Brittany and Justine kick off a Christmas true crime episode with a holiday-themed Fuck, Marry, Kill game.
This episode of It's About Damn Crime covers the 2008 Covina massacre, hosted by Brittany, Justine, and Scott. The hosts open the Christmas episode with casual banter recorded from separate locations. They briefly play a holiday-themed game of Fuck, Marry, Kill before transitioning to the main case.
The episode details the events of Christmas Eve 2008 in Covina, California. Bruce Pardo, dressed as Santa Claus, arrived at his ex-in-laws' home for a party. He was armed with multiple firearms and a homemade flamethrower disguised as a present. Pardo shot his ex-wife, Sylvia, and began firing at other party attendees. He then used the flamethrower to set the house on fire, which trapped and killed victims.
The attack resulted in nine deaths, including Pardo's ex-wife and her parents. Six other family members and friends were also killed in the fire. Bruce Pardo fled the scene and later died by suicide at his brother's house from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed Pardo's meticulous planning, including purchasing the flamethrower components online. His motive was rooted in a bitter divorce and a recent court order to pay $10,000 to his ex-wife.
A particularly chilling detail was Pardo's custom Santa suit, which was fire-retardant to protect himself. The hosts note the calculated nature of using a festive disguise to gain entry to a family gathering. The episode contrasts the holiday setting with the extreme violence of the crime. The hosts express disbelief at the perpetrator's ability to assemble such a weapon.
The tone is conversational and darkly humorous, with the hosts interjecting personal reactions. The style blends casual banter with a straightforward recounting of tragic events. Listeners who enjoy true crime stories with a focus on detailed case breakdowns would appreciate this episode. Those sensitive to graphic descriptions of mass violence or who prefer a more solemn tone might skip it.
