Brandon and Zane: Picking Up the Pieces
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Zane is joining us on the couch and Brandon is here. What's up you guys? How are you? You want to move that closer to you so you don't, there you go. Yeah. There is, can I get closer? So you don't have to move it. There you go. What's up guys? How are you? Thank you for joining us. No, thank you. This was a very interesting experience, especially since I've never been to Nashville before. Oh, I love it. I love that you guys were willing to come here and sit on this couch and you know, like

I've been talking with JD for the past two hours about, you know, the whole entire situation that has happened, the case and all that stuff. And, you know, I just think it's so important that the people get to see your faces. And it's like my husband said downstairs, it's like that dude's going to be locked in a cell and he's going to be forgotten about. The person that we can make sure that isn't forgotten is Diane Ruiz and

Christine Melton. So, and that's what, that's what we want to do here today is just to honor your mom. I think a really cool situation that we got to experience together was on your mom's birthday. You guys got to come and watch my husband perform. Like how fucking like awesome was that just the timing wise? That one, that one was actually great. Cause that was just,

I would believe that straight faith because out of the conversations that we had before and then when you told me to pick a tour date and then I looked at his tour dates, it is a jelly roll.

When I looked at his tour dates and I looked at it, there was one out in Florida, out in Orlando, and it was literally on my mother's birthday. I'm like, this is fate talking right here. So it was meant to be. So it was a great experience, though. And I loved every moment of it. I was so thankful to have you guys there. Thank you guys for just even coming. That meant so much to me. Thank you for the invite, of course. It was definitely amazing, especially since I no longer live in Florida. It was really nice celebrating her birthday in Florida since that's...

where she was mostly. Absolutely. Anytime you guys want to come to any show, you guys for life lifers or lifers. So any show you guys want to come to same with you, JD, anytime you guys ever want to come to a show, just hit me up. You guys are in like Flynn. So, and it's funny because behind the scenes I was talking with bunny and she's like, I'm so excited to have them. And she's like, I'm a little bit nervous because I just love them so much and I haven't met them yet. So it was such, it was, she was so happy and honored to have you guys there, man.

No, it was, it was truly an honor, especially considering how we met, you know? And, um, after I put that video online of us meeting, of course there was people who were like, Oh, now she wants to help the victims. And it's like, I don't think people realize the relationship that we've developed, um, in these past four months. And, you know, even with JD too, like, I don't know this all, my mistake brought all of us together. And for that, I'm so fucking thankful for her because, um,

This has been a wild ride. And it's like, I was just telling JD in the last episode, like when the Lord gives me lessons, he really gives me lessons, but this has been a blessing and a lesson. Yeah. And, um, I'm just honored to have you guys, you know, be a part of my life. Um, so let's get into how you and I, the first night that you and I had a conversation. Do you remember that night? Um, actually, actually I do. Uh, I was in the middle of work and, uh, I'm getting all these messages from people saying that, uh,

that you made a comment about the situation. I'm totally clueless because I'm in the middle of work. I work in the kitchen. I'm getting my shit wrecked with a bunch of tickets, a bunch of orders. I got my best friend literally calling me like, yo, Bunny had just made a comment about the situation and I was still in the middle of work. And then I think you posted another comment or something like that. I don't remember it fully, but I remember it came to a point in time where I told my best friend like,

Shout out Timmy, by the way. Shout out Timmy. Shout out Timmy. And he told me, he's like, yo, I guess Bunny wants to, I guess, speak to you. I'm in the middle of work. I didn't even know who you were at first. And then when I started to look you up, that's when I found out about you. And then I was, I don't want to say speechless though, but I was more on a confusion because I'm like, I wasn't expecting this to happen. I'm in the middle of work and just...

I guess if I was to really think a lot deeper into it, it was like my mother liked Jelly Roll. And then if you are his wife, it's like there's something there. There's a small connection that'll force me to engage the situation. You know what I mean? Yeah. And then when I finally engaged it, I believe my mother's soon to be husband, Scott, I believe his dad.

I want to say his daughter had messaged me also. Yeah. That's how I had spoken to you was she had DM me and said, Hey, uh, I think she said Brandon would like to talk to you or something like that. And I was like, yes, connect us. I would love to speak with him because I was just like,

I was at this point I had fucking got myself and, you know, stuck my foot in my mouth and got myself in a world of shit. And I was just like, how can I fix this? Because I'm the type of person, if I do something wrong, I want to write it. And that's just what.

how it's going to go. And I will go to the fucking ends of the earth until I write it. Yeah. And then I do want to go back to where we first started and you called it a mistake. I wouldn't call it a mistake at all if it led us to this point now because it's always a blessing. I mean, there's certain ways that some situations have to be brought up. And if that was to be brought up like that, I wouldn't call it a mistake at all. You know what I mean? Hmm.

I appreciate you so much. I can say that deeply, Dom. But also, I don't want you to feel bad because at the time, I'm obviously I'm very avid on TikTok and it was very popular at the time. And I, you know, I scroll and stuff like that. And what you said wasn't wasn't even bad compared to other things I've seen. It definitely does not cross my mind.

