
Cousins By Blood
By Matt Duff
***Ivan Cantu has a scheduled Execution Date of April 26th 2023***
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.
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.

Cousins By Blood Trailer
Cousins By Blood Trailer
Cousins By BloodMay 01, 2022
00:00
03:18

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.
May 01, 202203:18

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...
Apr 29, 202243:41

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...
Apr 28, 202257:49

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...
Apr 27, 202232:48

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...
Apr 27, 202240:08

Pre Episode 5 Recap
Pre Episode 5 Recap
This is an 8 minute recap of the first 4 episodes.
Apr 26, 202208:13

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...
Apr 25, 202231:41

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.
Apr 24, 202235:52

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.
Apr 23, 202231:39

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.
Apr 22, 202238:21

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?
Apr 21, 202239:23

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...
Apr 20, 202201:00:20

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.
Apr 20, 202247:51

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.
Apr 18, 202251:39

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.
Apr 17, 202259:33

Episode 13 Bonus: Amy's 2nd Statement
Episode 13 Bonus: Amy's 2nd Statement
Amy's 2nd Statement
Apr 17, 202204:46

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.
Apr 17, 202231:58

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.
Apr 15, 202201:06:31

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.
Apr 14, 202215:47

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.
Apr 14, 202242:51

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.
Apr 13, 202242:04

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.
Apr 12, 202240:25

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.
Apr 12, 202259:30

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.
Apr 10, 202247:30

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.
Apr 09, 202254:19

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...
Apr 08, 202246:36

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
Apr 07, 202201:07:45

Supplemental for Episode 23: Fingerprinting History **LISTEN TO EPISODE 23 FIRST
Supplemental for Episode 23: Fingerprinting History **LISTEN TO EPISODE 23 FIRST
**LISTEN TO EPISODE 23 FIRST
This is supplemental audio for Episode 23, in which Dr. Simon Cole discusses the history of fingerprinting and the fallibility within the discipline.
Apr 07, 202249:11

Episode 24: The Murder Weapon
Episode 24: The Murder Weapon
In this episode, the origin of the murder weapon is investigated.
Apr 06, 202238:30

Episode 25: Gambino
Episode 25: Gambino
The investigation into the origin of the murder weapon continues, as a previous interview with Gambino is analyzed.
Apr 05, 202234:41

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.
Apr 04, 202254:01

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.
Apr 03, 202240:31

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.
Apr 02, 202226:42

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.
Apr 01, 202236:12

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.
Mar 31, 202251:39

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.
Mar 30, 202257:58

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.
Mar 29, 202251:17

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.
Mar 28, 202245:37

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.
Mar 27, 202201:43:38

Episode 35: The Forensics
Episode 35: The Forensics
This episode will provide a comprehensive look at the forensic psychology, pathology, finger prints, ballistics, blood spatter, DNA and crime scene analysis
Cantu Print Comparison on The Double Loop Podcast
https://youtu.be/QJEgTbhTRlE
Mar 26, 202201:40:40

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.
Mar 25, 202201:37:14

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.
Mar 24, 202201:41:03

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.
Mar 23, 202201:18:35

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.
Mar 22, 202201:18:58