Admissions

happened to Hair? I don't know. Her dad's must pick her up and something must have happened, and she she's bleeding. It's she's not pretathing shed. Welcome to Solve, the interactive mystery podcast where you don't just hear about crimes, you solve them. Each episode will present you with a different case inspired by a true crime. You'll interrogate suspects, piece together evidence, and investigate the crime scene. You're the detective.

This is your case. Can you solve it? Solve presents admission. I'm here in front of you today not as the sheriff, but as a father. Inside my worst nightmare, my daughter Hazel was the light of my life. Seventeen years, and not a day went by when she did not make me proud of her character, moral compass, and her kind heart. I thought the hardest thing my wife and I would have to do this year is sent her off to college. She had just been admitted to ul A, her top choice.

Hazel had so much to look forward to. We all did. Murder is a path I've walked many times in my third year career. I never liked this. Today my work takes on a new meaning. While I won't be handling my daughter's case personally, my wife, my son, and I couldn't have more trust in this department and their ability to conduct an investigation that will get justice for my girl. For Hazel, Hazel was my best friend for twelve years.

We were inseparable since the very first day of kindergarten and I was crying, scaredually my parents, but not Hazel. She marshed over to me, grabbed my hand, and brought me over to play. From that moment on, Hazel was my smarter, braver, better half. We did everything together. The first time with sleepaway camp, our first crushes, our first time sneaking out, thanks was supposed to be college. We were planning on going to ul A together, sharing a dorm.

That's all I ever wanted. Oh my gosh, As, I can't believe it's our last first day of high school tomorrow. What are you gonna wear? I don't know. Maybe that wrap dress and boots or shorts and sandals with a crop top. I can't decide. Yep, I'm thinking the Fleetwood Max shirt that I got at that vintage store with my highwaysted shorts. I can't believe it's our last time doing this. Please, I'm sure we'll stress out about first

day off. It's in college too. Yeah, well, it'll have to be over FaceTime unless they get into l A. Don't be ridiculous. You're obviously going to get in. You're the one who's a legacy while according to Mr Briggs last time I met with him, and that won't make up for my g p A. Mr Briggs told Lucas he'd be lucky to get into community college and look at him now, Deans listed state. If he got in there, then you'll definitely get into l A. I hope you're right.

I just I don't know what my parents are gonna do. If I don't, it's like they've been waiting for this for ae. The moment they met. I can't even think about what it will be like at home if I left him down. You won't This time next year, we'll be planning our first day of school outfits in l A. Trust me. Mr Briggs was wrong about Lucas and he's wrong about you, dear journal Um. I'll be honest. I did not expect my first senior assignment to be keeping

a journal. Seems a little more like first day of middle school stuff to me. But hey, maybe Ms O'Brien is right. Maybe I will want to have everything from this year written down. The prompt on the board says to write about my hopes for this year. I guess. More than anything else, I hope Amy and I both get accepted to You l A. I have the grades and test scores, but apparently Mr Briggs told Amy she should be aiming lower. So even if I do get in, it won't mean much If Amy doesn't too. It won't

matter if I can't go with my best friend. Hazel was an all around exceptional student. Can you see once a year, if you're lucky, it's good at math and science as she was at English and his three. She scored a fifteen twenty on her s A T did student government and sports, got straight a's as a high school counselor. You can't ask for a student much better than Hazel. Kids liked her too, all of them from the I guess you'd call them the nerds to Kira

Umanski most popular girl in school. They started hanging out after they were paired up for some English assignment. You know you should be talking to her. That's how this whole thing got started. Hey, gira um, it's Hazel. When do you want to meet up to work on the English project? Or if you're busy, we can totally do it over email. Whatever you want, inflexible. Hey Hazel, I want to meet up tonight the Seventh Street coffee houses WiFi. Yeah, that sounds great. Um also, could I uh? Is it okay?

If um uh? Is it cool? If I bring Amy. I didn't know Hazel very well. We've gone to school together for a while, but didn't exactly run in the same circle, if you know what I mean. It wasn't until we got paired up for that English project that we even hung out after school, And at that point it really was just to work on the assignment. We had to figure out something we've both written about in our journals. That was how we found out we both wanted to go to ul A. Well, that all three

of us wanted to go. It's silly, but I'm really hoping to go to ul A. No way, you will as my first choice to really cool? Oh, I should have said, we're actually both hoping to go, Me and Amy. Yeah, if I get in, you will, she will. We're gonna room together. How can you be sure she'll get in? Did you talk to Mr Briggs? Well? Yeah, but it's not like he has much of a say hmm, what, Well, it just sounds like you haven't really talked to him.

