A 3:40 a.m. 911 call. A man waiting outside with a hammer in one hand and a cross in the other. Inside, a crime scene so brutal seasoned detectives called the victim “unrecognizable.” In this episode of Hidden True Crime, Lauren sits down with the family of 31-year-old Paxton April Wallace—a daughter, big sister, caretaker and dog mom whose life was stolen by the man they once welcomed into their home. We walk through the chilling police report, Jeffrey Rael’s “demon mode” claims, Paxton’s desperate attempts to escape escalating abuse, and the systemic failures that left her without safe options. This is the story behind the headline—a family’s grief, a community’s wake-up call, and why Paxton’s loved ones are begging you to listen. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices