S1: EP 11 – Who Killed Carol? Part 3

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

[Sloane Glass]

At Ameca Insurance, we know it's more than just a house. It's your home. The place that's filled with memories. The early days of figuring it out to the later years of still figuring.

[Arthur Megidda]

It out.

[Sloane Glass]

For the place you've put down roots. Trust Amica Home Insurance Amica Empathy is our best policy. The following ad is sponsored by Pets Best Insurance Services. Your pet is your bestie, your therapist your preferred match. It's easy to love them, even when they sneak your snacks. It's easy to protect them, too, with pet insurance coverage from Pets Best, because it's all fun and games until they chew on something they shouldn't. With perfect timing, Pets Best helps protect your furry friend and your budget from this imperfect world. Get up to 90% on eligible vet bills for less than a dollar a day. Find your Perfect [e-mail] Pet insurance products offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC or underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company for all terms, visit petsbest.com policy Where'd you get those shoes? Easy. They're from DSW. Because DSW has the exact right shoes for whatever you're into right now. You know, like the sneakers that make office hours feel like happy hour, the boots that turn grocery aisles into runways, and all the styles that show off the many sides of you, from daydreamer to multitasker, and everything in between. Because you do it all in really great shoes. Find a shoe for every you at your DSW store or dsw.com Rabbi Fred Newlander was on trial for the murder of his wife, Carol Nulander. He's accused of hiring Len Genoff as his hitman. As the trial came to its climax, Rabbi Fred Newlander decided to take the stand in his own defense.

[Arthur Megidda]

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

[Sloane Glass]

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]

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]

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.

[Arthur Megidda]

I was stunned. Everybody was stunned. How could this possibly be?

[Sloane Glass]

Arthur Megidda, who wrote extensively about this case, was sitting with Carol's family when Judge Baxter called a mistrial.

[Arthur Megidda]

I did not want to turn around. I did not want to look in their faces. How dare they let him go out on the street. And they didn't. I know what I felt, and I know what I thought. And it had to have been just a fraction of their emotions.

[Sloane Glass]

Judge Baxter ordered a retrial for Rabbi Newlander. This time, the trial would head about an hour north of Cherry Hill to Freehold, New Jersey. Freehold is where Bruce Springsteen grew up and even Sang in his 1985 song, My Hometown. The reason Judge Baxter moved the trial was to find an impartial jury.

[Arthur Megidda]

It was difficult finding a jury because this case had been so well publicized.

[Sloane Glass]

Megida was among the dozens of journalists who packed the tiny courtroom.

[Arthur Megidda]

There were reporters. There were cameras. It was a madhouse. It was a frenzy.

[Sloane Glass]

Just like the first trial. The rabbi's retrial was aired from start to finish on Court tv. This allowed people from all over the country to play armchair juror and debate the guilt or innocence of Rabbi Fred Newlander. But back in Cherry Hill, most had already made up their minds.

[Arthur Megidda]

A majority of the residents of Cherry Hill of South Jersey, majority of the congregants in McCor Shalom believe that Fred Nulander had a hand somehow in killing Carol.

[Sloane Glass]

In the first trial, jurors heard from Rabbi Nulander's mistress and four witnesses who said the rabbi wanted his wife dead. Three of the 12 jurors didn't believe the state proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, which resulted in a hung jury.

[Arthur Megidda]

I could not believe that so much evidence against the rabbi was eliminated, discarded, disgraced by the jury.

[Sloane Glass]

In late 2002, most of the players from the first trial returned for the retrial, including the prosecutor, James Lynch.

[James Lynch]

You're going to hear that Fred Newlander the rabbi was a man of God who acted in a thoroughly ungodly fashion.

[Sloane Glass]

A year had passed between trials and Rabbi Fred Newlander appeared much thinner and his gray hair shorter. He also had a new lawyer named Michael Reilly.

