The Murder of Brooke Preston & the Truth About Hulu's "Dead Asleep"

*The Sand Witch Shoppe x Kendall Rae collection has SOLD OUT!*
Check out the other beautiful pieces The Sand Witch Shoppe has: thesandwitchshoppe.com/

It’s so upsetting that Brooke’s murderer gets an entire professionally done documentary, and Brooke’s family has to tell her story on cell phones in their own home and relive the trauma. Shame on Hulu.

I can't be the only person who thinks that even if he WAS sleepwalking, or even if he had an alcohol-induced blackout, that a person who is capable of committing a brutal murder under these conditions should still be in prison. The reason we put criminals behind bars is to keep the general public safe. Even if he was sleepwalking, he still murdered her, and the public is NOT safe from someone capable of committing that crime regardless of the circumstances. He needs to be in prison for life, period.

Like father like son. Disgusting how he even tried to justify it by "sleepwalking". I also "like" how Venesa, friend of Brooke doesn't say his name. The killer deserves no attention.

I haven't seen the Hulu episode, but if the family was not properly consulted and permissions were not gained by the production company, all legal avenues should be pursued.

I think it's impossible that even if he talked to her and murdered her in less than 5 of those 22 minutes, there's no way he fell into such a deep sleep he sleepwalked and killed her.

Good for her for referring to him as ‘the killer’ through the entire interview process. It’s true, not even alleged. I think it makes a powerful statement, taking away his entire identity.

There’s so many holes to this “sleepwalking” theory. He said he remembers being invited out to breakfast but declined the invite and then later on he texts her to come back to get a t-shirt. That’s the fact that disturbs me the most. He knew she wasn’t home and invited her to come back to the house for a shirt. How could he possibly be asleep if he was able to send her a message asking her to come back to the house. I don’t buy it.

I love how stable her audio and sound in general, i could play this on background while doing chores without worrying that it might sound louder at some parts and then i become panic trying to lower the volume, i've had many experience like this with other true crime youtuber T.T

Committing a violent crime while sleepwalking is incredibly rare & someone who actually does that will have a frequent history of being a danger (like walking into traffic or standing on ledges) to oneself & others while sleepwalking. This was not a case of sleepwalking...period. Thank you for making this video & telling the whole story to the world. Hulu should be ashamed of making a misleading documentary.

Dude you’re literally giving them their own documentary that they can have a say in and that’s awesome of you. You’re the 💣. Also brookes family seems so genuine in their adoration for her, and wow, the best people seem to be sought out or something :(

He remembers EVERYTHING BUT the Murder. That's not sleepwalking, that's repression due to trauma.

I couldn’t imagine losing my best friend in such a horrific way, and then have to see a documentary with so much misleading information. I’d lose my mind! Hulu should be ashamed of themselves. The friends and family featured in this video are such strong people. I wish them all the best ☮️

My heart goes out to Brooke’s family and friends. Here’s my theory on Randy. No one likes getting rejected. He flat out confessed to killing her, so that was never the issue. His lawyer was grasping at straws with the sleep walking theory trying to keep Randy’s sentence lower. I think Randy may have blacked out in a fit of jealous rage, but he was definitely not sleeping. Shame on Hulu for putting the documentary out and focusing on the killer. Brooke is the one that needs to be remembered.

This is a good reminder to always put yourself in the victims family shoes when watching a documentary. Especially one sympathising with the killer

I agree 100% this was a premeditated murder. The amount of times He stabbed Her is considered a personal and hateful murder case, also does not make any sense the sleep walking excuse. There is no way He would be able to stab Her that many times and not waking up in the process. Sending my condolences to Her family.

Him hiding in her closet naked saying “shhhhhh” with a finger up to his lips is absolutely TERRIFYING. Even if he was a lifelong friend. I would be soo scared.

The sleep walking defense in this story is just that. A DEFENSE. I believe that he had sexual desire for her and was probably planning a sexual attack on her and then she called a friend and left and it ruined his plans! And he was angry about that. Prayers and condolences to her family! 🙏❤

I can't believe they brought on the killer's mom to justify his and his legal team's plea of sleepwalking but not the mother who lost her youngest daughter to a drunk loser who she knew for years as a family friend to not just Brooke, but to the entire family.