There's a lot that goes into choosing a college. Parents tend to focus on the academics, but there's so much more, and every student is different. That's the whole reason I decided to become a school counselor, to help my students find the same experience I found, whether it's State or Beaumont or Ula or anywhere else. That was all I wanted,

at least in the beginning. So much has happened just since my first journal entry, but most importantly, we may have figured out a way to make sure Amy gets into l A. And by we I mean me and Kira Umanski. Yes, top of the social pyramid ASP president, the same person who once told the entire freshman class Amy and I were lesbians. It turns out it's her top choice too. Who knows, maybe our double will become a triple, especially if Kira is telling the truth about

Mr Briggs being able to guarantee Amy gets in. Kira, Hazel, Amy, come on in. Thank you so much for meeting with us. Of course, Kira told me that you two wanted to talk about U l A admissions. It's been our top choice since we were kids. Amy's parents used to take us to football games. You met there. That can certainly help. Now let's start with Hazel. I've got to say your transcript is impeccable. I can't imagine you'll have any trouble getting into U l A. Frankly, some kids with these

stats might consider it a safety school. What about me, Let's see mm hmm. Well, unfortunately, Amy, you're a bit of a different story. Your grades are decent, test scores fine, extracurriculars are lacking. I'd say you're more like Kira. Your application has some strengths, but also some weaknesses that could use a little extra help. Help. Well, you see, Kira's parents and I have come to a bit of an agreement.

For a small fee, I will make sure her application meets u l A standards of acceptance, she gets in, I get paid for my time. Clean deal sounds like a quid pro quote to me. Hm, I prefer to think of it as an upgraded service, optional but worth it. I'm sure you do. You know this is illegal, right? You're not actually considering this, are you? Look? I want to get in. Don't you want that too? Of course I do? But Mr Briggs, what if I don't get in? Do we get our money back? You'll get in? How

can you promise that? Well, frankly, because I have a perfect track record, this is wrong. Mm hmm. I'm surprised to hear you feel that way, Hazel. Why don't you know who my dad is? Yes? But I also know who your brother is. Poor Lucas barely graduated, but your mother was desperate for him to get in. What'd she say somewhere that would make your father proud? Now, you wouldn't want to ruin that for your brother? Would you not to mention for your best friend? Mm hmm, that's

what I thought I drove down yesterday. It still doesn't feel real. I'm half expecting Hazel to walk through the door, laughing and telling us about the crazy adventure she's been on. I'm sure everyone will tell you how special my sister was, But what most people don't know is that Hazel was like that from the moment she was born, always the golden child, teacher's pet. If anything, she was too nice, too weaker to help, too willing to prioritize others over herself.

I always told her it could lead to something like this. I always told her she couldn't save the world without sacrificing herself. I should have known something bad is going to happen. And she was hanging out with Kira Monsky. It was like that or nothing but trouble, especially when they're teenagers. Hello in here? Mm hmm, smells good. What's up? Why are you guys looking at me like that? Received a call from Mr Briggs. Yeah about what he said.

You referred to another young girl to him, Amy, Oh, yeah, she's Hazel's friend. Figured if Mr Briggs can help me. Hazel, Hazel, Hazel Blackwell, we're pared up for an English project as in Sheriff Blackwell's daughter Kira. Do you understand what kind of risk you've taken by bringing someone like that into this. I'm not bringing Hazel into anything. She doesn't need any help. Mr Briggs says she'll get in all on her own, but she still knows trust me, it won't be a problem.

