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Cousins By Blood

Cousins By Blood

By Matt Duff

Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fiancé. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case has been reinvestigated. New suspects are uncovered, new evidence has been discovered, and the clock is ticking to Ivan's Execution Day.
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Episode 22: Carlos and Anthony (part 2)

Cousins By BloodMar 01, 2024

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46:36
Cousins By Blood Trailer

Cousins By Blood Trailer

Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000.  Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fiancé Amy, but Ivan has maintained his innocence.    New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered.  With Ivan on death row, the clock is ticking to his execution day unless this new evidence is enough for Ivan to get a new trial.

Mar 26, 202403:18
Episode 1: If The Jeans Don't Fit

Episode 1: If The Jeans Don't Fit

On November 4th, 2000, the bodies of James Mosqueda and his fiancé Amy Kitchen were found murdered. Days later, James’s cousin Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders. Ivan was convicted and sentenced to death. At this point, Ivan has been on Death...
Mar 25, 202442:51
Episode 2: When Ivan Met Amy

Episode 2: When Ivan Met Amy

Last episode, we heard Ivan's ex-girlfriend's side of the story. This episode, we hear from Ivan. Being on Death Row in the Polunsky Unit, Ivan is not permitted to use the phone. So, in this podcast, you will hear one of the only phone calls Ivan has...
Mar 24, 202457:49
Episode 3: Not His First Rodeo

Episode 3: Not His First Rodeo

While Ivan Cantu and Amy Boettcher were on their way to Arkansas to visit her parents and announce their engagement, the murdered bodies of James and Amy Kitchen were found in Dallas on November 4th 2000.In this episode, we will hear from Amy B's...

Mar 23, 202432:48
Episode 4: Under the Couch Cushion

Episode 4: Under the Couch Cushion

After Ivan and Amy come back from Arkansas, their first stop is Tawny's residence, Ivan's ex-girlfriend. After Ivan's was arrested, Tawny found the murder weapon in her apartment.This episode we hear from Tawny and her belief that Ivan was not the one...
Mar 22, 202440:08
Pre Episode 5 Recap

Pre Episode 5 Recap

This is an 8 minute recap of the first 4 episodes.

Mar 21, 202408:13
Episode 5: The Trash Can Without a Lid

Episode 5: The Trash Can Without a Lid

So far, we've been following Ivan and Amy and their trip to Arkansas.  But, a lot was going on back in Dallas immediately following the murders.This episode we hear from Ivan's mother, Sylvia, and the revelation discovered about the evidence found in...

Mar 20, 202431:41
Episode 6: Put the Plastic Out

Episode 6: Put the Plastic Out

This episode Sylvia continues her timeline and chronicles Ivan's last few hours of freedom. Suspicious conversations are overheard and other persons of interest emerge.
Mar 19, 202435:52
Episode 7: The Roommate

Episode 7: The Roommate

This episode we find out James and Amy Kitchen had a roommate. A suspicious man lived with them for three weeks leading up to the murders... and he had knowledge about their time of death.
Mar 18, 202431:39
Episode 8: The Jailhouse Tapes

Episode 8: The Jailhouse Tapes

In this episode, you will hear the candid conversations between Ivan, him mom and his aunt Penny after his arrest.
Mar 17, 202438:21
Episode 9: Let's Go to Cancun

Episode 9: Let's Go to Cancun

This episode chronicles Ivan's time in jail and his court appointed attorneys.  Sylvia and Penny share their accounts leading up to the 2001 trial.Did Ivan really confess to the murders or did his lawyer play his own mother against him?

Mar 16, 202439:23
Episode 10:  What Happened to the Ring?

Episode 10:  What Happened to the Ring?

Episode 10: What Happened to the Ring?In this season finale, Ivan's current lawyer discusses the 2001 trial. Ivan's trial counsel called no witnesses and presented no evidence of his innocence. Ivan even contemplated representing himself.It was...
Mar 15, 202401:00:19
Episode 11: Ivan's Wife

Episode 11: Ivan's Wife

Season 2 begins with the introduction of Ivan's biggest champion over the past 14 years, Ivan's wife Tammy. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. As well, upcoming case investigations are established.
Mar 14, 202447:51
Episode 12: The Rolex

Episode 12: The Rolex

In this episode, the rolex that Ivan was convicted of stealing, is located.   This is proof that Amy committed perjury in her police statements.  More is learned about about all of the families... the Kitchens, the Mosquedas, and the Cantus.

