The Catfish Con: The Murder of Curtis Engeland

In this episode of Only Murders on the Harbor, Kaydee unravels the tragic story of Curtis Engeland, a 74-year-old retired professor from Mercer Island, Washington. Known for his generosity, love of hiking, and passion for teaching, Curtis was rebuilding his life after the loss of his partner of 41 years.But when he turned to online dating in 2024, Curtis met Philip Brewer, 32, on the app Scruff. What began as a simple coffee date quickly spiraled into theft, fraud, and ultimately, murder. With the help of his partner, Christina Hardy, 47, Brewer drained Curtis’s finances, impersonated him through sloppy text messages, and fabricated a cover story to explain his sudden absence.On February 23, 2024, Brewer and Hardy attacked Curtis in his own home, injecting him with fentanyl before forcing him into the trunk of his car. They drove him over 100 miles to Cosmopolis in Grays Harbor County, where Hardy held him down as Brewer fatally stabbed him.Curtis’s disappearance alarmed his family and neighbors, who knew the unusual texts and unattended cats were clear signs something was wrong. Investigators traced Brewer and Hardy using GPS data and financial records, eventually discovering Curtis’s body on March 7. The pair fled to California but were arrested after confiding in Hardy’s daughter’s boyfriend, who alerted police.Today, Brewer and Hardy face charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and identity theft. Curtis’s neighbors tend his garden in his memory, ensuring that his kindness and generosity are not forgotten.This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of digital deception and the importance of recognizing red flags in online interactions.📚 Sources & CitationsKing County Superior Court documents (2024) – Charging records detailing the murder, kidnapping, and theft allegations against Philip Brewer and Christina Hardy.Seattle Times – “Mercer Island man found dead in Grays Harbor; 2 suspects charged” (March 2024).KOMO News – Coverage of the disappearance and discovery of Curtis Engeland, including neighbor and family interviews (March 2024).KING 5 News – “Couple charged in death of Mercer Island man” (March 2024).The Olympian – “Couple accused in murder of Mercer Island man found in Grays Harbor” (March 2024).