How can you be so sure of that? Because Hazel has a brother so a brother at u l A, a brother that Mr Briggs knows very very well, you seriously expect us to believe the Sheriff is in on this deal with Mr Briggs. He's not, but apparently his wife is. If I'm being honest, I guess I kind of felt bad for Amy. I don't know. I guess I understand how it feels to want control over your own future, to be the person your parents want you

to be. That's why I set her up with Mr Briggs. Well, that and the ten percent cut he offered what did he call it, a referral fee. I know it probably sounds stupid, but it really didn't seem like that big of a deal, especially since Mr Briggs had done the same thing for Hazel's brother. I figured, even if the sheriff did find out, what's the worst that could happen. It's not like he would have done anything to put his own son's future at risk. What's up? Sorry, we're

just finishing up dinner, Lucas. What's going on? Are you okay? Um? Yes, no, honestly, I don't I don't know. Okay, Okay, take a deep breath. What's going on? Hey? I need to ask you something. Okay, what's up? Did you work with Mr Briggs to get into state? What did he like help you for money? God? Damn? Hey, I thought someone died and I mean, yeah, mom had him help me out a little. Wasn't a big deal. Why you didn't say anything to that about it? Did you know? But I'm scared for a second. You know

what he'd do if he found out about this. You should be scared. I mean, do you know how serious this is? Come on, it's not that pay a deal. How can you possibly say that our dad is the sheriff? How could you do this to him, to me? To you? Look, I gotta go lazy. I don't worry so much, Okay, And just please don't say anything to Dad like you know how he can be, and you know he wouldn't hesitate to throw the book at his troublemaker son. Probably love the chance to make an example out of me.

All Right, I won't say anything. You promise, Yeah, I promise, all right? Let me says Hi, Honey, should you be a clue? Um? Um, I just talked to Hazel. We have a problem, A big problem. I think you need come home. What if you knew something that was wrong, like major crime, big deal, sound the alarm? Wrong? But what if you couldn't do anything about it, couldn't tell anyone without putting people you love at risk, hurting the

people you would never ever want to hurt. What if the only options were swallowing the secret or letting it ruin everyone's lives. My dad taught me how to tell right from wrong, but he didn't teach me how hard it be to do something about it. Um. Well, look, Hazel and I are were always a little different. I was always the wild one, the one who thought rules were meant to be broken. My mom would say I was a free spirit, but that's of being nice. She

was always making excuses. I think She felt bad because of all my dad was with me. That was the whole reason we got to make stuff with Mr Briggs in the first place. She thought that if I got in somewhere, it's something of myself. Maybe it proved something to my dad, but he was never interested in me. Who could blame him. Hazel was the kind of kid every parent dreams of, but especially someone like my dad.

She was just like him too much. So if you ask me, Jeames, what's up, Hey, I have care on the other line, I'm just going to merge the calls. Sounds good. Hey, neither of you said anything to anyone about Mr Briggs, right? Obviously not, of course, not why he just emailed me asking if anyone else knows. I'm sure he's just being paranoid. You didn't see anything to

your dad, did you, Haze. I'm not an idiot. It's just that if anyone was going to say something I didn't, I want me to get into u l a too, you know, Okay, we'd talk to you, Hazel. Hazel was honest, sometimes to a fault. Some people would hate being the daughter of a cop, but she loved it because she was just like him. Good if not a little righteous.

Sometimes it would have just been easier if she could have just let some things go, if she could just realize that not every rule needs to be followed, that it wasn't her job to make sure everyone was doing the right thing. She wasn't trying to police everyone all the time. Then I don't know, maybe she would still be here today. M Mom is there? Breakfast? Was just pops, grab one and take it to go. Thanks. Big day today?

Huh yeah, big day? Where's dad? Good morning? My lovely wife daughter ul A. Decisions come out tonight huh yep. I'll be nice to have a reason to celebrate. It feels like just yesterday we were doing all this with Lucas right. I can't believe it. You're ready your turn? So you're ready to go? Hayz Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go have a good day. Okay, kid, don't worry about getting into U l A. You're gonna get in. You earned it. Dad. Could you pick me up from school today?

Doesn't Amy drive you home on Tuesday's Yeah, but there's something I need to talk to you about. I can leave sixth period a few minutes early. Make you buy the back exit Okay, sure, Yeah, Yeah, is everything all right? Yeah, it will be. Just don't tell Mom or Lucas about this, okay, all right? Well, journal I tried to let it go, really I did. I tried to tell myself it wasn't a big deal that my dad didn't need to know. But the more I thought about it, the more I

realized I couldn't just let it go. There was something telling me not to, something telling me that I had to do the right thing. This whole time, I've been trying to ignore my conscience. But that didn't mean it disappeared. In fact, it's louder than ever. Dad's going to pick me up early from sixth period today and I'm going to tell him everything. I know some people will never forgive me for telling him, but I'd never forgive myself if I didn't. So do you want to come over?