It made me so sad when the one sister kept referring to randy as “the killer” she clearly is in so so much pain. Much love to the family.

Again Kendall you’re amazing for making this video and letting the family talk about Brooke. I watched the Netflix show and they never even said anything about Brooke. Thank you I’m sorry for the loss of the Petersons

I remember signing the petition to prevent this documentary from being made back when the family still thought there was a chance they could stop it. Shame on Hulu for going through with it without the blessing of the family, and for making it all about the killer and not about the victim's life.

I'm so glad the jury found Randy guilty. There is NO way he was sleep walking. Prayers for Brooke's family & friends. Such a loss. I will sign the petition for Hulu to take down the story.
God Bless!

As someone who sleep walks, has night terrors. This is one of my biggest fears. Sleep walking episodes usually happens within the first hour of sleep. And usually takes me at least 20 minutes of sleep before it starts. Whilst I think it's possible. I agree with the prosecution that the timeliness doesn't add up. From personal experience, I can be woken up easily from sleep walking or guided back to bed. Often I just wake up confused. After screeming he would of woken up, the brutal nature of the crime does not reflect this.

Hi, Kendall!
You should make a video on the case of Debanhi Escobar, a Mexican young woman who was found dead just yesterday inside a water tank in Monterrey. This case has become highly popular all over the nation because of the inconsistencies with it and the corrupt work of the police. It is highly believed she was killed and then put on the water tank to cover up the murder.

I haven’t seen the documentary and won’t. This video is the only thing I know about this case and I felt so sad for the terrible loss of this lovely young girl. How her family can cope with the senselessness of her death is beyond me and my heart goes out to them. I was reminded of the film with Richard Gere and Edward Norton where he got off a murder charge on the grounds that he had a multiple personality. I was reminded of that because of the phoney ‘didn’t know what he was doing’ whimpering act. I don’t believe the sleepwalking defence at all. I think the killer did it very deliberately for whatever twisted reason and I hope he never gets out of jail to kill somebody else.

She must have said something before leaving in regards to his behavior that triggered his ego along with the rejection he felt. Bottom line sleep walking or not...a person who can be triggered to brutally murder a loved one doesn't belong in society. Asleep or awake. He is where he belongs and society is better for it. Condolences to the Preston family!

My opinion is he was extremely embarrassed and felt rejected by his actions the previous night. It overwhelmed him so much I guess killing her was his way of coping with those emotions. Very disturbed individual

Brooke seems like a beautiful person. The world lost someone very special. Her family and friends, especially her sisters, are in my prayers.

I hope Hulu gets sued to hell if this family so wishes. I’m sick of media dismissing victims in the name of “entertainment”.

It doesn’t matter if he is remorseful, he murdered her. He deserves every second of his life behind bars. I’m so sorry to her family and shame on Hulu for releasing that without them!

I appreciate families being involved in true crime stories. I do not like feeling like a voyeur in the life of a decedent/victim. Families and friends humanize these stories. Thank you for including the family and friends. Obviously, this young man was a predator in hiding. I think it was premeditated murder. I’m sorry for the loss of this strong young woman.

I appreciate at the end them expressing that they lost randy too. He was their friend and they must have deep sadness on all fronts.
What he did is in that unforgivable territory and I feel like people often forget the pain of knowing someone who killed someone.

Absolutely "convenient" that he remembers everything else except murdering her. He's full of it and murdered Brooke in cold blood.

It’s so disturbing and scary how a large amount of crimes are committed by those who are pretty close to the victims. I think maybe it’s because with strangers, we are quite alert. But when we are with people who are pretty close to us, we let our guards down and tend to ignore a lot red flags. I’m not saying that we should always be paranoid. It’s just even if we don’t choose to make a big deal out of something we think is a red flag, we should at least keep that in mind and stay a bit alert. But again, its easy to say things because these victims weren’t kids either. Idk man. This is all scary. Anyone got tips or something? What do y’all think?