[James Lynch]

Let me tell you something, ladies and gentlemen. There is no evidence of Mr. Nulander's involvement in this case. Unless you listen to the words from the mouth of Len Genoff. There is nothing. There's nothing physical. There are no business records, there's no bank records. There is nothing except the mouth of Len Genoff.

[Sloane Glass]

Just like in the first trial, the defense said Len Genoff could not be trusted. And frankly, from everything we've learned so far, Len was not credible or trustworthy.

[James Lynch]

Len Genoff's life is nothing but lies. He even, in an effort to support this belief that he is a CIA agent, had a picture of Ronald Reagan, ostensibly autographed. Dear Lenny, from Ronnie.

[Sloane Glass]

Many said the handwriting on that photo looked more like Len Genoff's than Ronald Reagan's.

[James Lynch]

There's nothing real about this man. He's a liar.

[Sloane Glass]

The defense argued it was Len Genoff who came up with the plan to rob and murder Carroll Nulander.

[James Lynch]

Len Genoff became aware that she would take large sums of money home from her cake company. Len Genoff went to the Newlander house that night to kill her and steal her money.

[Sloane Glass]

The defense also suggested the rabbi's ex mistress, Elaine Sonsini, had framed him.

[James Lynch]

Does she have a reason to be angry at this person who betrayed her, too? He was seeing other women. He was not only cheating on his wife, he was cheating on his girlfriend.

[Sloane Glass]

Just like the first trial, jurors heard testimony from Elaine Cincini, Pepe Levin, Len Genoff, and Paul Michael Daniels. Their testimony was nearly identical to the first trial, except for one witness, the rabbi's son, Matthew. By then, Matthew was a doctor, and the prosecutor referred to him by his title, Dr. Newlander. Back on the night of his mother's murder, Matthew was working as an emt. In fact, he was one of the first responders to his mother's murder at their home. I bring that up because of how Matthew's testimony began. Listen closely to his testimony as he describes arriving at his house.

[James Lynch]

Here are two large guys, and they physically grabbed me and brought me back down the driveway to where I finally saw Fred.

[Sloane Glass]

Did you catch that? It was so subtle that you may have missed it, but Dr. Matthew Nulander referred to his father as Fred. That testimony caused Fred Newlander to immediately whisper into his lawyer's ear and ask, why is he calling me Fred. But calling his father Fred was just the beginning.

[James Lynch]

When I first saw him, he looked kind of the way he looks right now, sort of blank and unemotional. He said nothing to me. He wasn't breathing heavily, wasn't crying or showing any outward sign of grief or remorse at all. He didn't have a drop of blood on his clothing.

[Sloane Glass]

Matthew didn't hold back about his father's lack of emotion or perceived lack of emotion over his mother's murder.

[James Lynch]

Never at any time did he show any signs outwardly of grief, remorse. And never in all the times that I've seen him in the years since has he ever crossed, ever had a pleasant memory of her or seemed to grieve or mourn for her in any way.

[Sloane Glass]

What you're hearing is the one huge difference between the first and second trial. Dr. Matthew Nulander was no longer protecting his father.

[James Lynch]

I asked him, where's Mom? What happened? Is she okay? Is someone taking care of her? His answers were really just one, repeated over and over again. Everything's going to be okay. Everything's going to be okay.

[Sloane Glass]

Matthew said he and his dad had had many conversations about the night of his mother's murder.

[James Lynch]

So he was repulsed by what he saw, too repulsed to go in to see if she was okay. I found my way for child on the floor. I would want to go try to help and you know, if he couldn't help, fine, but at least you're there.

[Sloane Glass]

A couple of the jurors wiped away tears as Matthew struggled to choke back his own. Ironically, it was while talking about his dad's lack of emotion.

[James Lynch]

I would have given my right arm for five minutes just to sit there with her and hold her hand and tell her that I was there.

[Sloane Glass]

Matthew's heartbreaking testimony stunned the defense. But would it be enough to overshadow the juror's doubts about Len Genoff?

