Pushing Up Lillies
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
    • YouTube Channel
  • Events
    • CrimeCon 2026: Las Vegas
    • Women In Podcasting Cruise
    • Beyond the Crime Convention
    • Global Webinar on Forensic Science
    • True Crime Club
    • The Bearded Monk – True Crime Panel
  • Murder Merch
  • Serial Box
  • Media Kit
    • Sponsor
  • Extras
    • Be A Guest
    • Suggest A Case
    • Contact Me
  • Julie Mattson
  • April 30, 2025April 30, 2025
  • Podcast

Elmer Wayne Henley – The Candyman’s Apprentice

In this episode, I’m digging into the unsettling story of Faye and Raymond Copeland—the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • April 23, 2025April 23, 2025
  • Podcast

Dean Arnold Corll – The Candyman Serial Killer

In this episode, I’m digging into the unsettling story of Faye and Raymond Copeland—the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • March 12, 2025March 12, 2025
  • Podcast

Workplace Suicides & the Murder Kroger Case

Hey y’all, it’s Julie Mattson, your host on Pushing Up Lilies. This week, I’m diving into a tough but important topic—suicides at work. As a death investigator, I’ve responded to countless cases where people take their own lives while on the job, and the impact on coworkers and families is heartbreaking. We’ll talk about the signs, the struggles, and the aftermath of these tragic losses.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • January 29, 2025January 29, 2025
  • Podcast

Jason Thornburg – Texas Cannibal Serial Killer

In this episode, I’m digging into the unsettling story of Faye and Raymond Copeland—the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • January 22, 2025January 22, 2025
  • Podcast

Little Athena Strand Killed By Delivery Driver

In this episode, I’m digging into the unsettling story of Faye and Raymond Copeland—the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • May 29, 2024May 29, 2024
  • Podcast

Twisters and Toxins: Tornadoes, Poisons, and Date Rape Drugs

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we start with the recent devastating tornado in Texas, discussing its aftermath and the challenges it brings to death investigators. Then we will uncover the chilling reality of date rape drugs, exploring how they incapacitate victims and the forensic methods used to detect them.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • February 28, 2024February 28, 2024
  • Podcast

Grave Betrayals: Dark Secrets of Funeral Homes

On todays episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we delve into the disturbing underbelly of funeral homes in this eye-opening episode. “Grave Betrayals” pulls back the veil on shocking stories of funeral homes that weren’t resting in peace, but were hoarding bodies, neglecting cremations, and in some harrowing cases, even selling body parts.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • February 21, 2024February 21, 2024
  • Podcast

Innocence Lost: A Forensic Dive into Child Deaths

Join me through the somber landscapes of true crime, on this episode of Pushing Up Lilies. In a heart-wrenching exploration, we delve into the tragic stories of young lives lost, shining a forensic light on the unsettling realities surrounding child deaths.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • July 5, 2023July 5, 2023
  • Podcast

Fireworks Fatalities: Investigating 4th of July Tragedies

On today’s episode, we explore the shocking world of incidents and fatalities resulting from fireworks during the Independence Day celebrations. Join me as we meticulously unravel the heart-wrenching stories of lives tragically lost, examining the causes, circumstances, and devastating consequences of these incidents. Discover the dangers lurking behind the beautiful fireworks displays, and the importance of safety and responsible celebration.

Read more
  • Julie Mattson
  • June 28, 2023
  • Podcast

Investigating Fatal Heat Stroke Case in Texas

In this episode, we investigate the scary reality of heat stroke in the sweltering state of Texas. As someone who investigates deaths, I share a bone-chilling story of someone who lost their life to this dangerous condition.

Read more

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Pushing Up Lilies

Pushing Up Lilies
Pushing Up Lilies

Dissect the science behind some of the most spine-tingling, unusual and terrifyingly true crime stories with Julie Mattson, a seasoned Forensic Nurse Death Investigator in this gripping weekly podcast.

Julie’s unique approach to investigations is informed by her background in nursing, which allows her to provide an in-depth analysis of the medical intricacies and physiological aspects of each case.

With her compassionate storytelling and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, Julie takes you on a thrilling journey into the world of forensic science, shining a light on the intersection of medicine, justice and criminal investigation.

In “Pushing Up Lilies,” Julie’s expert medical analysis will captivate your imagination and challenge your understanding of the human body’s role in solving the most complex and enigmatic criminal case.

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnGoogle PodcastsListen OnSpotify

Podcast Subscription Menu

  • Catalog
  • Catalog
  • Career Resource Center
  • Career Resource Center
  • Hiring Partners
  • Hiring Partners
  • Student Success
  • Student Success
  • Udacity Connect
  • Udacity Connect
  • Udacity Talks
  • Udacity Talks
  • Scholarships
  • Scholarships
A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m examining the heartbreaking murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five whose life was taken in a brutal daylight attack that stunned the Del Rio, Texas community.

When Caroline arrived at the hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds, medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Three women were arrested and charged with her murder, but many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

As a forensic death investigator and former emergency room nurse, I walk through what happens in the critical moments after a stabbing victim arrives at the hospital, why injuries like these can be far more severe than they first appear, and how investigators begin reconstructing a violent crime through witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and medical findings. I also discuss why it’s so important to separate verified facts from speculation while a case is still unfolding.

But more than anything, I want to remember Caroline.

She wasn’t simply the victim in a headline. She was a mother, a friend, and someone remembered for her generosity and the kindness she showed others, even during difficult times in her own life. Behind every investigation is a family whose world has been forever changed, and five children who will grow up without their mother.

This episode contains discussion of homicide, stabbing violence, and death. Listener discretion is advised.

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
July 8, 2026
Julie Mattson
Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths
July 1, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
June 24, 2026
Julie Mattson
Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies
June 17, 2026
Julie Mattson
The State of Texas vs Karmelo Anthony
June 11, 2026
Julie Mattson
One Final Moment: The Tragic Death of Austin Metcalf
June 3, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Monster He Wanted to Become
May 27, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind
May 20, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby
May 13, 2026
Julie Mattson
Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Three
May 6, 2026
Julie Mattson
Search Results placeholder

Help Kick Off the Podcast With a Bang!

Please Rate + Review on Apple

Trending Topics

Cannibal Case Cases Children Crime Scene Dead Death Death Investigator Deaths Deceased Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Drugs Family Forensic Forensic Investigator Forensics Homicide Investigation Investigator Julie Mattson Killed Killer Medical Examiner Missing Mom Mother Murder Murderer Podcast podcasting Pushing Up Lilies Relationships Scene Serial Killer Sexual Assault Stabbing Stories Suicide Texas True Crime True Crime Podcast Victims Violence Wife

Episode Air Dates

July 2026
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun    

Don't Forget to Visit Our Murder Merch Store! Thanks for Tuning in!!!

Shop Here

Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Julie Mattson.

Subscribe to Podcast

  • Apple Podcast
  • Amazon Music
  • Stitcher
  • Spotify
  • iHeart Radio
  • Pandora
© Copy 2026. Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
footer-logo

Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Forensic Nurse Death Investigator, Julie Mattson.

Facebook Youtube

Recent Episodes

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo

Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths

The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer

Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies

Subscribe to Podcast

  • Apple Podcast
  • Amazon Music
  • Spotify
  • iHeart Radio
  • Pandora
© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.