Through the Flames: Judy Malinowski’s Fight for Justice

Crime Salad

True Crime

4.4 • 3K Ratings

🗓️ 25 January 2025

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

On the evening of August 2, 2015, at a Speedway gas station near Columbus, Ohio, life changed forever for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski. What started as an ordinary summer night ended in horror when her then-boyfriend, Michael Slager, committed an unthinkable act of violence.

This episode dives deep into the chilling events of that night, the devastating impact of domestic violence, Judy’s courageous fight for justice, and the inception of Ohio’s “Judy’s Law,” which enforces harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes.

Join Crime Salad as they explore the details of Judy’s heartbreaking yet inspiring journey and the legacy she left behind in the battle against intimate partner violence.

Please be advised that this episode comes with a few trigger warnings. This narration includes descriptions of domestic violence, substance abuse, disfigurement, and death.

Domestic Violence: Ways to Get Help
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
SMS: Text “START” to 88788
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: www.nrcdv.org
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: www.wadvocates.org
Recognizing the Patterns of Domestic Violence: www.mayoclinic.org
Common Questions About Sexual Assault: https://florinroebig.com/sexual-assault-guide/

Struggling with addiction? Help is available
SAMHSA Helpline:
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 to find treatment resources near you.
Visit their website at samhsa.gov for more information.

This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential assistance for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. They can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and other local resources.

Struggling with Mental Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.

For more resources, visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor and find additional support options.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	It was the evening of August 2nd of 2015 at a speedway gas station close to Columbus, Ohio, when time seemed to stand still. The air was thick with the summer heat,
0:24.3	the sun still shining, the hum of passing cars blending into the distant murmur of everyday life.
0:31.9	But for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski, this ordinary evening would become a moment frozen in horror.
0:39.1	One that would change everything.
0:41.9	In the blink of an eye, her world unraveled at the hands of a man she once trusted,
0:47.3	her then-boyfriend Michael Slager.
0:50.2	As his eyes darkened with rage, an unthinkable act of violence was set into motion, one so brutal it would leave haunting scars on duty, ones that could never be fixed.
1:04.4	This is her story, one of unimaginable suffering, resilience, and a pursuit of justice that would echo far beyond that
1:13.3	summer night. So before this all happened, they were on their way to the rehab center that
1:19.9	Judy was planning to go to, to get help with her addiction. Judy really was planning to get help,
1:25.9	but she just wasn't quite ready. She wanted to do a few more
1:29.8	things before she went to rehab. She wanted to talk with her mother, her two daughters, and grab a new
1:35.0	pack of cigarettes. But Michael wasn't happy about her plans, and he actually seemed to never be
1:40.4	happy about anything Judy decided to do. Angry at Judy, Michael parked the truck at a
1:46.8	speedway and stormed out and headed into the Speedway gas station convenience store to grab Judy
1:52.7	a pack of cigarettes. Now keep in mind, this area is pretty busy. There's businesses, restaurants,
1:59.3	a bank right next door while he's inside the gas station store.
2:04.4	Judy decided that she wanted to get out of the truck.
2:07.4	Maybe to stretch her legs, get some fresh air, think about everything.
2:11.4	She just needed a moment.
2:13.2	After all, she was dealing with so much of this time.
2:17.1	Her addiction really wasn't her choice to begin with, which we will get into more soon.
	...

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