Other lines, you know, I appreciate that. I could have been a lot more sensitive I think the laughing is what and I also think because and this is not me justifying what I said at all But I think because I'm a blonde and I'm you know a big personality and he's a man that people think is attractive they immediately wanted to make it seem like I was romanticizing it and that's really not what I was doing like I

And I could see how it had been, you know, translated into that. I don't want to keep focusing on that because, you know, what I did was wrong and there's no excuse for it. And I've learned a valuable lesson, but it's brought us here today. And, you know, that first conversation I was telling JD about it in the last year

And you had got on the phone and I instantly, you know, just had tears and like a lump in my throat. And I was just like, I'm so sorry. Like, that's all I could say to you. And you were just so fucking sweet about it, Brandon. You were just like, dude, funny. I'm not offended. You don't have to say sorry. And I was just like, that made me even more emotional because I was like, oh, son of a bitch.

bitch, why do you gotta be so nice? Tell me I'm a fucking asshole, you know? But it was just so sweet. And then from there, we have just developed this friendship, you know, and I got to talk to Zane too. And I think the coolest thing is, you know,

I told everybody that I, you know, because whenever I did promote you guys as GoFundMe, people came back to me and they were like, well, why haven't you donated? And I'm like, I donated to them privately and what I donated them doesn't need to be public fodder. When I came to you guys also, I was like willing to pay for Zane's college tuition.

And he's so fucking smart. He has a whole fucking scholarship. So I'm like, of course, I want to pay a freaking tuition. And dude's already got it covered. No, because it was such like a really spontaneous offer that was really nice. And like, I did look into it. Like I looked into like everything and I was like, oh, like it's,

It's paid already. No, because it felt embarrassing, like declining. Because I was like, I'm so sorry. No. I don't want your money going somewhere like it wasn't going to go like anywhere towards. No, I was just I was tickled pink. And I even told my husband that because he's paid a few college tuitions. And I was like, you know what, I'm just going to pay his tuition and you know, whatever. And

And you're just so smart that it's already. And I was just like, that's so awesome that Diane raised two amazing kids. Cause Brandon, you work so fucking hard. Every time I talk to you, you're working. And Zane, you are so studious. Like even you were like, well, I can do the podcast, but I have to make sure that I don't miss any classes. And like, I just love that. The fact that that's instilled in you guys and you guys just, you know, I don't know. I just love you guys. I really do.

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So let's talk about, you know, this entire situation that has brought us together. And, you know, I'm going to let you guys go ahead and start because I don't want to tread on any territory that I'm not, you know, you guys aren't comfortable with. So can you guys take me back to when this first happened and, you know, the events that happened after? You want me to go first or you?

Um, for me, I was actually in class and it was a very interesting like situation because I had no clue. Like I had absolutely no clue that she even went missing. How old were you? I was 14 in my freshman year of high school. And how old were you, Brandon? I mean, I want to say I was 24, almost 25, I would say. Okay. So. Yeah. And at the time we...

We were poor, so we didn't really have, like, Wi-Fi and stuff like that, and Brandon didn't have cell service, so he was, like, contacting me through Snapchat, and I was basically, like, leave me alone. I'm in the middle of class. What are you doing? Like, you're at home. It can't be that important, right? And he was like, no, I need...

Scott's number, which is my mom's ex-boyfriend or boyfriend at the time. Were you guys close with your mom at this time? Were you guys like in constant contact with her? What was the relationship like? Yeah, we had dinner with her like that night before. Brandon cooked dinner and we ate with her that night before. And that was literally my best friend in life. My number one best friend.

So I kind of grew up young, though, but since she was a strong, independent woman, when my mother had separated from Zane's father is when I really knew how independent she was. When you say you had to grow up young, what do you mean by that? What I mean by grow up young is that, you know...

When they separated, I had to help out with my brother here. Had to make sure that he got to school. When he got out of school, I would make sure that I would be there at the bus stop, cook at home, and just help out around the house. Because my mother would work two jobs, but if she had one job, she would work the doubles as much as she can so that she was able to provide for us. So I did a lot more. I would say that's pretty normal, though, but it's a lot more responsibilities now.

on a 12 or like a 13 year old at the time. You know what I mean? That's heavy. You know, I had to take care of my little sister. So I understand that. Absolutely. So, and then it just got to a point where we had that connection where she wasn't only playing that mother role. She's playing the mother, the father role, even, even my best friend role. I could take anything too. I could speak about anything with her and she'll just state her opinion or what I should do. You know what I mean? Because there's sometimes where like a son and

And a mother, there's some things that a son won't even speak to her mother about, but they'll speak to their best friend about. You know what I mean? It'll be in the dark with their mother. I could speak to my mother about anything. And she wouldn't feel no type of way about it. She would just state her opinion, and I would respect it. She sounds like an amazing woman. She is, though. Yeah.

So Zane, you were sitting in class. And he basically just started spam texting me on like Snapchat, asking for Scott's number. And, you know, I sent him the screenshot, went on with my day, you know, going through classes. And then again, I'm starting to get spam calls. Like I'm literally walking on the bus to like go home. And he's like, don't take the bus. We're going to pick you up from school. And I'm like, I'm not going to pick you up from school.

I'm already on the road. There's nothing you can do about that now. So he's like, okay, where's your bus stop? I'm going to pick you up from there. And I'm unbelievably confused. I'm like, what are you doing? Why are you picking me up? I didn't want to worry him. Yeah. Well, man did not say anything. So I was so confused. I was like, are we going somewhere? Are we trying to go to a restaurant or something after I get from class?

I show up and like he's he picks me up from my bus stop and then he's walking me and we're just like chit chatting. We're almost like back to the house. And then he goes, yeah. So they just kind of like showed up with mommy's purse. And I was like, huh? And I was like, so I'm going to stop you there really quick. So, Brandon, you knew that your mom was missing. I was the first one to see her and the last one. So like how that started was, well, yeah.