[Carl]

Attention parents and grandparents. Are you searching for the perfect gift for your kids this holiday season? Give the gift of adventure that will last all year long. A Guardian Bike the easiest, safest and quickest bikes for kids to learn on. Kids are learning to ride in just one day. No training wheels needed. What sets Guardian bikes apart? Designed especially for stability, they're low to the ground with a wide wheelbase and ultra lightweight frames. Offering superior control and balance, this design gives young riders the ability to learn in just one day without tears or frustration. Guardian Bikes are the only kids bikes designed and assembled in a USA factory, ensuring top notch quality and durability. They were also featured on Shark tank and are the New York Times Wirecutter Top Kids bike pick for 2024. Make holiday gifting stress free with Guardian bikes. With guaranteed one to two day shipping for just $29, you can trust your gift will arrive in time to create magical memories this holiday season. Plus sign up for their newsletter to receive a free bike lock and pop with your first purchase. The perfect stocking stuffer for any kid on your list. Visit guardianbikes.com to secure the ultimate holiday gift today. Happy riding.

[Narrator]

People thought it was impossible to build a firm, lifted booty and flatten and shrink your abs at the same time. But we've cracked the code. I'm Carl, the CEO of Bodi. That's Bodi with an I. And if you want to lose weight while you build a firm round booty and flat tight abs, even that lower pooch, you need to start the 80 day obsession fitness and eating program on Monday. 80 workouts shot in real time. It's like you're training with the cast as they make progress day by day. Crazy booty gains, flat tight abs. We tested it, improved it and now it's your turn. There's no subscription needed. You can get this in home program for less than a dollar a workout and own permanent digital access. But here's the thing. We're inviting you to get 80 day obsession by Friday so you can start on Monday. And if you don't see results in your butt and abs in the first 30 days, you get your money back, no questions asked. So get 80 day obsession by Friday so you can start on Monday. Go to 80 Day Obsession.com that's 80 Day Obsession.com.

[Sloane Glass]

If there was one major difference between the first trial and the retrial of Rabbi Fred Newlander, it was the testimony of his son, Matthew. While on the witness stand, Matthew Nulander only referred to his father by his first name, Fred. It was something even the rabbi's defense lawyer did not ignore.

[James Lynch]

Did he call his father dad? No. Did he call him Father?

[Sloane Glass]

No.

[James Lynch]

He called him Fred right from the beginning. Fred this, Fred that. The anger of that young man and the sadness was overwhelming.

[Sloane Glass]

Interestingly enough, the defense did not put the rabbi back on the witness stand. Instead, they focused on Len Genoff's long history of lying and urged the jurors not to let emotion cloud their judgment.

[James Lynch]

Ladies and gentlemen, emotion is not evidence. Passion is not proven.

[Sloane Glass]

Prosecutor James lynch had the final word.

[James Lynch]

Mr. Leonard Genoff is not being held up to you as a model citizen. He is a man who took money to kill Someone.

[Sloane Glass]

The case went to the seven men and five women of the jury on Friday, November 15, 2002. The following Wednesday, Judge Baxter received a note from the jury's forewoman. I understand from your note that you have reached a verdict. Yes, we have. After 27 hours of deliberations, the jury's forewoman stood before Judge Baxter. When she spoke, her voice quivered. And there was something else. She had tears in her eyes. Before anyone could guess the meaning of those tears, the verdict echoed through the courtroom. Guilty. Nearly eight years after the murder of Carol Newlander, her husband, Rabbi Fred Newlander, was found guilty of capital murder. In the back of the courtroom, Carol's siblings, all locked hands, put their heads down and started to cry. Meanwhile, the rabbi stood there in a daze as Judge Baxter addressed the jury. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, having found the defendant, Fred Newlander, guilty of murder, you now have, as you know, the added responsibility of determining what penalty for that crime is to be imposed upon him. A guilty verdict in a capital murder trial triggers what's known as the penalty phase. This meant these 12 jurors, one who already had tears in her eyes, had the added responsibility of deciding the rabbi's fate. And at the time, New Jersey still had the death penalty. Under the law enacted by our legislature, the penalty may be either death or a term of years between 30 years and life imprisonment, of which 30 years must be served before the defendant is eligible for parole. Much like the trial itself, the prosecutors and the defense both presented their arguments for what they considered just punishment, and that included testimony from the rabbi.

