Tricia Westfall case on American Monster- A complete timeline of events

American Monster opens its new season with Control Freak, a retelling of the Tricia Westfall case from Arapahoe County, Colorado. The episode follows the moments before and after a deadly pickup outside the DMV, the crash that followed minutes later, and the investigation that ruled the case a murder suicide.

The broadcast centers on what relatives and investigators said happened in November 2021. It also places the family’s own words on screen, showing how reported control and jealousy at home grew into a public tragedy that stunned co-workers and neighbors.

Case background on American Monster

Tricia Sue Green-Westfall, 46, worked for the Arapahoe County DMV and lived in Castle Rock with her husband, Galen Wade Westfall, 57. They married in 2009 and blended their children under one roof. Family members later described years of rising control and conflict inside the home, with arguments the boys sometimes overheard, and relatives said got worse after a Mexico trip in November 2021.

“He was a good guy until he wasn’t,”

Tricia’s twin sister, Terri Pettit, said.

Relatives also recalled a curious early-morning incident a week before the crash, when Galen reportedly removed home cameras. The episode weaves those signs into a timeline that ends with two bodies found in a crashed truck just blocks from Tricia’s workplace.

Timeline of events on American Monster

Early November 2021: Cameras reportedly removed

Home cameras were reportedly taken down on November 7 (Image via Unsplash)

Tricia’s sister says that on November 7, Galen quietly took down the home cameras and looked over his shoulder to be sure Tricia was not coming downstairs. Family members point to this as an early sign of planning, though intent remains alleged in the episode.

November 13, 2021: A last shopping trip

A final shopping trip took place two days before the crash (Image via Unsplash)

Two days before the crash, Terri and Tricia went Christmas shopping. Terri remembers a light moment over a gnome and a final exchange of “I love you” as Tricia got into a truck. The family didn’t know it would be the last time they spoke.

November 15, 2021, morning: Drop off and errands

Galen dropped Tricia at the Arapahoe County DMV. He reportedly took her car for service, made a bank transfer, and messaged his daughter about “finding out some things,” warning her not to be home after 4:00 pm. An alleged affair is mentioned in the episode, described as emotional by investigators.

Also read: The true story behind Tricia Westfall Murder case on American Monster

November 15, 2021, 3:30 pm: Pickup at the DMV

A co-worker heard Tricia answer a call and agree to 3:30 pm. She walked out and got into Galen’s truck. Relatives believe an argument started right away as the truck pulled onto East Geddes Avenue in Centennial.

November 15, 2021, 3:35 pm: Crash and discovery

Within minutes, 911 calls reported a crash near East Geddes Avenue and South Havana Street. Investigators later ruled the case a domestic-related murder suicide. According to 9NEWS, the throttle was at 99 percent, and there were no signs of braking when the truck left the roadway. And both spouses were found deceased inside the cab.

“There was no indication of any brake being applied,”

Investigator Bud Gillespie said.

Late November 2021: Autopsy findings and case status

Autopsies determined Tricia died from gunshot wounds to the face and arm, and Galen died from a self-inflicted head wound. With no additional suspects, the case was closed as a murder suicide. Family members said they were told hours later and described the shock of the notification.

2022 and after: Family advocacy

Relatives began speaking publicly about domestic violence and supporting Forever Pretty in Pink, The Tricia Green Foundation. The episode closes on their vow to keep Tricia’s name present and to encourage others to seek help if control or threats appear at home.