I had woke up and then I went to the living room. My mom was getting ready for work. She dresses how she always dresses. Since I wasn't always with her at the time that she went missing, I was actually living out in Orlando for almost five years. And the reason why I had went to Cape Coral was because I separated from the mother of my child. And that was my go-to house to go to until I figured my own stuff out.

So I was literally only there for like three months and then the situation happened. But I woke up one day and then my mom's like, all right, well, I'm on my way to work. Can you just make sure to cook dinner for everyone? I said, yes, of course. And then she said, love you. I said, I love you back. And then she went out today. It is to start her own day.

And then about an hour or two later is when the cops had came and then they knocked on my door. Knowing my own mother, she never forgets her purse. And I'm sure you can also relate to that. That never goes missing. You know what I mean? Right. So I believe it was two officers, one man, one woman.

from my own memory, I know I had went and blocked out a lot of it, but they said that they found my mother's purse. I thought that was odd. So the first thing I told him was, well, she works at the Moose Lodge. That's only about a five minute drive away. And, and they did exactly that, but they came back 30 minutes later saying that your mother isn't at work. So my first instinct was, all right, I need to put a missing persons report out. And then when I found that out is when I'm trying to call Zane, let me get Scott's number.

Even though that Zane is confused about it, I don't want to worry him. I'm going to just let you know. I'm going to let you enjoy your day at school. I'm going to fill you in after you get home.

And then Zane, so you're sitting there and we'll tie it back in together. So you're sitting there, you're confused. You're like, what the fuck's going on, bro? Yeah. And I remember just like walking back into the house and the purse is like still there. Like they didn't take it yet for evidence. And like everything basically, except for phone was still in there. Like there was still like cash and stuff or vape, everything. So we were confused. We were just like, did she like forget it and just only take her phone or something like that? Or like leave it somewhere overnight? And then I guess...

I guess. I don't know. A lot of the times, I didn't really talk to any of the cops because I wasn't, like, involved at all. I didn't see her that day. I woke up at, like, 6 in the morning to get to, like, school for the bus. Right. So most of the time, it was just me going with, like, my brother and Scott. Right. And just, like, going with them to the station and then, like, sitting in, like, a police room just kind of, like, waiting for them to get out because they didn't want me to leave home. And then also, my brother was paranoid. He was like, I don't know what's going on. Like, what if they're, like, going to...

go after you or something next or something like that um which again so makes complete sense um so I just kind of like went with them everywhere and like followed them while they did all like the stuff but half the time I was never like in the rooms with them when they had to do the interviews I was just kind of in a side room waiting like a lobby basically yeah during this time did you guys feel like something was off or were you guys just thinking that maybe she was like

went to go take a mental health day or something. I was trying to think on the positive side. And I was just thinking maybe she just wanted to take a mental health day or she went somewhere and I guess it was like some midlife crisis. But I know mom's, well, I didn't know that, but I was hoping for her to come back, obviously, because you have us all worried though. And then when we found out about the true situation is, was...

very bad though, I guess. Can you guys take me to that moment when you found out what had happened? Exactly when that happened is when we found out actually Zayn was at school, they... I...

completely like for me, I'm a complete workaholic. So I was I can tell I was I was 14. And in my head, I was like, she's coming back. Like dog, there's nothing wrong. Um, I was probably just like blocking it out because I I only skipped one day of school like the day she went missing. I skipped the next day went with them. And then I was like, I gotta go back to school. Like I can't just like disappear, obviously, because high school is so important.

And now you're like that with college. Yeah, basically. So this is a character trait, babe, okay? Yeah, but I just went back to school like nothing happened. I was like, because a lot of my friends, since it was popular on the news and stuff like that, and nobody was really telling me anything. I was just like, dog, this is fine. She's going to come back. Like, I don't know. Maybe she just had a little breakdown. Like, it's okay. You know, it's normal. She's a person, whatever. Yeah.

I go along with my school day. I'm still going to school and marching band practice. I'm doing everything. And then I remember it was like on a Thursday and I'm still at practice and I start getting spam texts from my friends specifically. And like half of the people are going, I'm so sorry, Zane, like that should have never happened. And I'm like, what are y'all talking about? Like she went missing three days ago. Like,

I don't know, to me it was like, oh, it's fine. Like, you know, she's going to turn up. It was like denial almost. Yeah, basically. And then I remember my brother pulled up to like pick me up from marching band. And then he's with like my sister-in-law's baby mama. She's driving. I go in the backseat and then he comes to sit in the backseat with me. And like, I just kind of like freeze, you know. I can actually add on. That's actually the day that I got into the back of your car.

And then I seen you freeze and then that's when you start wondering. And then I don't think I told you until we almost got to the house or when we got to the house. No. You told me the moment we started driving. It was the moment that Sophie started driving. Yeah. That's the same day that after we got to the house and we both went and then we both had went into your room and cuddled and cried together.

You remember that? Yeah. Well, I don't want to say cuddle, though, but we hugged each other on the bed crying. When you were just talking about when you found out I could see the pain literally just go across your face and not remembering cuddling and crying with him, do you feel like you blacked out in that moment and just like, I mean, rightfully so, that is the most horrific news you could ever receive?

The thing is, is that I like to think I remember a lot of it. But, like, the fact that you mentioned that, I don't recall that at all. And I just... I didn't remember that until now, honestly, though. Is that also the day grandma and grandpa came over? I believe they came over the second I called them and let them know that mommy was gone. Yeah. No, no, no, no, no, no. Because, yes, because after they found mommy's body is when...