[Arthur Megidda]

I am here to offer a plea for my life.

[Sloane Glass]

Fred Newlander was 61 years old at the time and delivered what was arguably the most important sermon of his life.

[Arthur Megidda]

If I look at the days of the years of my life, before the 1st of November of 1994, they were filled with great blessings. First and foremost, I had my wife, Carol. She was a remarkable woman. And. And I miss her. And I loved her. And I love her now. There are those once who are. Behind their hands would. Would snicker. I have acknowledged for the longest time my behavior that was reprehensible and my behavior that was disgraceful. And yet you must believe I loved her and love her. Starting today, there is another sense of the days, of the years of my life that will unfold. I do not know where I will be. Quite obviously don't know now, but wherever I will be, there will be men who cannot read.

[Sloane Glass]

The rabbi explained that in Hebrew, the word rabbi means teacher.

[Arthur Megidda]

I'm A good teacher. I was a good teacher. I can be a good teacher. And 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. That's all I want, is that opportunity to teach. I beseech you, I importune you, I beg of you for that privilege. And I promise, I promise that I will do whatever a teacher should do to enrich the lives of people that come in contact with that teacher.

[Sloane Glass]

The rabbi smiled and nodded to the jury before slowly walking back to the defense table. He sat down, removed his glasses and looked exhausted. Two full days passed before the jury returned. That's when the forewoman handed a note to Judge Baxter. After due deliberation, the jury cannot unanimously agree upon punishment. This shifted the responsibility back to Judge Baxter, who now had to impose a sentence. At another Hearing in early 2003, witnesses from both sides stated their case for punishment, including the rabbi's sister in law. He is truly a monster beyond human comprehension and he should never ever be free again. Carol's brother also didn't mince words.

[Arthur Megidda]

You are the lowest form of humanity.

[James Lynch]

You dishonored Carol, yourself, your children, this court, your congregation, the rabbinate in Judaism.

[Sloane Glass]

Absent from the hearing were the rabbi's son, Matthew and daughter Rebecca. Instead, they sent letters to the court. Rebecca wrote, I'm not sure that he will ever fully comprehend what his egomaniacal and selfish acts did to my family and me. Matthew went a step further and called his father a sociopath and a worthless, soulless, pathetic shell of a man. Throughout both of these trials, the third Newlander child, Benjamin, steered clear of the courtroom. Until now, Benjamin had refrained from commenting and testifying about his mother's murder. But that day, all eyes were on him as he walked into the courtroom and broke his silence about his father.

[James Lynch]

Things like soccer games, swim meets, school events at as many as he could. I remember seeing him there and, you know, those were the good times. I knew that when I needed somebody to be there for me for any particular difficulty that I was having, he and I could relate on a very special level. And I knew that as busy as he was, he would always be able to find time to just guide me through whatever issues that I was having, that's what he did for many people was to guide them. And I knew that I could always count on him to be around for that.

[Sloane Glass]

Benjamin Nylander was now returning the favor for his dad.

[James Lynch]

I'm a teacher, and one of the biggest reasons that I'm a teacher is because of my father. So I think that speaks for just his influence on me. I think he led me down an amazing path and I think that there are other people that he can do that for and just give him the chance to show that he can still do that, because I know that he can.

[Sloane Glass]

Ultimately, Fred Newlander's fate was in Judge Baxter's hands and after careful consideration, she spared him the death penalty, instead issuing the maximum sentence short of death, 30 years to life. Here's his former lawyer, Jeff Zucker.

