True Crime Cat Lawyer

For the 178th week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. True Crime Cat Lawyer is a podcast lead by the duo of Elyse Lopez and Winston the cat. The podcast covers true crime cases from the PNW region.

4EVRGRN: Hey, TCCL! Tell us a little about yourselves.

TCCL: My passion and love for the law began when I was 12 years old. I currently practice workers' compensation defense, representing employers and insurance companies, in Oregon and Washington. When I am not lawyering, I enjoy anything and everything true crime related.

How did you get interested in true crime?

TCCL: I’ve always been interested in true crime; I used to watch Matlock and Perry Mason with my grandpa. My best friend in 5th grade was also murdered in 2002 and her murder changed my life. 

How did the idea come about to do a podcast about PNW cases?

TCCL: The pandemic! I burned through all my regular podcasts and hadn’t yet learned about indie podcasts, so I decided to make my own podcast! 

What has been your favorite case to research and discuss?

TCCL: The episode I’m most proud of is my recent episode on Autumn Stone which was a live episode done at the PNW True Crime Fest back in October 2022. I spoke with the victim’s sister and got to know more about the victim than what’s out in the public. This episode will always hold a special place in my heart.

What PNW true crime podcast do you enjoy listening to?

TCCL: I have a few but True Crime Queen is one of my faves of all time! Ginger says the snarky comments we’re all thinking when listening to a true crime case and she’s very thorough!

Favorite PNW activity when you need to decompress from case research?

TCCL: I absolutely LOVE the beaches in the PNW. No, they’re not sunny and warm all the time, but they’re absolutely beautiful and being at the beach just restores/resets my mind. They’re so beautiful and soothing. 

Do you think being a lawyer changes the way your view true crime as opposed to most with journalist backgrounds?

TCCL: I definitely think so. I work really hard to bring a level of professionalism to my podcast along with a knowledge of the law that’s involved with these kinds of cases. I don’t bring a lot of speculation into these cases nor am I trying to conduct my own investigation. My purpose in telling these cases is to inform and educate on various issues in the criminal justice system. 

Favorite local cat product (we’re big Winston fans)?

TCCL: Winston loves to hear about all her many adoring fans. She’s a huge catnip fan - her favorite toys are the mini kickers from Aloha Ellie & Co. which is based out of Beaverton, Oregon! 

Listen to True Crime Cat Lawyer wherever you listen to podcasts! Get on the case with TCCL socials:

INSTAGRAM: @truecrimecatlawyer
TWITTER: @truecrimecatlaw
MERCH: http://tee.pub/lic/yu0ZxPrPgbM
WEBSITE: truecrimecatlawyer.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/truecrimecatlawyer
LINKTREE: linktr.ee/truecrimecatlawyer