325. The Twin Sleepwalking Murder
In September 2021, 17-year-old Benjamin Elliott allegedly killed his twin sister Megan during a sleepwalking episode, claiming he was in a dream and only woke up to find himself covered in blood with a knife in his hand. The case, which unfolded in real time through 911 recordings and police body cam footage, shocked the nation and raised profound questions about the boundaries of consciousness, responsibility, and the legal system’s ability to weigh scientific evidence against emotional narratives. Benjamin’s defense argued he suffered from parasomnia—a sleep disorder where the body acts while the mind remains asleep—supported by neurologist Dr. Gerald Simmons, who found Benjamin fell into deep sleep within 11 minutes of lying down and exhibited brain activity consistent with sleepwalking. The prosecution, led by prosecutor Megan Long, countered with circumstantial red flags: a hushed 911 call, the absence of blood spatter (suggesting a pillow was used to muffle screams), the timing of the knife’s gift, and the fact that Benjamin was using his phone 20 minutes before the alleged stabbing. Despite the defense’s compelling sleep studies and testimony from family and friends about past sleepwalking incidents, the jury found Benjamin guilty of first-degree murder after five hours of deliberation. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison with parole eligibility at age 28.
Benjamin Elliott fell into deep sleep within 11 minutes of lying down—far faster than the average person—indicating a high risk for sleepwalking episodes.
The absence of blood spatter in Megan’s room suggests the pillow was placed before the stabbing, which prosecutors argued was premeditated, but the defense claims it was part of a sleepwalking act.
Benjamin’s phone usage 20 minutes before the stabbing does not disprove sleepwalking, as he could have fallen asleep quickly and entered a deep sleep stage where he acted involuntarily.
The prosecution’s star witness, Dr. Mark Pressman, never examined Benjamin directly, yet testified that sleepwalking couldn’t explain the stabbing—raising serious questions about expert credibility.
Despite no motive, no digital evidence, and no history of conflict between the twins, the jury convicted Benjamin of first-degree murder, citing the severity of the crime over the defense’s claims.
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Welcome & Personal Updates
The hosts open with personal anecdotes, including Garrett’s frustration with food odors clinging to his clothes and hair, and updates on their daughter Daisy’s haircut and Peyton’s work at the bagel shop.
Introducing the Case: The Twin Sleepwalking Murder
“It's a bond that's never supposed to break, so when it does, it's not just shocking, it's unthinkable, especially when those ties are severed from the inside.”
The Night of the Murder
“I just killed my sister. And as the operator keeps him talking, he claims, I thought it was a dream. I thought it was a dream. I took my knife and I stabbed her.”
The Aftermath & Police Investigation
The parents are denied access to their daughter’s body, the family is traumatized, and Benjamin is arrested. The police withhold the truth about Megan’s death from him, using it as an interrogation tactic.
The Trial: Sleepwalking vs. Pre-Meditation
“He said he only stabbed her once. But Megan’s autopsy revealed two stab wounds—one severed her carotid artery and jugular vein.”
“And he says, I just killed my sister. And as the operator keeps him talking, he claims, I thought it was a dream. I thought it was a dream. I took my knife and I stabbed her.”
“It's a bond that's never supposed to break, so when it does, it's not just shocking, it's unthinkable, especially when those ties are severed from the inside.”
“She even at one point looks at the jury and says, quote, I want you to look in this courtroom. There are so many people here for Benjamin and there is not one person here for Megan.”
Hosts
Benjamin Elliott
person
Megan Elliott
person
Kathy Elliott
person
Michael Elliott
person
Megan Long
person
Dr. Gerald Simmons
person
Dr. Mark Pressman
person
Ollie
brand
Elizabeth Elliott
person
Harris County Sheriff's Department
organization
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