Grandma and grandpa were like, well, why don't you just call us when they find mommy? Thinking that she's still alive. But when they found my mother's body is when...

when I called my grandparents and then and then I gave them the news and then that's the same day they came over oh yeah and like just so you guys know it's 1000% natural to have periods where you're not gonna remember stuff like your mind is trying to protect itself from something that's like too big for it to process in that moment and that's like totally it's a neurological thing it's your brain trying to love you and protect you from certain stuff and it happens in these moments

Amen. I like the way you said that too, by the way. JD, jump in anytime you want to, babe. I love that. I want them to be able to speak. I'm listening to these two be so brave and so strong and I love them. Yeah, hearing him say find mommy, like just, oh my God. Always called her mommy. I didn't call her mom until after the tragedy, honestly. So...

When she was alive, it was still always mommy. I would be around my friends and still tell them, like, yo, man, my mommy's calling, bro. You know what I mean? Yes. So...

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So you guys get this horrible news. You know, you guys are processing it. The family's coming in and stuff like that. And then you hear about him getting arrested. Does...

What does that make you feel like? Does it feel like rage? Does it feel like relief? Does it feel like some answers are being answered? What in that moment are you guys feeling when he's arrested? Or did you already know that he was going to get arrested? I didn't know anything about it. I didn't know no name. I didn't know anything. But when I found out that they had arrested somebody, there was rage from the moment that she was gone until even...

Even to the end of the court date, because honestly, that was out in 2019. So there was a rage all throughout. And then we went through COVID that pushed back every court date. And then and then also Florida also went through a hurricane. Even the families and all that went through tragedies. I'm sorry. But that even going through COVID and then having to go through that hurricane, it went and pushed back every court date. So that made that one court case even longer than it should have.

So I'm going through rage years on out. And that rage stopped even out in June when he got convicted. So you felt closure and like a little less of that rage once you knew that he got convicted? Yeah, because I don't, I know, I know that you are like innocent until proven guilty. I know,

If it wasn't just him, it could have been like three other people that were in on it. You know what I mean? Yeah. So I didn't want to point the finger and like, well, I didn't want to point the finger until the conviction was there. You know what I mean? It's crazy how far out COVID pushed Florida court dates, which in my case, like I was facing a case in Florida, not for anything like crazy like that.

but it pushed it out, you know, two years. So you had that unresolved feeling for that extra time. I'm so sorry you went through that. So stressful. And actually when I got all that like stress or like anger or like pain, I,

off of my chest is actually when they showed the recording at the court date of him finally admitting it to one of the police officers, it was kind of hard to hear because it was echoing in like that environment. Once I heard that recording, I'm like, all right, now I'm going to point the finger. Now I know who to really be mad at now, you know what I mean? Mm-hmm. So...

Zane, how are you feeling? Oh, I'm always mad. Like, I know, but you know what people at home are going to be like, how are they laughing in this moment? And it's like, this is just how some people deal with grief. I love you. We're best friends. I completely joke about it because one, it's been five years and two, like I'm,

I didn't really care if he was arrested or not because I was like 14 at the time and I, I love you. I appreciate you. And I love my whole family. They rushed my process of grieving very quickly because we didn't live with my grandparents. They lived an hour out. My brother just moved in. It was basically me, my mom, and then her boyfriend. Scott. Yeah, Scott. Um,

And it was just like us three for a little bit. And then Scott's like sister lived with us. It was kind of like that weird thing. And then when she died, I was just kind of like, what, like, what am I supposed to do? Because right after that, again, my mind went, I have to go back to school. Like I have to go do stuff. So, but that's, that is a coping mechanism. Yeah. Cause I'm the same way I can be literally my dad passed away and this is not even close to your guys's story, but my dad passed away and I was at one.

work the next day. No, grief? Grief is crazy. Yeah. It's a wild ride and nobody can judge you for how you grieve and nobody can tell you how to grieve. Most definitely. It's your journey and it's your process. Of course. I'm sorry that you felt like it was rushed. It makes sense. What do you mean by rushed? Because I'm still learning something new now. It makes sense. Like it...

Everybody was grieving. Obviously my grandparents, my mom's mom, her dad, my brother. I stay silent. I don't

fight back with any of my family. It's just not something I do. Um, and I remember it was my last week of school. Um, I wanted to go to like my last marching band game. So I did. And that's when you went, grandpa went and then all of that. And I remember I went to school that day. I was still going to school that week. I come back home, my room cleared, everything gone. Everybody moved everything out, cleared my clothes. Um,

They threw away stuff I needed. They threw away stuff like they didn't know I needed. They like cleared out the bathroom. Like everything was gone. I remember walking back at like 10 o'clock at night and just walking into an empty room with just like a bed.

And like I broke down. Like I was thinking I was going to pack up my room that night and then go that like in my mind, I was going to have time and I didn't. And then it was a few days out. Grandma and grandpa immediately wanted to go to my mom's room, take all her clothes. And they just they took everything and they never gave me time. I understand that. I understand that. And your feelings are valid, baby. Like I can see how painful it is, like and how it hurts you to talk about it.

And again, they were grieving and not saying what they did was right. But, you know, people all grieve in certain ways. But yeah, no, I understand. I'm not like mad at them because I get it. It like it happens. And again, I was 14. I didn't know what was like really going on because I thought I was going to go live in Naples, stay in Florida and live with those grandparents. But then more stuff happened. And.

And I then ended up just going with my other grandparents and then completely just moving states and then starting at a whole new school, whole new people, like whole new room, whole like new environment. It was it was very interesting, very fast and very sudden and very, you know, you were in your comfort zone living with your mom and, you know, your brother. So I completely understand what you're saying.