The fact that he remembers giving Brooke the shirt, hugging her, and telling her goodbye proves he wasn’t asleep during that interaction. Then he somehow immediately fell asleep after she left his room and entered a state of sleep deep enough to sleepwalk. Also, how convenient that he stayed asleep while brutally murdering someone who would have fought back and cut himself in the process only to wake up directly after. All while having no other incidents of sleepwalking around this time. Sure.

The way Brooke's Mother speaks of her daughters beautiful ways is absolutly heart warming.
So much love there

Thankyou for a respectful and factual presentation of what happened to beautiful Brooke and for empowering her family and friends to participate fully. Well done Kendall, love to her family and RIP Brooke ❤️

I went to school with both parents of Brooke, and can’t image what they have went through and are still going through. My heart goes out all of them. I will never forget going to her service and seeing all of the people who came to show Brook’s family their support and how much they cared about their family in the time of their need. Thank you for making this video.

Thank you for doing what you do, Kendall. Helping these families have the opportunity to tell their story unbiased and out of the distortion of modern media. You give them respect and a voice. Also, you try to raise awareness on so many serious/dark truths about our world and bring it to light.
Much respect to you, and congrats on the little one ❤️

No way was he sleeping. I think the night before, he made a pass at her and was shut down. I couldn't even imagine this tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and friends of Brooke. May she rest peacefully. 🧡

I really love how you narrate the story it's very calm :)

What a horrific case. I cannot believe the blood evidence. It was a blitz attack. She fought hard but he caught her off guard 😢 so he knew he could t get away with it! Her screams would’ve woken him up but he stabbed her so many times. He was so selfish!! 2x DUI shows me he has no regard for others. RIP Brooke !!!!!!!

I was a sleepwalker and can a test that I never feel asleep that fast to be able to sleepwalk. So the jury got it right! 👍🏼🙏🏼

My good friend from high school was murdered in 1999 here in Saco Maine. She was 15 years old her name was Ashley Oullette. There was a "True Crime Daily" episode on TheXvid about her. Her killer still walks around free here Southern Maine. His name is Dan Sanborn. Cops claim there is not enough evidence. If you Google her name you'll find a bunch of articles on her. Her mother and sister deserve justice. This case is also linked to the disappearance of Tony Torres of Biddeford Maine. She was last person to see Ashley before she was raped and strangled and left dead in the middle of the road. Please consider this case. It's been 23 years since she was murdered. She was murdered February 1999.

I can definitely see everyone’s points about premeditated murder. Though my first thought was drugs. Did he give a UA? Obviously he still had alcohol on board. Did they check how much? It is possible he was high/drunk and she rejected him or scolded him and he blacked out in drug fueled rage…but it could not have been sleep walking. He wouldn’t have remembered any of it and wouldn’t have had time to get into REM and too much happened that would have woke him up. Poor Brooke. He was spiraling and she was too nice.

The strength that this family has is unreal I love how adamant they are to show who she really is and the great person she was❤️

My heart goes out to Brooke's family. May her memory lives on in your hearts and minds. strength and peace to the family.

I’m so glad her sister is finally able to speak out about this. It shows she’s healing. This was a horrible case.

I have always felt the “oh I have a shirt for your boyfriend” was so fishy. My first instinct was he purposely brought her back to hurt her.

Thank you, Brooke's family, for sharing little pieces of her story with us. I'm so sorry that this happened to your beautiful girl 💔

