The Thin Blue Line & The Brame Family

PNW Haunts & Homicides

David Brame's career and family life seemed picture-perfect. He ascended to the top of the Tacoma Police Department, earning respect & accolades along the way. When he was appointed as the police chief in 2001, he had it all: a thriving career, a loving wife, and two beautiful, young children. He rapidly rose through the ranks, having multiple close family members in law enforcement lent to the increasing potency of his power on the force. Behind the facade of success, Brame's life was riddled with darkness and deceit. A portrait of Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" hung in his office, a symbol of the sinister power he wielded.
Delve into the tragic tale of Tacoma’s top cop family. The story of David Brame, along with his wife and children shook the communities of Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and surrounding areas of Washington state to their very core. The stories of violent and coercive behavior, as well as sexual misconduct behind the scenes while David Brame served as the Tacoma Police will leave you outraged.
Beneath the wholesome all-American image that was portrayed, there were dark, disturbing secrets. Brame's career was marred by accusations of rape and sexual coercion, covered up by the very department sworn to protect the public. The manipulation and control extended into his personal life. His wife, Crystal, endured years of psychological and physical abuse. Her attempts to escape his grasp were met with terrifying retaliation and manipulation. She finally got the courage to file for divorce leading to a cascade of escalating threats and intimidation from her recently estranged husband David Brame, culminating in a tragic murder-suicide. On April 26, 2003, Brame shot Crystal in a public parking lot, before taking his own life, leaving their two children to witness the horrifying event.
We'll uncover the chilling details of David Brame's abuse, the horrifying systemic corruption that enabled his actions, and the devastating impact to not only those closest to the couple, but the community at large. It's a sobering reminder of the dangers so many women encounter. Domestic violence continues to threaten the lives of women and children the world-over, but the haunting depiction of that abuse paired with a partner wielding nearly unchecked power emphasizes the urgent need for accountability within law enforcement and society as a whole, particularly because, far too often, it’s a matter of life and death. Listen to the heart-wrenching episode now to understand the full story behind the headlines and the legacy of Crystal Brame, whose family continues to fight for domestic violence awareness and justice.
If you need support visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or Text "START" to 88788
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This week we introduced you to our friends from Sins & Survivors: Las Vegas True Crime! Shaun & John examine the city's most unsettling true crime stories, focusing on cases interwoven with the complexities of domestic violence.
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