Um, you did something really brave though. And I think what stood out to me the most about the trial was your testimony and getting up there. And I mean, man, it was powerful. Can you take me into how you were feeling while you're on that stand testifying? Um, so I, um,

when I get nervous, I just tend to start talking fast. So the whole thing was I just need to get up there and go. Like I don't want to be there. I, again, I was in, I'm still in college. That was during while I was in school because I was taking summer classes because I wanted to get just a whole bunch of things. I was in summer classes and I was kind of mad because

Because I was like, oh, I have to go all the way back to Florida to go do this because my grandpa wrote one and then my brother was supposed to write one and then he forgot, which is okay. But then it only ended up being me and my grandpa. And the lawyer didn't really like the one my grandpa wrote because it was more angry instead of like,

explain, like explaining stuff. So they asked me, they were like, "Hey, like, is it okay if we like read it?" And I was like, "Yeah, you guys can read it. Like you can just, you can like read it on the stand, take it, like, I don't care." And then they were like, "Hey, can we fly you out for you to come and read it?" And then I was like, "Maybe."

Which, knowing you now, I'm very surprised that you went because you're very, like, in your routine. Again, I cope completely differently from my family. I don't really talk about my opinions about the whole case with him. I think he's really stupid. I don't take him seriously. Are you talking about Wade? Yes. He's very stupid. He's a dumb jock without the jock. Maybe it's just because...

I think I'm better than him because I am unfortunately. You are. Oh, honey. But like that's just kind of my mindset. It was just like I'm better than him. And like what is he going to do? Like he can't really do anything. And he was just like he was just there. And it was really weird because I remember like I made like straight eye contact with him and like looked at him multiple times like during the thing. Like while I was speaking on trial, like

And I don't know, it started to scare me at the end, but not because he was in the room, but it was more like, one, there was a camera pointing at me, and then I was reading something off a script that I wrote, and it was just getting into a point that I... It was more of like, I wish it wasn't live type of point. You feel like it took away from the authenticity? Yeah, because...

Being in an enclosed room without like a camera and then a whole bunch of people who don't know you doing that because again, I scroll through TikTok. TikTok's a terrible place to be. Say it louder for the people in the back, baby. Very terrible. I go, you know, I go through videos and stuff like that and just like seeing different things. It was just like, oh, okay. Especially seeing like different point of views from the case, especially about me and about like what I was saying. It was just like, oh, this is like,

real like it just it still doesn't feel real even I refuse to watch my statement um just because I don't I don't like it I don't want to watch it and it's probably really hurtful too but can we circle back to something you said you said that you've stared Wade in his eyes did he ever make eye contact with you yeah we made eye contact like multiple times while I was on the stand and he just stared back at you no remorse no nothing yeah

It's crazy. Brandon, did you ever go to any of the court dates? Oh, yes. Yes, I did. I believe I went. So when I flew back from being on on Martha Vineyard's Island, I went to the first one, went to the second one, then third one. And then if I can remember correctly, I left when they wanted me to take Stan a second time. And and actually, I'm gonna correct you. Grandpa wrote a

What is it? The statement? I don't want to say statement. It's more of just speaking about mommy, the same thing that you did. It was very bland. So they didn't want him to go up there and just say those quick words and just hop off stand. Me, the reason I didn't forget. Say what? They kind of made it a production a little bit. They produced what you were going to say. Is that normal? What?

Well, so to try to get the outcome that they want with the jury, they needed, they needed somebody to humanize the victims. And what, what you did was so beautiful with the way that you spoke. Like, I know you don't like to watch it, but I've watched it three times and I've cried my fucking face off three times watching you. Yeah.

And I cried myself. It was so powerful. Yeah, dude. Oh my God. You were so well-spoken and you soldiered through it. You were literally the star. Star of that chart. I literally was editing it up to the moment like 30 minutes before because I put some stuff together

Like I was going to say in there and then I realized again it was going to be live. And then I was like, I'm not putting that out for like everybody and their mom to hear about. So I went to the lawyer and I was like, hey, like I know you guys already have this printed out. I need to like change this like right now. What's something that you wanted to change? Oh, it was just kind of more like personal stuff about me. And I was like, if this is going to be recorded and on, like, I don't need people to like know about tear you apart. Yeah. Um.

So I was just like, I need to change or take some of this out. Is that okay? I had to ask for permission first before I did it just to make sure because I also knew that it was impactful. That's why I wrote it that way. It was an impact statement. Yeah, obviously. It was an impact statement. So I knew it was going to do something. It was just like... It's definitely something to be proud of.

Yeah. You know, you stood up for your mom. I felt like I got to see and know a little bit of your mom through your testimony, which was exactly what they wanted the jury to feel and to be able to do. You did so good with that. Yeah, definitely. So Brandon, you did attend some of the dates. Is there, what was the reason why you didn't want to take the stand? Because I remember in a phone call that you and I had, and I was like, Hey,

You know, we're doing this documentary. Wade is going to be a part of it. I've had conversations with him. Are you okay with that? And you surprised me because you remember what you said? I don't remember the exact words. I probably just spit out something honestly. You want to remind me? Yeah, I'll remind you. So I can laugh. Yeah. He said, oh, I would love for him to be a part of it because I have things I didn't get to say to him that I want to fucking say. Yeah. And I was like,

All right, let's fucking do this. I was like, let's go. Because with my grandparents, that one was very bland on the impact statement. I didn't forget. I didn't want to go up on Stan a second time because actually my plan was to go up on Stan and not...