Just cool? I think the ul A emails are supposed to come out of five six, but um, I can't. I gotta finish that report for Kim. I'm going to go to the library so I don't need to write home. Fine, I guess not that exciting when you know you're going to get in Hey, I don't know anything if either of us is to guarantee at this point, it's probably you, isn't it. I'm sorry, I'm just stressed out. I guess,

don't worry. We'll both get in. That's a good thing, right, Yeah, of course it is, seems did you check your email? What do you mean? The ul A decisions came out early? I caught in no way. Look, Oh my god, I got in, so did I. It's all because of you. We're gonna have the best time ever. Rights, I thrilled. Really, I'm gonna go call my parents. Okay, Hey, there a girl? Everyone? Okay, Yeah, I just I wanted to tell you the good news. The missions emails came out early. I got into l

a ay too. All right, Hey, how can you'll be a little more excited? I am. I just you're still coming to give me later, right, as long as you're not want me to I do. Hey, Hazel, Hey, don I gotta go you Okay, you ran out pretty quickly back there? Yeah? Sorry, Um, I guess I just couldn't wait to tell my dad. Is he as excited as we are? More? Maybe? Hey? My journal for English classes missing? You guys didn't see it inside? Did you? Don't see anything. Maybe it's in your locker. Yeah, must be. Oh, I

gotta go. I'll see you later. Yeah, Hazel, call me after the library. Okay, okay, hey dad, Yeah, I'm coming out now. I'll be right there. Oh excuse me. I didn't think anyone else is in here. Son, Sunda knife, what do you What's what's going on? Wait? No, no, no, get away from me. This doesn't stop. Help help m hm. You've reached the end of the investigation. It's time to decide who you think killed Hazel. Here are your suspects.

Hazel's best friend Amy. She wasn't trying to police everyone all the time, then maybe she would still be here today. Popular girl, Kira. It's just that if anyone was going to say something, high school, college counselor Mr Briggs, poor Lucas barely graduated, but your mother was desperate for him to get in. What did she say somewhere that did make your father proud? Or her brother Lucas? Maybe it proved something to my dad, but he was never interested

in me. Who could blame him? Hazel was the kind of kid every parent dreams of. We'll be back with the answer after a word from our sponsor. Now it's time to find out who killed Hazel. Hazel's killer was her so called best friend Amy, after she discovered that Hazel was planning to tell her father about the admission scheme. I hope you're right. I just I don't know what my parents are gonna do if I don't. It's like they've been waiting for this one the moment they met.

I didn't even think about what it will be like at home if I lived in town. The only person who could have known that Hazel was going to tell her dad that day is someone who read her journal. Hey, my journal for English classes missing. You guys didn't see it inside? Did you know? I didn't see anything. Maybe it's in your locker. And if you listen closely to her call, Amy gave away that she was the journey Old Thief by revealing a piece of information that only

someone who had read it would know. Dad's going to pick me up early from sixth period today and I'm going to tell him everything perhaps up and something must have happened, and she's believing she's to This episode is inspired by the true story of two teenage girls who murdered their best friend as well as the college admission scandal that broken early two thousand nineteen. Amy was played

by Hope Elena Garcia Hazel by Son he Cio. Kira was played by Carson Fagerbacky Byron Briggs was played by Nick Thurston, Sheriff Blackwell by Joe san Filippo, Lucas Blackwell by Zeno Robinson. Mrs Blackwell was played by Robin Reid. Kira's dad was played by Michael Young, Kira's mom by Christine Dunford, and the operator was played by Veronica Taylor. Written and directed by Nile Cappello, produced, recorded and mixed by Salt Audio Executive Produced by Walt Palmer and Corey Serge.

Recorded at Bang Zoom Studios, Edited by Zack Jurich for Salt Audio. Sound designed by Jasper van Dyke for Salt Audio. Original music and score by Noah Gersh and Jamie Cheffman at Salt Audio. Casting by Romy Stuttman. Casting assistant was Daisy Laura and the production coordinator was Liz LeMay. Next time on Solve, an ambitious PhD student gets a unique opportunity. You know, Killip paulas the billionaire. Yeah here has built

his own submarine. If I can talk a me to bring me on his team, I could get firsthand experience on a dive. How would that look in my thesis? But how did this underwater expedition turn into a murder below the see? I can't believe you're doing this again. I talked to her, Philip. She is a child, damn it, and I don't have time for your ship. Get on me. Tune in next week to find out