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This episode covers the tragic murder of Michelle Carson, a graduate student whose body was found burned and buried in the Las Vegas desert in November 2010. Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson detail how Michelle went to Las Vegas for a girls trip with her best friend Vicky Rojas, only to be secretly visited by her abusive ex-boyfriend, former college basketball player Justin Burns. The hosts explore how Justin murdered Michelle following an argument at a Cheesecake Factory, fled the area, and hid out with relatives in Mississippi before his eventual arrest and 2017 guilty plea to second-degree murder. The discussion highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, the heavy burden borne by friends keeping secrets, and the aftermath leading up to Justin's suicide in prison in 2023.
The episode opens with a promotional ad for DraftKings Casino, setting a light tone before diving into true crime.
Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson welcome listeners and announce the focus on Michelle Carson’s disappearance and murder.
The hosts provide biographical details about Michelle, her upbringing, education, and early relationships.
Discussion of Michelle’s childhood in Walnut, California, her family dynamics, and friendships.
Michelle and her best friend Vicky head to Las Vegas for a girls’ trip, setting the stage for conflict.
Justin, Michelle’s ex‑boyfriend, appears during the trip, creating a tense and uneasy atmosphere.
The conversation shifts to the violent altercation between Michelle and Justin, hinting at domestic abuse.
Family and police frantically try to locate Michelle, ultimately finding her burned body in the desert.
Justin is arrested in Mississippi, charged with murder, and faces a complex legal battle.
Justin pleads guilty to second‑degree murder, receives a 10‑to‑25 year sentence, and the case concludes.
Justin dies by suicide in prison in 2023, adding a tragic twist to the story.
The episode ends with reflections on domestic violence awareness and the impact of Michelle’s case.
A Vegas Trip Turns Tragicstory
Michelle Carson went to Las Vegas with her best friend in the fall of 2010 to blow off steam before finishing graduate school, but ended up murdered and buried in the desert.
On November 7, target shooters discovered Michelle's body burned and hidden under rocks in the desert south of Las Vegas Boulevard.
Fleeing and Hiding Outinsight
After the murder, Justin Burns fled Las Vegas, and cell phone records placed him near the murder scene before his phone was turned off.
Justin Burns was tracked down and arrested on March 17, 2011, while hiding out with relatives in Jackson, Mississippi.
In July 2017, Justin Burns agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder and received a sentence of 10 to 25 years.
Death in Prisoninsight
Justin Burns died by suicide in prison in June 2023 at the age of 39, with his cause of death listed as asphyxia due to strangulation.
“The problem here is though, that Justin had been violent with Michelle in the past.”
“He was a real bright kid, fun to coach.”
“He said he cried with grief for Justin's family and with relief for his own family.”
“He said, now two people are gone that should still be here, my daughter and him.”
“No, absolutely not. There was, there was no reason for it to happen, but it shows you this man's compassion.”
“You know, I am drawn to Vicky in this case and, and the situation that she was in.”
“And like she said, never thought that it could ever get to this point.”
In October 2010, 25-year-old graduate student Michele Carson traveled to Las Vegas with her best friend, Vicki Rojas, for a girls’ trip. On November 7, Michele's abandoned car was found running in West Covina while Michele was missing. Her burned and partially buried body was discovered in the Las Vegas desert, and investigators determined she had been strangled. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Michele Carson. Suspicion quickly centered on Michele’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Justin Burns, after Vicki revealed that he had previously been violent toward Michele. Phone records showed the couple had argued shortly before her death, and Justin’s phone pinged near where Michele’s body was found before being turned off. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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