Obviously, it was for the evidence and I had to confirm it all. But I blocked it off so much I could barely remember it. So my plan was to go up on that stand and say what I wanted to. But when I got up on stand, I thought about my mother. I'm like, do I really want to go up on stand and say what I really want to say up on stand when I have to be professional about it? Do I just answer the questions? And then I... Do I want to be that impactful on my words in front of everybody on live TV? Or do I just want to...

represent my mother the best way I can and let me just answer the questions that they're asking me and then I'm going to go back and sit down. But when they wanted me to

To write an impact statement on my mother is when I told them no, because I told them if I go up on that stand a second time, I won't speak about my mother. I'm going to speak my mind after that. And since I missed out on that first time, I don't think I missed out, but I'm going to say I missed out on that first time that I was going to do it a second time on live TV. And then that's when I told them no. And then that's when they asked Zane about it. If you could say anything to Wade, what would you say?

If he was listening to this podcast, because we know he will be, is there anything that you would possibly want to say to him? I think I'm going to save that for later. Okay. I'll save that for later. I'll save that for later. What about you, Zane? Is there anything that you didn't get to say to him that you would love for him to hear?

No, not really. I don't think. Loser. I don't think his IQ is high enough to understand anything I say. You know what I think is going to affect him more? That you're calling him a loser and not even saying anything to him because his ego is so fucking fragile, dude. He probably wants us to react though, you know what I mean? Exactly. I'll save it for later. Listen, I, again, I don't really get angry. I don't like, I don't like yelling. I say things very calmly and if I were to say something to him, he wouldn't understand.

Unfortunately, I don't think he would be able to process what I'm saying. The words would be too big for him. He would need a dictionary right next to him. Literally. So, you know, after your mom's death,

after what happened with your mom, I don't want to say your mom, I hate saying your mom's murder because it's just, it's so, I hate it. But after what happened with your mom, what was picking up the pieces like for you? I know you guys had to do the court cases. You guys had to, you know, watch all this stuff unfold on social media and stuff like that. But like when all the cameras are off and all the I'm sorries and the condolences stop pouring in, where are your hearts at? Where are your heads at? Like, how are you feeling?

Well, as of my coping, it's the coping mechanism. I just kept working. And since I cook for a living, I just stride with my passion. And that was kind of helping me out with the pieces. So that's what I want to say. That's what really helped me out. I know my mom had always told me, you got to keep your eye on the prize. And my prize was to be

As a chef one day or on my own restaurant, even though I'm going through this tragedy right now, I got to make sure that I keep working for these restaurants so that I learn for my own self and I keep my eye on the prize because that's the end goal for me. Yeah. So that's what kind of helped me out was just cooking in general. Zane, what about you? Multiple different things because...

When I had to like completely move like out of state and go to a different school, I like, I was scared. I didn't know what I was going to do, but one, there was a marching band. So it was just already community. So that was easier for me to make friends. But like my freshman year then like hit into COVID. So it had to go virtual and I hated being home. Like I cannot. Cause yours had to sit alone with your thoughts. Yeah. I don't like it. I think it's very annoying actually. Um,

So like, I just, you know, it's okay to hurt though. And like, you've got to feel to heal. Definitely. I'm don't worry. I've been in therapy since then. Like literally ever since I like I moved, I've been in therapy and like, I talked to my therapist about it all the time. Okay.

It's just like when I was there, I went into a terrible state because when COVID happened and everything went virtual, I slept in. I laid in bed. I let plates stack up in my room for weeks at a time. I wouldn't leave. I wouldn't do anything. That's depression, baby. Yeah, no, 100%. And like...

It was bad, especially because I wasn't leaving to go to school or anything. I had to do all the schoolwork at home and stuff like that. And then the grandparents I lived with at the height of COVID, like two months after like everything happened, my grandpa got COVID and then he was sent to the hospital and I freaked out. Like I was like, no way. He's fine now. He's chilling. Shut up. Shut up, Gramps. We're hanging on. I'm like, don't tell me they lost their grandpa.

- He's your mother, grandma too. - No, no, no. - Son of a bitch. - Listen, he's going strong now. - Good. - But like, I remember that led me into like something deeper because again, I couldn't leave, I couldn't do anything. And it was until junior year when I went back to school in person and I started doing clubs, I started making more friends. And then I kind of had to like get my shit together 'cause I didn't really,

know what to do after because like how Brennan mentioned after like the whole situation after going back to like live with my mom I know I have my grandparents but like I don't know if I'm gonna have that in 20 years to fall back on someone and just be able to sleep on somebody's couch because both of my grandparents are getting old and

Life happens. So you feel like... Cycle of life. And I was just like, I need to like get stuff together because I can't take things on normal pace as if somebody with two normal living parents going through things, being able to like slowly learn lessons. It was more of like, I have to do this like right now. And like nobody else is going to help me but like me because, you know, life.

I respect that. I've moved out at 14 and I had to learn that lesson very fast too. And I always felt the same way you did, even though I had parents, I, it was a home that I didn't want to live in and you have to grow up very fast and you know, it's, uh,

It's a tough road, but just know that people do love you and that you have a family over here anytime too. Like both of you guys for sure. And JD too. We're all family now. So don't ever feel like you're alone and you don't have anybody to fall back on. Cause I'll always be in you guys' corner for sure. Thank you. Of course. If you could, if there's one thing that you want people to know about your mom, what is it? I would say down and down.

that she's literally the true definition of a strong, independent woman. And I can say that proudly. Yeah. So... What about you, Zane? She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. And, like...

