Deadly Domestic Violence in Vancouver: The Tragic Case of Meshay Melendez and Layla Stewart
As we take a short break to recharge and prep for Season 3 of Sins and Survivors, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite voices in ethical true crime. Today, we’re proud to bring you a feed swap from PNW Haunts & Homicides—a podcast that blends well-researched storytelling with heart, humor, and compassion.
In this episode, hosts Caitlyn and Cassie cover the devastating case of Meshay Melendez and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart, who vanished from Vancouver, Washington in March 2023.
Despite clear warning signs, including a documented history of domestic violence and an active no-contact order, Meshay’s ex-boyfriend Kirkland Warren was free—and the results were catastrophic.
A Case That Should Have Been Prevented
This episode traces the chilling timeline that led to the deaths of a young mother and her daughter:
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Meshay’s years-long history with Warren, who had a violent past and an outstanding murder charge in another state.
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Repeated failures by the legal system, including ignored risk assessments and missed opportunities to intervene.
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The heart-wrenching discovery of Meshay and Layla’s bodies—and what came next.
It’s a hard story. But it’s one that needs to be heard.
Because Meshay and Layla weren’t failed by one bad decision. They were failed at every level—by a system that too often protects abusers instead of the people they harm.
Listen Now
You can listen to the episode here or on your favorite podcast platform:
Listen to Episode #87
Explore more from PNW Haunts & Homicides
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available—24/7 and confidential.
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Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
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Text "START" to 88788
You can also find a full list of support resources at sinspod.co/resources.
Final Thoughts
We’re incredibly grateful to Caitlyn and Cassie for their powerful work in telling this story with the care it deserves. We hope you’ll check out more from them at sinspod.co/pnw, and take a moment to reflect on how we can all advocate for safer systems—and justice that protects everyone.
John
Co-Host
Your co-host John comes to you with 25 years of technology consulting experience and a strong interest in True Crime. John will host the Tech Corner episodes that punctuate Sins & Survivors. In those episodes, his focus will be educating people on the pitfalls of privacy in the digital age, and endeavor to make everyone a bit safer. Topics like cyberstalking, online safety, removal of information from online directories, and new privacy features on mobile devices are just a few topics we'll cover. Email him your questions at Tech@SinsandSurvivors.com
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