Military murder is an independent project and is not endorsed by the Department of Defense or any military component.

The views expressed are those of the host.

The content of this podcast is not meant to be legal or medical advice.

Warning, this episode contains graphic details of murder and is not suitable for young listeners.

Listen, our question is about it.

Welcome back, Trookai Marmy. I am your host Margo and this is Military Murder, a show where I focus on crimes committed by military members and veterans.

But don't worry, you don't have to know anything about the military to listen, I promise.

You just have to be a true crime enthusiast and if that's you, welcome home.

Alright, so I just want to apologize a little bit for my voice. I am still a little bit sick, but I wanted to get this episode out to all of you, so here I am.

Welcome to November, my friends. So what does November remind you of? For me, it's Thanksgiving, yum.

I love me some sweet potato casserole and some baked ham and some turkey, of course. But listen, November is known for something else in the military.

The United States Marine Corps birthday, that's right. And that's usually accompanied with a big giant Marine Corps ball.

And if you know the Marines, they do it big. On the show, I am constantly covering Army cases, but today I am turning my sights on the Marines.

And oh, what a tragic story I have for you today.

This episode does contain graphic depictions of brutal murder and a crime involving sexual violence, so listener discretion is advised.

I also want to give another disclaimer, a disclaimer that's not very common. This case contains discussions of racial discrimination in the workplace.

This conversation may involve one person, feeling that someone is racist, while other minorities in the workplace do not feel the same way.

If this is not a topic in which you can partake in with an open mind, maybe try skipping this episode.

And if you feel the need to listen and you don't agree with what was said, understand one thing. I am only relaying history.

Join me today as they bring you the story of Lieutenant James Lotz and his wife Joan. Now, let's dig in.

This story was researched and written in collaboration with one of our very own listeners and fan club members, Mertle.

The case I'm discussing today has a butchered court history. And with that, I rely heavily on court opinions, specifically military appellate court opinions from the Navy Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

...