Ok, here is my two cents - (I'm a tad late to this party ) I think he intended to sexually assault her. I think his behavior the night before and the fact that she did not feel safe being around him clearly demonstrates that. She probably thought his behavior was just due to him being intoxicated. The fact that he called her back to the house with the excuse of giving her a t-shirt is highly suspicious. I think he lured her out and he planned to assault her. I think she fought back and he killed her. The level of violence and the fact that he was so vicious indicate that he was extremely angry with her. It demonstrates intense rage. To someone who is unstable (and let's face it - kind of a loser) that rejection would likely set him off, not to mention the fact that in his head he probably had a very unrealistic idea of how this assault was going to go down. If he pulled out a knife, he probably thought she would just give up. I think she fought him and he wasn't expecting that. That's my theory. It makes sense to me. Obviously I don't know what actually happened, only he knows what happened. I do believe that his remorse after is somewhat genuine, I don't think he intended to necessarily kill her but he definitely lured her back to the house with nefarious intentions. Just my two cents. Do I believe sleep walking murders can happen? I suppose anything is possible, however the probability of this happening is sooo small that it would be a one in a million freak type situation. Based on the timeline, the description of what happened and his behavior in general before and after he killed her - I don't believe that he doesn't remember killing her. I think that's his way of coping with his situation because he was too ashamed to openly admit what he did to his friend. I think he used the "I don't remember" excuse so he wouldn't have to actually explain his behavior or describe what actually happened. Ok - I know that was a lot. Sorry - I had a lot to say about this. It's infuriating that he did what he did and he tried to say he was asleep when he did it. Come on now... He is exactly where he belongs.

I watched the Hulu documentary and hearing her mother cry as she was talking to the police literally made my eyes water I could never imagine this pain 😥 sending prayers forever ♥️

I feel that this young man snapped.... he moved away from home with friends that made him feel like family and accepted him as is.... he watched one sister leave to start a life her boyfriend and then had to watch the 2nd sister drift away from him and ultimately move closer to her own boyfriend.... he panicked at the thought of losing his "family" and couldn't think of a way to stop it.... he may have even wanted to be Brooke's boyfriend (hence the creepy closet episode)... is backward social skills coupled with his instability finally lead to his snap of rage at her. This sleepwalking story is a pile of BS put out there to try and save him, reality he's not safe to be anywhere but rotting in a prison.

Unfortunately this seems like a ‘if I can’t have her, no one can’ situation. Absolutely tragic. Rest In Peace Brooke!

Having enough time to fall into that stage of sleep where he could be "sleepwalking?" No I don't think so.
Being in a "blackout?" Yes it's possible.
I always thought being in a blackout was similar to passing out, being so under the influence of a substance(s) that you do not remember the events, it's all a blur., etc. But a blackout can occur, particularly with heavy drinkers, where they will literally seem fine and able to function normally.

How was he considered sleep walking? If he literally explained to everyone that he remembers everything that happened leading up to what he did. It doesn't make sense to me that he wouldn't remember the actual murder. How do you just forget that happened? He didn't fall asleep on her while he was committing the act. To consider that sleep walking.

My husband was murdered and i cant even imagine having to relive it all. I can't even look at pictures or my ring finger. Just heartbreaking! Praying for everyone hurt by this monster!

I really feel bad for the family, personally, she sounds like an amazing soul and it's so sad that she is gone, but I'm just glad that there is justice for Brooke, so stupid that Hulu didn't give her the focus and attention she deserved

While I do believe that people can do things in a “sleep” state and not remember, I don’t think that occurred here. I think Brooke came back to get the shirt and Randy made another sexual advance at her. When she declined, he killed her in a state of rage.

It seems like he may have had romantic feelings for her and was angry that she was moving back permanently to be with her boyfriend. The night before may have been a last ditch effort to try to get together with her but he felt rejected and it angered him. The rage combined with the drinking drove him to kill her.

So I've had sleep walking issues since I was a kid. I almost set my house on fire by putting my pillow in the oven and turning it on when I was like 5 or 6. When I had sleep walking episodes I NEVER had moments of cognitive awareness where I was having conversations with people and then suddenly black out. Like I was asleep, and if I had any type of conversation with someone it was disjointed and didn't make sense. I would grab things that are completely unrelated to what I was trying to do. People who sleep walk (that I know) either remember everything from an episode afterward, or remember nothing.