Especially, so I used to help her out of her job all the time at the Moose Lodge. Like I did a lot of clubs, so I needed volunteering hours. It was a volunteering place. So like I was getting all my hours from like going there and then surviving off of like tips sometimes because I would like bus and help or whatever. So I knew a lot of the people like she would hang, well, she would hang around at work and like,

they loved her like everybody would always come up to me and be like your mom's so sweet especially when i would help around they would always be like you look exactly like her and like at the bar um and like i would just like hang out at her job and hang out with like all the people she would be around and like they absolutely loved her and how like caring and kind she was i love that and what do you think the biggest lesson in life is that your mom has taught you

I would say to always survive on yourself, to always be dependent on yourself and not like strongly rely on other people. What about you, Brandon? I think I can say the same exact thing. Yeah. So I think that still falls under on being a strong independent woman, even though like even for other women, that still plays on both sides. You know what I mean? So a strong independent man and then a woman is still on the same, same like,

Same role. It's still the same topic. You know what I mean? Yeah, absolutely. It's still equal as one. Yeah. JD, do you have any questions for them? I'm just so impressed. I know. I'm watching your face over here. I'm so honored to be sitting here next to both of these incredible men. And it's such a testament to who their mother was, the way that they've just walked this out with integrity and just strength. Smiles. Yeah. I'm so happy to see them smiling. Yeah.

It's so awesome to see them carry the torch of who their mother was inside of them and to be able to shine outwardly and share that with the world. That is going to far outlast that Joker wannabe lame motherfucker who's going to spend his last days rotting in prison, terrified that other inmates are going to get a hold of him. Their love and their mother is going to be

Just pushed out into the universe and it's going to impact so many people and it's going to be remembered. Absolutely. Diane and Christine forever. So let's talk about you guys is GoFundMe that you guys have. I have been so just.

kind of baffled at the fact that this man has raised the amounts of money that he has, um, for his go fund me. And then when you guys told me you guys had to go fund me and I went and I looked at it, you know, getting people to donate to victims is crazy. They would rather donate to like murderers than victims. And that's insane to me. And it's, it's really sad. So I would like to, uh,

promote you guys as GoFundMe on this podcast. And if anybody at home feels it on their heart to donate, then, you know, thank you and bless you guys. But how can they find your GoFundMe? Do they look it up under your name or how does that work? We could put it in a link to the podcast. Yeah. I know, I know you, you were the one that had created it. So

Yeah, I created it and it's basically just a link. Brandon has kind of just been sharing it around and it's just kind of getting through there. I know Brandon shared it on like Facebook and stuff like that. Yeah, I did it on my Facebook. I haven't really went and promoted it like anywhere else because I don't think, I think I told you before that we were even, well, I don't want to say scared because at that still time it's still like asking people for money. It took us,

since 2019 to even now that was in a conversation out of all those years that we didn't want to create it at all. And that's so sad that your mom was taken and you are so scared to create a GoFundMe. But this dude over here is the person who took your mother from you and another woman off this earth. And he is asking everybody for money. Yeah.

It's insane that you guys had to feel like that. That's not okay and that's not fair. And I feel like that's so crazy that our world operates like that. I think that just plays a role in us just trying to be independent. You know what I mean? Yeah. So it could be just a pride thing. I don't know though. But when we finally had went and created it, I'm going to take this back to Timmy. Shout out to Timmy too, by the way. We didn't want to create it though, but it'll...

Come to like a point in time where you hear and you listen to like everyone's opinions, most of them, and you're just going to hear it, but you're not listening. So like what had really convinced me and like changed my train of thought. And so wanting to like even even create a GoFundMe, tell me when it's only won't you just think of it? Why don't you just think of it in a different way? Once you just think of it as your mom.

And she's still creating these blessings from up above. And that's what really touched me. Timmy sounds like a stand-up guy. He is. I love Timmy. He's so nice. I've known him since I was like five. That's the one thing that really touched me. And then it actually convinced me to...

Want to create it because out of all those years, you know, I'm getting messages from everybody. Why don't you create this? Even even like as I'm reading all their opinions, it didn't really touch me. They're like, why don't you just create it? But Timmy is the one that was like, why don't you just think of it as your mom? And she's still creating blessings from above. That's what really touched me, though. I'm like, you know what? I think you're right about that one. Yeah.

So I couldn't deny that one. You know what I mean? Yeah, for sure. I mean, honestly, it's you guys deserve to be able to have something like that. And like, you know, you're in college. You're even though you're smart as hell and fucking have your college paid for. There's still a golden child. Literally, there's still you guys are both golden. There's still, you know, bills that have to be paid. You're still picking up your life like thing. You guys are.

we're living with your mother when this happened, you know? So, I mean, I think it's more than fair. And so what we'll do is put the GoFundMe link on this episode. We'll put it up on the screen here. And then if you're listening, I don't know how GoFundMe works, but can they just type your name, your mom's name in or your name in, or how does that work? I, I think it's called, I did put her name. It's like,

Diane Ruiz's two sons. Yeah. I think it's something like that. Just maybe go to GoFundMe type in Diane. But if not, we'll put the link at the on Apple and Spotify so that you guys can click it. And then when these episodes come out, I will put the link in my bio on both of my TikToks.

and in my Instagram so that, you know, if you guys want to go donate and you guys need to find the link, you guys can find it in those places too. I'm upset that I didn't even know that there was a GoFundMe for them. Like it's just been so vocal that that weirdo had one. I did not know that this existed and I can now share this. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to share it on my platforms before. It's okay. A lot of, I didn't know they had one either.