[Arthur Megidda]

He's in a prison where almost everybody in the prison is serving tremendously long sentences or life sentences.

[Sloane Glass]

The last time I saw him, he still professes his innocence, says he had.

[Arthur Megidda]

Nothing to do with it.

[Sloane Glass]

Rabbi Fred Newlander was incarcerated in a maximum security prison in New Jersey. It's one of the country's oldest facilities. I feel horribly for the family.

[Arthur Megidda]

I mean, I don't think he's had any contact with his children. I spent a lot of time with each of his children preparing for this trial and they were all nice kids. They really were. It's a horrible tragedy for them.

[Sloane Glass]

I think Matthew was legitimately horrified by his father. First your mother's murdered and then your father's convicted of the murder.

[Arthur Megidda]

Can't get much worse.

[Carl]

Attention parents and Grandparents Are you searching for the perfect gift for your kids this holiday season? Give the gift of adventure that will last all year long. A Guardian Bike the easiest, safest and quickest bikes for kids to learn on. Kids are learning to ride in just one day. No training wheels needed. What makes Guardian Bikes special? They're the easiest to ride thanks to the thoughtful engineering, lightweight frames and kid friendly components. Kids love how fun and easy they are to ride and parents appreciate the safety features like the patented braking system that prevents head over handlebar accidents. Guardian Bikes are the only kids bikes designed and assembled in the USA factory ensuring top notch quality and durability. They're built to last and make perfect hand me downs. Make holiday gifting stress free with Guardian bikes. With guaranteed one to two day shipping for just $29, you can trust your gift will arrive in time to create magical memories this holiday season. Plus sign up for their newsletter to receive a free bike lock and pop with your first purchase. The perfect stocking stuffer for any kid on. Visit guardianbikes.com to secure the ultimate holiday gift today. Happy riding.

[Narrator]

People thought it was impossible to build a firm lifted booty and flatten and shrink your abs at the same time. But we've cracked the code. I'm Carl, the CEO of Bodi. That's body with an I. And if you want to lose weight while you build a firm, round booty and flat tight abs, even that lower pooch, you need to start the 80 day Obsession Fitness and Eating program on Monday. 80 workouts shot in real time. It's like you're training with the cast as they make progress day by day. Crazy booty gains flat tight abs. We tested it, improved it, and now it's your turn. There's no subscription needed. You can get this in home program for less than a dollar a workout and own permanent digital access. But here's the thing. We're inviting you to get 80 day obsession by Friday so you can start on Monday. And if you don't see results in your butt and abs in the first 30 days, you get your money back, no questions asked. So get 80 day obsession by Friday so you can start on Monday. Go to 80day obsession.com, that's 80day obsession.com.

[Sloane Glass]

More than eight years and two trials later, Rabbi Fred Newlander was convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his wife Carol. In 2003, Rabbi Nulander agreed to an interview with Barbara Walters, and once again, the rabbi declared his innocence. If you were innocent, why would God do this to you?

[Arthur Megidda]

I don't think God is a great puppeteer. I think what happened to me was driven by human beings.

[Sloane Glass]

Rabbi Newlander said law enforcement was under an enormous amount of pressure to solve the murder and used his infidelity to label him a murderer. Rabbi, as God is your witness, did you have anything to do with your wife's murder?

[Arthur Megidda]

No.

[Sloane Glass]

He said that of all the victims, he cried the most for his children. He added that he was devastated that two of them wrote him off. Aren't you tormented? If you're sitting here an innocent man.

[Arthur Megidda]

You have no idea how much rage I have.

[Sloane Glass]

Show it.

[Arthur Megidda]

You know, one of the things that I have been trained to do is hold onto my emotions.

[Sloane Glass]

The Rabbi explained that there's no book that says this is how a guilty person acts and this is how an innocent person acts.

