American Homicide: S1 E10 – Who Killed Carol? Part 2
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Introduction and Case Background
In the chilling episode "Who Killed Carol? Part 2," host Sloan Glass delves deeper into the mysterious 1994 murder of Carol Newlander in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Carol, a beloved mother of three and owner of a successful bakery, was brutally murdered in what was Cherry Hill's first homicide in years. The serene suburban backdrop of Cherry Hill, known for its sprawling subdivisions and safety, was shattered by this heinous crime.
Initial Investigation and Surprising Connections
Cherry Hill Police Officer Richard Bombert spearheaded the initial investigation. Early on, Officer Bombert discovered a troubling photograph depicting Rabbi Fred Nulander, Carol's husband, standing arm in arm with Len Genoff, the private investigator hired by Fred to uncover his wife's murderer. This discovery raised immediate red flags, especially when it was revealed that Fred and Len later married in the very room where Carol was killed—a detail that left the community baffled.
Quote:
"How could Rabbi Nulander celebrate marriage in the same room his wife was murdered? And why? It was really bizarre." [Timestamp: 13:45]
Allegations Against Rabbi Fred Nulander
As the investigation progressed, Rabbi Nulander, a respected figure in the South Jersey community, became an unlikely suspect. The turning point came when a polygraph test produced erratic results when Fred was questioned about his involvement in Carol's murder. Despite having an alibi, the revelations of his multiple affairs cast a long shadow over his credibility.
Quote:
"He was overwhelmed by lust, greed, arrogance, and betrayal. As a result, he involved himself in the murder of his wife." [Timestamp: 25:30]
The Murder: Detailed Account
The night of November 1, 1994, was horrific. Len Genoff, under the influence of Rabbi Nulander, along with his roommate Paul Michael Daniels, entered the Newlander home. Carol was found brutally beaten and bloodied. To obscure the murder's true motive, they staged the crime scene to appear as a botched robbery. Len later confessed to pulling out a lead pipe and attacking Carol, ultimately stealing her handbag and murder weapon to make the scene seem like a robbery.
Quote:
"I pulled out the lead pipe, sir, and I whacked her in the back of the head. She started to stumble and I heard the word why." [Timestamp: 55:10]
Len Genoff's Confession and Its Impact
In a startling revelation, Len Genoff confessed to the murder, stating he was paid $30,000 by Rabbi Fred Nulander to carry out the heinous act. This confession positioned Rabbi Nulander as the orchestrator behind his wife's death. Len's detailed account, however, was soon clouded by doubts about his credibility, as it emerged that he had fabricated parts of his background, falsely claiming ties to the FBI and CIA.
Quote:
"Len Genoff was a pathological liar. So was he telling the truth when he confessed to killing Carol?" [Timestamp: 1:20:45]
The Trial: Prosecution's Case
During the trial, prosecutor James Lynch portrayed Rabbi Nulander as a man driven by selfish desires and infidelities, leading him to hire Len Genoff to eliminate his wife. The prosecution highlighted Rabbi's manipulative nature and his desperate attempts to continue his affair with Elaine Sunseni by removing Carol from the picture.
Quote:
"Prosecutors portrayed Rabbi Fred Nulander as a womanizer who carried on multiple affairs and hired a hitman to kill his wife." [Timestamp: 1:35:20]
The Trial: Defense's Arguments
Rabbi Nulander's defense team vehemently attacked Len Genoff's testimony, emphasizing his history of dishonesty and questioning his motives. They argued that Len testified against the Rabbi solely to receive a lighter sentence, thereby undermining his reliability as a witness.
Quote:
"The defense said the only reason Genoff was testifying against the rabbi was to get a lighter sentence." [Timestamp: 1:40:10]
Key Witnesses and Testimonies
The trial featured several crucial testimonies:
- Elaine Sunsini, the Rabbi's mistress, detailed their tumultuous relationship and the Rabbi's emotional dependence on her.
- Paul Michael Daniels, Len's roommate, who struggled to recall events due to his mental health issues, confirmed his involvement under Len's influence.
- Pepi Levin, a racquetball buddy of the Rabbi, provided insights into conversations where Rabbi expressed a desire to rid himself of Carol.
Quote:
“Claire, your husband wanted me to watch over Carol’s assets and keep them safe... If something happens to Carol, I'd be here.” [Timestamp: 1:50:30]
Doubts and Complications
As the trial unfolded, inconsistencies in Rabbi Nulander's statements and Len Genoff's unreliable testimony raised significant doubts. The revelation that Len had lied about his background and possibly orchestrated his confession to protect the Rabbi added layers of complexity to the case.
Quote:
"If Len Genoff lied about his past, why didn't the rabbi do a better job vetting him?" [Timestamp: 2:05:15]
Conclusion and Cliffhanger
Despite the compelling prosecution case, the defense successfully sowed seeds of doubt regarding the credibility of key witnesses. As the episode concludes, listeners are left in suspense, with the verdict imminent but the evidence inconclusive. Sloan Glass hints at more revelations to come in Part 3, promising to uncover whether Rabbi Fred Nulander truly orchestrated his wife's murder or if the case is built on shaky, manipulated testimonies.
Quote:
"Was Fred Nulander responsible for the death of his wife? Or was he just a man of God acting in an ungodly fashion?" [Timestamp: 2:25:50]
Final Thoughts
"Who Killed Carol? Part 2" masterfully navigates the intricate web of deceit, betrayal, and manipulation surrounding the murder of Carol Newlander. Through meticulous storytelling, compelling quotes, and a balanced presentation of both prosecution and defense perspectives, Sloan Glass provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this perplexing case. As the episode leaves us hanging, anticipation builds for the final installment, where the true mastermind behind Carol's death will be unveiled.
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