I still feel it took Brandon a lot of convincing to even convince me to want to do it because I feel bad. I like, I don't know. It's just it feels like guilt money. And it's just like, I don't know. It was 50 50. And then again, at the same time, I remembered I was like, I can't.

I am in college and this and that and that. It's people saying they love you. Like, hey, here's a chance at life. You know, sorry that your mom was taken. And it's people willing and choosing to, which I'm very thankful for. It's people who really want to because I kept having people come to me and be like, we like want to give you money. And it's just like, oh, I think that's a way of people just showing you love and just giving you an outpouring of love. So if the world wants to embrace you guys, let them because you guys deserve it. You know,

I couldn't imagine losing a parent the way that you guys did and just having the resilience and just beautiful smiles and the strength that you guys have. Like, I'm just, I'm really like in awe of you two. Oh,

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I'm just so grateful that I got the chance and opportunity to meet you, bunny. Thank you so much for letting me be here for this part of this, because I, I really wanted to be here and I really wanted to just be able to sit by your guy's side while you guys remembered your mom. And, um, I didn't know whether you were going to have a choice words for the other side, but I think it's just honestly awesome to just let him go unspoken. He's on his way out. He's fading. Um,

Womp womp. Yeah. The big old, the universe just echoed womp womp. Yeah. Unfortunately, I'm out here living my best life. And he's not. Yeah. You know when's the next time he's going to go to the beach? I'm going next summer though, so. He's doing meth in his gel cells. That's the only vacation he's getting. It's the reality of it though, so I think that's the main reason in like never reacting to with anything on social media and all that, you know what I mean? Mm-hmm.

You guys are gangster. Cause I fucking react to shit. I'm always in trouble. I'm always in trouble. JD shout out where people can find you. If they don't know your social side, shout out your YouTube and your tick tocks or whatever socials you want. So I'm JD, JD delay 51 50 on YouTube, tick tock, Facebook, Instagram,

Uh, Instagram, uh, probably X. I'm not sure. I hate X. That platform scares me. Yeah. It's crazy over there. It's crazy. I have a team that does X and I don't know how often they upload there or anything. Uh, I'm it.

it's nuts over there. Yeah. I don't even, that's my lowest platform cause I'm scared of it. Literally. Do you guys have any platforms that you guys want to promote? I know you guys are pretty private, but you said you have a tick tock. I mean, that's how you can get your story out too. And just have people follow your journey in life is sharing on tick tock.

I will definitely think about that one. Because like I do post, but it's more like friends kind of post. Like I only want my 10 people to see. But if you would love to follow my art account, it's romero.zrr. Or if you actually want to follow me, you can follow me on Instagram.

In Zane E-E-X. I think that's what it is. But if you just type in my name, it will probably show up. What about you, Brandon? With mine, I'm going to keep my Facebook private. That's more for friends and family. My Instagram is open. It's not private at all, but it's just A-Y-E underscore B-2-3-9. And that'll be it.

Awesome. Thank you guys for coming and sharing your story. But I do want to include something, though. Even though that we are holding the torch for mom, I do want to remind everybody that for the Christine Melan, we do also hold her torch up as well. Absolutely. Especially her family. She can't be forgotten as well. You know what I mean? Her family, I believe, didn't her family donate some stuff to you guys too? So from what I was told, I believe the post came from Jumpsuit Pablo. Mm-hmm.

I guess I guess I don't I don't know the whole story completely, but I know that I read something. And then I guess whatever he made from whatever the social media on the Wade Wilson case, it'll it'll be donated onto the GoFundMe. But I guess I don't know if he spoke to the Christine Melton's family. But I guess I guess he's making making making the donation.

in memories of Christine Melton. And when I got those screenshots through like Coral on TikTok and then even Melissa, when I first read that screenshot, I literally had just broke down in tears when I read it.

So even though that we're here from my own mother, we can't forget about Christine Mullen as well. No, never. And we did, we talked about her in the first part too. So yeah, definitely. I just, I, we haven't been able to get ahold of anybody in Christine's family. And if anybody from Christine's family wants to come and share her story on this podcast, you got, my couch is always open to you guys. For anybody who doesn't know the whole context with the jumpsuit Pablo thing, a jumpsuit Pablo actually made merch making fun of Wade Wilson. Oh,

And was getting money to be able to donate like 100% of, of the profits towards, you know, the victims families. Um, and yeah, the, the Meltons were like, please give it,

And give it in honor of Christine, which the whole thing, the humanity of it, the kindness, the compassion of the people over here is just such a stark contrast to all of the insanity over there. It's disgusting. Yeah. I feel like this side is just so full of love and giving and everybody just wants to heal and watch you guys heal. And that other side is just, it's disgusting.

disgusting. They're eating each other. Because it's just people who are critically online. They have nothing better to do with their life. It's the keyboard peckers. It's the keyboard peckers online. It's the keyboard peckers online. I thought he said keyboards and peckers. I was like, ooh, interesting. Interesting take. I'm like, I've never heard that one. Oh my goodness. That's hilarious. Keyboard peckers. I love that. I did learn though throughout life though the internet is under

So I'm not going to let them get any reaction out of me through it. Yeah. Even though that they are also having calls with Wade Wilson and then they're posting all that up. I'm not going to react to any of it. It's just I got to protect my peace at all costs. And that is the one thing that my mother did teach me. Make sure you protect your peace at all costs. Yeah. Shout out, Diane. We love you. And we know you're shining down. We all love you and miss you. And these kiddos of yours and they love and miss you. Thank you guys for being here.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Tone Blonde. I will see you guys next week. Bye. Bye. Bye.