Mar 13, 202451:39
Episode 13: Finding Amy

Episode 13: Finding Amy

This episode, Eichenberg and I head up to Minnesota in search of Amy.   Ivan's lawyer discusses the discovery of the rolex.  And there are more revelations about the bloody pair of jeans in the trashcan.

Mar 12, 202459:33
Episode 13 Bonus: Amy's 2nd Statement

Episode 13 Bonus: Amy's 2nd Statement

Amy's 2nd Statement

Mar 11, 202404:46
Episode 14: What's Amy Been Up To?

Episode 14: What's Amy Been Up To?

This episode we hear from  Amy's neighbor "TJ" and  what she has witnessed over the past 3 years.  We also hear the trial testimony from Amy's brother Jeff.  Jeff and Amy were the only two to ever see Ivan with a gun.  Ever.

Mar 10, 202431:58
Episode 15: The State's Star Witness

Episode 15: The State's Star Witness

This episode Amy Boettcher is interviewed.  She recounts what she says happened and reveals new information about the ring.

Mar 09, 202401:06:31
Pre Episode 16 - Case Update: Amy Boettcher Passed Away

Pre Episode 16 - Case Update: Amy Boettcher Passed Away

On 2/2/21 Amy Boettcher passed away.  TJ, Amy's former neighbor, discusses what she has heard about Amy's death.

Mar 08, 202415:47
Episode 16: One Single Shell Casing

Episode 16: One Single Shell Casing

In this episode, problems with the ballistics in this case are discussed.  A shell casing found at the crime scene lead 2 ballistics experts to believe a second gun may have been used in the murders.  Also, Eichenberg interviews Ivan and we hear if she finds him credible.

Mar 07, 202442:51
Episode 17: The Syndicate

Episode 17: The Syndicate

In this episode, new information is discovered indicating that Amy B was wearing an engagement ring prior to the murders.  Which would indicate, there would have been a second ring in play.  Also, new revelations are uncovered about phone calls and a mysterious syndicate.

Mar 06, 202442:04
Episode 18: "Raina"

Episode 18: "Raina"

Ivan has said for 20 years, that the ring Amy B was wearing the night of the murders belonged to Raina. After 20 years, "Raina" has finally been located. In this episode, Sylvia goes over to Raina’s house to ask her about the ring. Also, the sub rosa hearing in Ivan’s trial is covered.

Mar 05, 202440:25
Episode 19: The DNA

Episode 19: The DNA

The DNA is discussed in this episode.  As well as, a call with Ivan from 2020 prior to his DNA hearing.

Mar 04, 202459:30
Episode 20: Bad Blood

Episode 20: Bad Blood

This episode, the origin of the 34x32 Arizona brand jeans is explored and we hear from a close friend of James and Amy Kitchen.

Mar 03, 202447:30
Episode 21: Carlos and Anthony (part 1)

Episode 21: Carlos and Anthony (part 1)

In Part 1 of Season 2 Finale, we hear Carlos and Anthony's side of the story, their account of Ivan and the time leading up to the murders.

Mar 02, 202454:19
Episode 22: Carlos and Anthony (part 2)

Episode 22: Carlos and Anthony (part 2)

In Part 2 of Season 2 Finale, more is uncovered about James's drug business and mortgage business.  It is disclosed if there is any hard evidence tying Carlos and Anthony to the murders or setting up Ivan.  And the upcoming investigation is established...

Mar 01, 202446:36
Episode 23: The Thumbprint

Episode 23: The Thumbprint

In this Season 3 opener, the most significant piece of evidence tying Ivan to the murders is investigated -- the thumbprint found on the magazine of the murder weapon.  

A video presentation and excerpt images of the fingerprint report is available at

https://cousinsbybloodpodcast.com/fingerprint

Feb 28, 202401:07:45
Episode 24: The Murder Weapon

Episode 24: The Murder Weapon

In this episode, the origin of the murder weapon is investigated.

Feb 27, 202438:30
Episode 25: Gambino

Episode 25: Gambino

The investigation into the origin of the murder weapon continues, as a previous interview with Gambino is analyzed.

Feb 26, 202434:41
Episode 26: Frank, the Roommate (Part 1)

Episode 26: Frank, the Roommate (Part 1)

At the time of James and Amy Kitchen's murders, there was another person living in their home.  This episode begins the 2 part investigation of Frank, the roommate.

Feb 25, 202454:01
Episode 27: Frank, the Roommate (Part 2)

Episode 27: Frank, the Roommate (Part 2)

Frank's actions and whereabouts on November 4th 2000 are investigated. 

Feb 24, 202440:31
Episode 28: Oak Cliff

Episode 28: Oak Cliff

In this episode, the anonymous tip that someone else killed James and Amy Kitchen is investigated, as well as other Oak Cliff connections are explored.