I use to sleepwalk myself and my mother would tell me things I would do but she said she would ease me back to bed. I never woke up, as I was sleepwalking or in the middle of doing anything so it’s difficult to relate to what is explained in this case. I find it hard to believe that he didn’t intend to kill Brooke because he called her to come over for a shirt and he didn’t have it out or ready, it was in a drawer and why in the world would he have that knife by his bed? Also, if he were sleepwalking, he somehow knew where the knife was to grab it and proceed with murder? Her going in the dresser to get the shirt was used as a distraction as he grabbed the knife and caught this poor girl off guard. Randy is a murderer just like his father and only used the sleepwalking bit as an attempt to get off easier. Listening to this made my eyes water a couple times and even now writing this, my heart feels so heavy so lastly, I want to express my sincerest of condolences to Brooke’s family and loved ones and thank you for sharing your story, as painful as it must have been, with us.

Thank you Kendall for what you do for these victims and families.
Brooke seems like she was an awesome young lady.
I do think that the killer wanted something more from her and he wasn't mentally stable enough to handle the rejection.
Sleepwalking? No.

Him “sleep walking” is the absolute worst excuse his people could have came up with 🙄I feel like he was mad/embarrassed that she rejected him so the coward murdered her.

Thank you Kendall for sharing this story and helping the family their story I think that's so important!
Sending love and prayers to the Preston Family!

Ugh, I can't believe Hulu. So disrespectful.
My brother was killed in 2015, I worked on a production, about murdered and missing indigenous girls and women, called Taken. The last episode was about the crew who had experienced this kind of thing. I was asked to be on it, then asked to use photos, they were very respectful about my story and what I said about his murder.
I feel so bad for that family. 😢

I’m sincere condolences to the family, we will sign the petition and in respect we will not watch the documentary. God bless ❤️

Thank you Kendall for speaking up for victims who have no voice. You’re such an amazing narrator and so articulate.

My thing is.... they lived together/ spent years together with no violent sleepwalking instances but the day she's gonna leave suddenly this happens??? Nahhhh .... he deserves to rot. I'm so sorry for Brooke's family to having to be going through this with hulu. Absolutely disgusting

I’m new here found you by accident. I am totally into true crime and love to hear peoples stories. Thanks for your creative ability to give life to these victims. Question: Why would Nancy Grace, of all people, would block you on any social media platform?

I am so sorry that Brooke's life was ended so soon.
It is clear that her family loved her so much and she was a beautiful young woman inside and out. ❤

Love watching all true crime documentaries but never saw Hulu’s on Brooke’s death (don’t ever plan on watching) because prior to the release I received an email to sign a petition to keep it off the television, which I signed since her family had no involvement in the creation of the doc nor did they want it released. I’m glad Kendall and the family were able to do this and spread her story and allow people to hear Brooke’s story.

YOU HAVE A VICTIMS ADVOCATE FORM!!!!!! omg!!!! throwback to when you needed us to support you through patron to keep your channel going. so happy to see your success. ive still always stayed watching from back in 2015!!!

How incredibly convenient it was for the murderer to be “asleep” ONLY during the actual murder and not before or after. It’s truly ridiculous. He is where he belongs. I’m sorry for the family’s loss. 💜☮️🙏🏻

Brooke and her family are such beautiful souls. I wish them nothing but love and happiness in the future

They 100% portrayed Jordan testifying incorrectly, wow. I’m not totally shocked that a documentary would skew information to fit a narrative, but it’s still shocking at just how gross that is. That documentary should’ve never been made. It seems like they were trying to have a “making a murderer” moment by focusing on Randy. How sick.
Thank you for giving Brooke’s family a voice. Some of these true crime documentaries care more about becoming a sensation instead of caring about the families of the victims. Thank you for being one of the few creators who actually cares.

Wasn't he awake when he called her through his phone and told her to come back to the house and get the t-shirt? How did he suddenly start sleep walking when she comes to the house? I don't believe his lame "sleepwalking" excuse one bit.

They had the murderers mom on the TV show and not the victims family that is so disrespectful… I’m so glad you are doing this for this family♥️♥️♥️

I would’ve never watched the documentary on Hulu and supported that had I known they had no consent from the family. That’s so not okay.

Sending love and prayers to Brooke's family and friends. She seemed like an incredible young woman, so thank you for sharing her story.
R.I.P. Brooke.
💜💜💜💜

My sincere condolences to Brooke’s family and friends.

