In 1995, Marisa Patti met David Mabrito on the beach in Oceanside, California – it was love at first sight. Twenty-three years later, he would be found responsible for the brutal murder and desecration of 39-year-old Jodine Serrin in her own bedroom.
In the wake of the solve, Marisa and her son were left on their own to figure out how this man they loved, trusted, and built a life with could have committed such an unthinkable crime. Today, they’re still trying to make sense of it all. Marisa’s story is one we rarely get in true crime: a raw, unflinching look at what it means to live in the aftermath – not just for victims’ families, but for the ones closest to the killer.
On Crime Junkie we walked through every detail of Jodine Serrin’s case that led police to her killer: David Mabrito. Make sure you’ve listened to that episode, MURDERED: Jodine Serrin, before you start this one.
Courtesy of San Diego County Crime Stoppers
Episode Info
The biggest limitation in investigative genetic genealogy isn’t the science or even the know-how. It’s the databases. You can help solve a cold case if you are willing and able to share your DNA to public databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA. It only takes a couple of steps, and it’s completely free. Follow the steps linked here to get started.
If you find yourself facing similarly unique and harrowing challenges as Marisa and her son, and you feel comfortable sharing your story and the community services you found helpful, if any, please email us at connect@audiochuck.com.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, please reach out for help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), where trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide support.
Jodine Serrin. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
Jodine Serrin. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
Jodine’s condo complex. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
Lois and Art Serrin with their daughter’s portrait. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
The killer’s sneakers were left behind Jodine’s door. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
The killer’s sneakers placed behind Jodine’s door. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
Windows in Jodine’s bedroom covered with bed linens. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
The mirror placed by Jodine’s bed. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
David Mabrito. Courtesy: Carlsbad Police Department.
Episode Source Material
Original reporting by Nicole Kagan