The name Brian Lee Draper is permanently etched into Idaho’s criminal history for his role in the brutal murder of his high school classmate, Cassie Jo Stoddart, in 2006. Known to many as one of the so‑called “Scream” killers, Draper’s crime shocked the quiet community of Pocatello and became a disturbing example of premeditated teenage violence influenced by horror media.
This article takes an in‑depth look at Draper’s life before the crime, the murder itself, the trial and sentencing, the aftermath, and why his story continues to draw public attention.
Early Life and Background
Brian Lee Draper was born on March 21, 1990, in Sandy, Utah, before moving with his family to Pocatello, Idaho. By all outward appearances, Draper seemed like an ordinary teenager—soft‑spoken, academically capable, and interested in creative outlets like filmmaking.
While attending Pocatello High School, Draper became friends with Torey Adamcik, another student with similar interests in film and dark storytelling. Both boys shared a fascination with horror movies, especially Wes Craven’s Scream franchise, and with infamous real‑life cases such as the Columbine High School massacre.
These mutual obsessions began to spill over into something far darker—planning a real-life killing of their own.
The Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart
The Victim
Cassie Jo Stoddart was a 16‑year‑old honor student at Pocatello High School. On September 22, 2006, she was house‑sitting for her aunt and uncle in the Whispering Cliffs subdivision. Cassie’s boyfriend, Matt Beckham, came over to keep her company.
Planning the Crime
Unbeknownst to Cassie, Draper and Adamcik had already chosen her as their target. The boys recorded themselves on video days beforehand, discussing their plan to kill her. These tapes, later recovered by police, revealed their excitement and chilling lack of empathy.
The two even purchased tickets for a movie on the night of the murder, intending to use it as an alibi. In reality, they left after a short time and drove back to the house where Cassie was staying.
The Attack
When Draper and Adamcik first visited the house that night, they hung out with Cassie and Matt for a short while before leaving. Before they left, they unlocked a basement door.
Once Matt left the property for the night, Draper and Adamcik returned dressed in dark clothing, masks, and gloves. They entered through the unlocked basement door and cut the power to the house in an attempt to lure Cassie downstairs.
When Cassie didn’t come down, the two went upstairs and attacked her directly, stabbing her more than 30 times, with 12 of the wounds determined to be fatal. They fled the scene, later attempting to destroy evidence by burning clothing and weapons.
Investigation and Arrest
Cassie’s body was discovered by her relatives two days later. The investigation quickly focused on Draper and Adamcik after interviews revealed their inconsistent alibis.
The smoking gun came when police found the videotapes the pair had made, which documented their planning process and their excitement both before and after the murder.
On September 27, 2006, Draper and Adamcik were arrested and charged with first‑degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The Trial
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution argued that Draper and Adamcik acted with premeditation and clear intent. The videotapes were shown in court, leaving little doubt about their state of mind. Draper initially attempted to blame Adamcik for the actual stabbing, claiming he only went along out of fear, but physical evidence and the tapes undermined this defense.Verdict and Sentencing
In April 2007, Draper was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. On August 21, 2007, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder, plus 30 years to life for the conspiracy charge.
His co-defendant, Torey Adamcik, received an identical sentence.
Appeals and Legal Developments
Draper has filed multiple appeals over the years, citing issues such as the admissibility of evidence and the fact that he was a juvenile at the time of sentencing. However, the Idaho Supreme Court has upheld his conviction and sentence in each instance.
His case has also been cited in legal discussions about juvenile sentencing following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Miller v. Alabama decision, which ruled mandatory life without parole for juveniles unconstitutional. Still, Idaho courts have determined that Draper’s sentence is lawful given the nature and severity of the crime.
Life in Prison
Draper is currently incarcerated at the Idaho State Correctional Institution in Kuna, Idaho. Unlike some inmates, he has not gained notoriety for interviews or media appearances; however, his case is often revisited in true-crime documentaries, YouTube analyses, and podcasts.
Media Coverage and Cultural Impact
The murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart—and Draper’s role in it—has been featured in:
- Dateline NBC episodes
- Documentaries like Lost for Life, exploring juvenile offenders serving life sentences
- Numerous true-crime YouTube channels and podcasts
What makes this case particularly chilling is the combination of youth, premeditation, and the influence of violent media. The fact that Draper and Adamcik documented their plans so extensively makes it one of the most well‑preserved examples of teenage criminal psychology in action.
Public Perception
Public sentiment remains heavily against Draper and Adamcik, particularly within the Pocatello community. Cassie Jo Stoddart is remembered as a bright, caring young woman whose life was stolen without cause. Vigils and memorials have been held in her honor, and her family has been outspoken about keeping both killers behind bars.
Financial Status and “Net Worth”
Unlike public figures whose profiles include discussions of wealth, Brian Lee Draper has no real net worth. At the time of his arrest, he was a 16‑year‑old student with no job or assets.
Any speculation about his net worth—often seen on unreliable celebrity sites—is unfounded. His life sentence effectively eliminates any possibility of personal income or asset accumulation.
Lessons from the Case
The case of Brian Lee Draper raises uncomfortable questions about:
- The influence of violent media on impressionable minds
- Peer pressure and the psychology of group criminal behavior
- How society should handle juveniles who commit crimes of extreme violence
It is also a cautionary tale about the importance of early intervention when warning signs appear in youth behavior.
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian Lee Draper |
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1990 |
| Hometown | Sandy, Utah / Pocatello, Idaho |
| Crime | Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart |
| Date of Crime | September 22, 2006 |
| Conviction | First-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder |
| Sentence | Life without parole + 30 years to life |
| Current Status | Incarcerated at Idaho State Correctional Institution |
| Notoriety | Known as one of the “Scream” killers |
Conclusion
Brian Lee Draper’s case remains one of the most notorious examples of premeditated teen murder in the United States. The level of planning, the brutal nature of the crime, and the killers’ fascination with violent media set it apart from many other juvenile cases.
While Draper will spend the rest of his life in prison, Cassie Jo Stoddart’s family continues to keep her memory alive and advocate for justice. His story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly young lives—both victim and perpetrator—can be destroyed by one horrific act.
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