Hearing her family and friends talk about her brings tears to your eyes.

This is so heart breaking. I love how her dad calls her brooky cause I to have a daughter named Brooklyn who we call Brooke but I call her brooky all the time.

It makes me sick that he’s confessing with this baby voice, right after he brutally murdered his friend. This guy is disgusting.

This family and Brooke’s friends are so strong! Shame on Hulu for going through with this documentary without their consent. When telling stories like this, I believe centering the victim should always be the first priority. Thank you to Brooke’s friends and family for sharing her light and her story with the world! I signed the petition after being moved by your words and courage. I pray for your continued healing 💕

Signed and shared the petition!
Praying for brooks friends and family
🕊🙏🏻

So sad my heart goes out to her family . I know what it's like to lose a sibling to murder and it never really gets better. But I do have a question, where was the shirt when this happened ? Only asking because if it was still in his drawer did that conversation even happen ?

I wish I knew who Brooke was she seemed like a very outgoing person and I need a person like her in my life. R.I.P precious girl

This is just gross... He lured her back to the house so I feel strongly it was premeditated. And the way he killed her was a crime of passion? Brooke was such a beautiful person. There just aren't words to say how sick, selfish and unfair it is for him to have taken her life. He's a complete coward 🤦🏼‍♀️

god bless this family ! she was in gods army ! im an artist my self and this story makes me sad....prayers to them and Rest In Peace Brooke

I love you for what you do for families and it really shows that it comes from your heart and it’s always so heartfelt 💕

Brooks family is incredibly strong and caring. It's true how it shows what a wonderful person Brook was. My heart goes out to them all!

Usually a motive is always found when someone murders someone unless that person simply had murder on their mind.. maybe that’s the case here. Your amazing Kendall I appreciate you telling stories that need to be put into the spotlight 💜

I think this really highlights some major ethical issues with true crime content…Brooke’s family does not deserve the hurt caused by the documentary, just for the purposes of entertainment on a streaming platform. This case is really going to make me really consider which true crime content I consume in future. The grieving process the victim’s loved ones should always be protected above all else. Thanks Kendall, for always being respectful of that.
Brooke seemed like a beautiful person and thanks to the family for sharing her story properly here. I hope that, although there is so little sense to her death, that they can find closure in the all the meaning her life brought ❤️

you know I watched that doc and I usually am really on the fence at the end of those types of docs, and I was because things he said didn't add up but hulu was really pushing his narrative of sleep walking and I fell for it and felt bad (for him) because in the interrogation he seems remorseful but now hearing a lot of what they left out makes me mad that they only pushed that narrative and leave out a lot of facts. I feel so bad for the family and am really thankful that you got to work with them and give not only them but Brooke her voice by sharing her story with all the facts. I do believe if he was drunk (car wouldn't start) he def could have fallen asleep and was still half asleep when talking to brooke about the shirt, especially since he seemed to not be getting enough sleep with all the alcohol he had been consuming but that doesn't matter he killed her period, it's sad if he was asleep but it doesn't change anything at the end of the day.

I am a fairly new subscriber and as I watch your posts, once again, I am very impressed by your professional delivery with an empathetic vent to not only the families and friends but, to your audience. Thank you for your integrity to inform with fact and defuse that which is determined “sudo-fact.” It’s like that old game of Telephone passing a sentence around a circle and finding it so altered! There’s a reason that we all know that game… we must question what is true as it comes through media. I appreciate your method of being specific to the nuances and the source of the truth as to not to find fault as it may not be intentional. Keep up the good work!

Nancy is upset that you are doing real work. I love everything you do 😭💕

Hello, a year ago today, we lost my Daughter in Law to the hands of another. To this day (even with a video confession by the person who took her life), the Sheriff's office and State of KS DAs office has failed to bring charges against him. Please contact me for more information if you believe you can help her family bring this case justice and closure. Thank you.

It is truly infuriating that more time is spent by society making excuses for killers than seeking justice for victims. Sending all my love to the Prestons. Keep fighting the good fight!