaker · 12:35
Sponsored segments
- The Binge 0:25–0:54
- Carvana 19:57–21:02
- The Binge 33:26–34:07
About this episode
Kwaneta had always argued she hadn't wanted Michael dead, but the paper trail she left behind told a very different story. - Want the full story? Binge every episode of What She Buried ad-free now by subscribing to The Binge+. You’ll unlock over 60 true crime series instantly, get early access to drops on the first of every month, and hear exclusive bonus episodes. Search for the channel on Apple Podcasts or head to GetTheBinge.com. For behind-the-scenes details, join our free newsletter at Patreon.com/TheBinge. What She Buried is a production of Sony Music Entertainment and Campside Media. Follow @sonypodcasts and discover more at sonymusic.com/podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices at podcastchoices.com/adchoices. The Binge — feed your true crime obsession. - For more of Justine’s work, read Unreasonable Women, which follows three women who have been punished for defending themselves. The result of seven years of reporting inside U. S. prisons, it's a gripping, urgent look at how survivors are criminalized, called "required reading for anyone who cares about women and justice," by Bookpage, "remarkable... riveting," by Kirkus, and "true crime at its finest," by Booklist. Available now on Amazon or Bookshop.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcript
5,018 words · 8 speakers
Topics
- Campside Media
- What She Buried
- Sony Music Entertainment
- Apple Podcasts
- Crime Scene
- Lane Murray Prison
- Detroit Police Department
- Garland, Texas
- Caesar's Palace Casino
- Red Ferrari
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