S1: EP 11 – Who Killed Carol? Part 3 - American Homicide

Summary

American Homicide
Season 1, Episode 11 – "Who Killed Carol? Part 3"
Release Date: December 12, 2024

Hosted by Sloane Glass, "American Homicide" delves into the enigmatic and haunting murder case of Carol Newlander, exploring the intricate details and emotional turmoil surrounding her husband, Rabbi Fred Newlander’s, trial and eventual conviction.

Introduction

In the gripping third installment of the "Who Killed Carol?" series, host Sloane Glass navigates the complex legal battle that led to Rabbi Fred Newlander's conviction for the murder of his wife, Carol. This episode meticulously unpacks the courtroom drama, the shifting testimonies, and the profound impact on the families involved.

Background of the Case

Carol Newlander’s murder sent shockwaves through Cherry Hill, South Jersey. Accusations swiftly pointed to her husband, Rabbi Fred Newlander, who was alleged to have orchestrated her killing with the help of hitman Len Genoff. The case was heavily publicized, intertwining local sentiments with national media attention.

First Trial and Hung Jury

The initial trial saw intense scrutiny of Rabbi Newlander’s character and motivations. Key testimonies included:

Elaine Cincini, Pepe Levin, Len Genoff, and Paul Michael Daniels testified against Fred, painting a picture of a man intent on eliminating his wife for financial gain and personal grievances.

Despite compelling evidence, only three out of twelve jurors found the prosecution's case convincing beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in a hung jury.

Arthur Megidda, a journalist closely following the case, expressed his disbelief:

“I could not believe that so much evidence against the rabbi was eliminated, discarded, disgraced by the jury.”
[05:35]

Retrial: A Shift in Dynamics

Judge Baxter declared a mistrial and ordered a retrial in Freehold, New Jersey, aiming for an impartial jury away from the preconceived notions in Cherry Hill.

Key Changes in the Retrial:

Matthew Newlander, Rabbi's son, took the stand for the first time, offering a stark contrast to his previous silence.
The defense continued to challenge the credibility of Len Genoff, labeling him as an unreliable witness.

Prosecutor James Lynch reopened the case with fervor:

“Unless you listen to the words from the mouth of Len Genoff, there is nothing.”
[06:14]

Key Testimonies and Emotional Impact

Matthew Newlander's Testimony:

Matthew's emotional account was pivotal. Describing the night of his mother's murder, he highlighted his father's cold demeanor:

“He didn't have a drop of blood on his clothing.”
[08:29]

His heartfelt portrayal of his father's lack of emotion deeply affected the jury:

“I would have given my right arm for five minutes just to sit there with her and hold her hand.”
[10:46]

Impact on Jurors:

Matthew’s testimony not only shed light on Fred’s character but also evoked empathy among jurors, with several visibly moved by his account.

Verdict and Penalty Phase

After extensive deliberations, the jury reached a guilty verdict on all three counts against Fred Newlander. The proceedings then moved to the penalty phase, where jurors were tasked with determining the appropriate sentence.

Rabbi Fred Newlander's Plea:

In an emotional plea, Fred sought leniency, emphasizing his past as a teacher and his desire to continue guiding others:

“I want to help that young man that will enhance the days of the years of my life by helping the days of the years of that young man's life.”
[16:43]

He articulated his remorse not for the crime itself, but for the impact on his family:

“I can't express remorse for a murder that I did not commit.”
[26:49]

Aftermath and Appeals

Sentencing:

Judge Baxter opted not to impose the death penalty, instead sentencing Fred to 30 years to life in prison. This decision followed heartfelt testimonies from Carol's family, condemning Fred's actions and character.

Family Reactions:

Rebecca Newlander expressed profound hurt:

“I'm not sure that he will ever fully comprehend what his egomaniacal and selfish acts did to my family and me.”
[19:51]
Matthew Newlander labeled his father as a "sociopath" and "a worthless, soulless, pathetic shell of a man” in his correspondence with the court.

Len Genoff’s Shifting Testimonies:

Len Genoff’s credibility remained questionable throughout. Initially implicated as the hitman, he later recanted his testimony, claiming no direct involvement from Fred:

“Fred Newlander never asked me to kill his wife.”
[28:02]

However, his stance fluctuated again in 2012, reinstating his original claims against Fred, which further muddied the waters surrounding the case.

Rabbi's Incarceration and Death

Fred Newlander maintained his innocence until his death in prison in April 2024 at age 82. Even in his final years, he continued to influence fellow inmates through religious counseling, clinging to his declaration of innocence.

Arthur Megidda, reflecting on the saga, noted:

“We will never know the full story about why Carol Newlander was murdered.”
[30:14]

Conclusion and Legacy

The tragic case of Carol Newlander remains shrouded in mystery, compounded by inconsistent testimonies and the deep emotional scars it left on the Newlander family. Rabbi Fred Newlander’s conviction serves as a somber reminder of the complexities within the criminal justice system and the lingering questions that often remain unanswered.

Join Sloane Glass next time on "American Homicide" as she explores the disappearance of teenage artist Sarah Stern in Neptune City, New Jersey, unraveling the web of secrets and motives behind her planned disappearance.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Arthur Megidda ([05:35]):
“I could not believe that so much evidence against the rabbi was eliminated, discarded, disgraced by the jury.”
James Lynch ([06:14]):
“Unless you listen to the words from the mouth of Len Genoff, there is nothing.”
Matthew Newlander ([08:29]):
“He didn't have a drop of blood on his clothing.”
Matthew Newlander ([10:46]):
“I would have given my right arm for five minutes just to sit there with her and hold her hand.”
James Lynch ([14:00]):
“Ladies and gentlemen, emotion is not evidence. Passion is not proven.”
Arthur Megidda ([26:35]):
“I can't express remorse for a murder that I did not commit.”
James Lynch ([22:21]):
“You dishonored Carol, yourself, your children, this court, your congregation, the rabbinate in Judaism.”

This episode skillfully intertwines legal intricacies with human emotions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of a case that continues to resonate within the community and beyond.

Transcript

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Arthur Megidda (2:03)

Fred had virtually hung himself when he took the stand. He was his own worst witness.

Sloane Glass (2:12)

But the prosecution struggled with their own star witness, Len Genoff. To convict this man, you have to believe what Len Genoff told you was the truth.

Arthur Megidda (2:23)

Having him take the stand was very risky by the prosecution, and the defense did a great job of attempting to shred Janoff to pieces.

Sloane Glass (2:34)

The whole case boiled down to who was more credible, the adulterous holy man or the lying hitman. We are in South Jersey today for the conclusion of who Killed Carol. I'm Sloane Glass and this is American Homicide. Just a note that this episode contains some graphic content. Please take care while listening. After three and a half weeks of heated testimony, the case of Rabbi Fred Newlander went to the jury at the same time, a curious book debuted in bookstores. Titled Keep youp Mouth Shut and your Arms Open. The book explored how to be a good rabbi and was written by Fred Newlander, by the way I looked. And that book is still available online. Counsel, we've received a note from the jury. On the seventh day of deliberations, Judge Baxter received a handwritten note from the jury's foreman. It reads as follows. Your Honor, after revisiting evidence and testimony, we, the jury, have concluded that a unanimous decision on all three counts is not possible. On that note, I am going to declare a mistrial.