Feb 23, 202426:42
Episode 29: The Pizza Man

Episode 29: The Pizza Man

In this episode, a witness comes forward who says he saw a man driving a similar vehicle and had a similar appearance, as Ivan described "the Pizza Man."  Ivan said a man, dressed as a Dominos Pizza Man, came into his apartment, put a gun to his head and told him James owed them 250,000 dollars for drugs.  Ivan said the Pizza Man fired at the wall, to show him he meant business.  Ivan said the Pizza Man is the reason he went over to James's house the following evening, to warn James.

Feb 22, 202436:12
Episode 30: The Bloody Shirt

Episode 30: The Bloody Shirt

In this episode three new elements of the case are discussed; an upstairs neighbor's testimony, witness statements about Ivan asking James for money before the murders, and a bloody shirt.

Feb 21, 202451:39
Episode 31: Mark or Marty

Episode 31: Mark or Marty

Ivan was incarcerated in Collin County Jail after his arrest, awaiting his trial.  In this episode, another inmate comes forward with a story that puts a whole new spin on the Jail House Tapes.

Feb 20, 202457:58
Episode 32: Loose Ends

Episode 32: Loose Ends

In this episode, new information comes to light about Ivan considering fleeing to Mexico after the murders and the mysterious call from inside the apartment while Ivan was in Arkansas.  Also, Gambino is interviewed for a second time.

Feb 19, 202451:17
Episode 33: Dirty Pool

Episode 33: Dirty Pool

There was a third person in Ivan and Amy's apartment the night of November 3rd 2000.  She left just minutes before when Amy says Ivan committed the murders.  In this episode, you'll hear her account of the time leading up to the murders and her experience at Ivan's trial.

Feb 18, 202445:37
Episode 34: The Night

Episode 34: The Night

This episode is the deep dive into the main hours in question and additional witnesses are interviewed.

Feb 17, 202401:43:38
Episode 35: The Forensics
Feb 16, 202401:40:40
Episode 36: Ivan's Final Interview

Episode 36: Ivan's Final Interview

Ivan discusses the other main players, the evidence against him, and Amy Boettcher.

Feb 15, 202401:37:14
Episode 37: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 1

Episode 37: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 1

This episode begins the chronicle of the case over the past 20 plus years.

Feb 14, 202401:41:03
Episode 38: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 2

Episode 38: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 2

The episode chronicles 2002 to 2008; Ivan's Direct Appeal, State and Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus.  Additionally, Goeller's affidavit on Ivan's confession and the bloody shirt are discussed.

Feb 13, 202401:18:35
Episode 39: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 3

Episode 39: The Twenty Year Timeline - Part 3

Finishing up the 20 Year Timeline, this episode chronicles 2008 to current day; which includes a 2010 Oral Argument Hearing, 2012 interview with Amy Boettcher, and the origin of the bloody shirt saga.

Feb 12, 202401:18:58
Episode 40: The Closing Arguments

Episode 40: The Closing Arguments

In this episode the investigation is concluded, the closing arguments are given and we wait on the outcome.

Feb 11, 202401:04:51
Episode 41: The Clemency Petition

Episode 41: The Clemency Petition

Ivan's Clemency Petition was filed on April 4th, and in it was a bombshell... about Jeff Boettcher.

Feb 10, 202421:14
Episode 42: The Jeff Boettcher Interview

Episode 42: The Jeff Boettcher Interview

Collin County takes a trip up to Minnesota. In this episode we hear the 2022 interview between the Collin County Assistant DA, a DA investigator and Jeff Boettcher.



Feb 09, 202433:59
Episode 43: The First Subsequent Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus

Episode 43: The First Subsequent Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus

In this episode we review the claims in Ivan's Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus... and the possible outcomes.

Feb 08, 202422:53
Case Update: The CCA Dismissed Ivan's Habeas Application

Case Update: The CCA Dismissed Ivan's Habeas Application

Episode 44 of Cousins By Blood will be coming out on this RSS feed ASAP.

Feb 07, 202402:58
Episode 44: The Jury Foreman

Episode 44: The Jury Foreman

In this episode, the jury foreman in Ivan's 2001 trial is interviewed. He shares his thoughts on the newly discovered information and if Ivan should be entitled to a new trial.

Feb 06, 202424:49
Episode 45: The Bullet

Episode 45: The Bullet

In this episode, podcast listeners have come together to help with the investigation.  The Pear Ridge wall bullet comes into question.

Feb 05, 202441:19