Kindergarten Teacher Murdered After Bailing Her Killer Out of Jail

Summary

The transcript details the tragic story of Katherine Garosi, a compassionate kindergarten teacher, who met Charlie Malon, a man with a troubled past. Their relationship spiraled when Charlie, recently released from jail, convinced Katherine to post his bail. Soon after, Charlie violently murdered Katherine, following a heated argument. Her remains were later found in Arizona. Charlie was charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Katherine’s family created a foundation in her memory, focusing on the causes she cherished: education, animals, and nature.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The transcript describes a dramatic police encounter where a suspect named Charlie Malon is arrested after a vehicle issue, where he initially resists but eventually complies.
• 🎂 Katherine Garosi was born in 1973 and was a beloved kindergarten teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, who had a passion for animals, nature, and education.
• 🐕 Katherine adopted a shelter dog named Sunshine, reflecting her compassionate nature and love for animals.
• 💔 Katherine became romantically involved with Charlie Malon, despite his troubled past, which included substance abuse and multiple felony charges.
• 🚔 In August 2017, Charlie stole his sister's car after a paranoid episode and later fled, leading to his arrest and further criminal charges.
• 🛑 Katherine, against the advice of others, bailed Charlie out of jail, believing she could help him turn his life around. She put up $20,000 using her home as collateral.
• 🔪 After being released from jail, Charlie brutally murdered Katherine following an argument, stabbing her 14 times and running her over with her own car.
• 🚨 Charlie was later arrested after a violent crime spree and eventually led police to Katherine's body in the Arizona desert.
• ⚖️ In 2022, Charlie pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• 💔 Katherine’s loved ones established a foundation in her memory to promote causes she cherished: education, animals, and nature.

Q & A

Who is Katherine Garosi, and what was her profession?

Katherine Garosi was a dedicated kindergarten teacher in the Phoenix area, who worked most recently at Arrowhead Elementary School in North Glendale. She was known for her compassionate nature, love of education, animals, and nature.

How did Katherine and Charlie Malon meet?

Katherine and Charlie met at the Wild West Junction restaurant on July 10th, 2017, where Charlie worked as a server. Katherine was immediately smitten by him.

What was Charlie Malon’s criminal history before meeting Katherine?

Charlie Malon had a long history of substance abuse and felony charges dating back to 2009. His criminal record included drug charges, DUI, criminal property damage, and multiple assaults on law enforcement officers.

What happened during the incident on August 20th, 2017 involving Charlie and his sister?

Charlie became anxious while driving with his sister, insisting the car next to them was going to snipe them. He pulled out a handgun, causing his sister to stop the car and flee with her children. Charlie then seized the car and fled but later informed his sister where she could find the car.

What actions did Katherine take to help Charlie after his arrest in October 2017?

Despite initial hesitations, Katherine decided to post $20,000 for Charlie’s bond using her home as collateral. She created a plan with strict conditions for his release, including checking in regularly, attending AA or NA meetings, and undergoing weekly drug tests.

How did authorities become suspicious that Charlie might be involved in Katherine's disappearance?

Katherine's friends and family reported her missing after she failed to return home following her trip to bail out Charlie. Police later discovered that Charlie had been using Katherine’s credit cards, and an acquaintance reported seeing him driving a blood-stained white Toyota RAV4.

What violent incidents occurred at Arizona State University involving Charlie after Katherine's disappearance?

Charlie assaulted a 17-year-old female student at ASU, punching her and throwing her to the ground. Shortly after, he carjacked another woman named Shannon McCrae.

How did police eventually find Katherine's body?

After Charlie's arrest, he initially refused to cooperate but later provided information that led investigators to her body. Katherine's remains were found in Mayer, Arizona, on private property. She had been stabbed 14 times and run over with her own car.

What charges did Charlie face, and what was the outcome of his trial?

Charlie was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful flight, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault. He eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and other charges in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in July 2022.

How did Katherine’s loved ones honor her memory after her tragic death?

In memory of Katherine, her family and friends established a foundation focused on supporting causes she cared about, such as education, animals, and nature. The foundation aims to turn her senseless death into a source of positive change.