[Arthur Megidda]

I can't express remorse for a murder that I did not commit.

[Sloane Glass]

Afterwards, Barbara Walters called their interview eerie because the rabbi, who claimed to be enraged, displayed no emotion throughout their interview. As for Len Genoff and Paul Michael Daniels, the two who actually carried out the murder of Carol Newlander, both pled guilty and were sentenced to 23 years in prison.

[Arthur Megidda]

I've dealt in one way or another with the Newlander case since 1999, Arthur.

[Sloane Glass]

Megidda wrote the book the Rabbi and the Hitman. And there was one final and bizarre twist in this case. In May 2008, Len Genoff filed a motion challenging his sentence. In that motion, he claimed ineffective counsel and stated that his lawyer slept through most of his court proceedings. He also alleged he had been promised significantly less time than 23 years.

[Arthur Megidda]

Len Genoff was such a dubious and questionable character, and in the best of all worlds, nobody should believe anything he ever said.

[Sloane Glass]

And then in 2009, Len Genoff said he had given a lot of thought to what happened and wanted to set the record straight. In a signed affidavit, Len wrote, fred Newlander never asked me to kill his wife. And to the best of my knowledge, he never had any idea of any attempt on his wife's life. In other words, Len Genoff recanted and said the incident at the Newlanders was a robbery gone bad and not a murder for hire. He said he made up the story that implicated the rabbi because he was promised leniency if he cooperated with the prosecutor's office.

[Arthur Megidda]

How could Janoff be believed now? He's lied over and over again, he admits, but. But he claims he's telling the truth just this one time.

[Sloane Glass]

Well, it turns out Len Genoff wasn't done lying. Three years after retracting his confession, Genoff flip flopped yet again. In 2012, Len told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he regretted recanting his statement. He said, I testified at two trials that Fred Newlander did hire me, in fact, to kill his wife and make it look like a robbery, and that is the truth. Len called his actions immoral and again reverted to his initial testimony at the trials.

[Arthur Megidda]

Leonard Janoff was not a man of his word, had never been a man of his word, and absolutely nothing coming out of Genoff's mouth could be believed.

[Sloane Glass]

In 2014, both Len Genoff and Paul Michael Daniels walked out of prison. Free men. They both had served more than 14 years before being released from prison. Throughout the years, Rabbi Fred Newlander has appealed his conviction and petitioned for a new trial. Each time, he was denied. In a 2012 interview with NBC10 in Philadelphia, the Rabbi admitted his behavior in his marriage was appalling. He called himself an embarrassment and said he should have behaved better, but maintained he did not kill his wife.

[Arthur Megidda]

I would hope that there was some deep core of Fred Newlander that was speaking to him, nagging at him, and telling him he was a shame and a shambles of a human being. We'll never know what happened.

[Sloane Glass]

He's right. We will never know the full story about why Carol Newlander was murdered. Because in April 2024, the rabbi took those answers to his grave.

[Arthur Megidda]

Fred Newlander, a former Cherry Hill rabbi.

[Sloane Glass]

Who was convicted in the murder for.

[Arthur Megidda]

Hire of his wife, has died in.

[Sloane Glass]

Prison at the age of 82. Correctional officers found Fred Newlander unresponsive on Wednesday after performing CPR and using an aed. Nylander was pronounced dead in the hospital. No cause of death was released to the public, and according to one of the rabbi's former lawyers, up until the time of his death, the rabbi had been counseling other inmates on religion. Next time on American Homicide. When a popular teenage artist goes missing, her community jumps into action. But when police discovered a secret box full of cash, questions are raised around if police were looking for a crime scene or the trail of a young woman who planned her own disappearance. I'm Sloan Glass. We head to Neptune City, New Jersey for the case of Sarah Stern. That's next time on American Homicide. You can contact the American Homicide team by emailing [e-mail] that's AmericanHomicidePodmail.com American Homicide is hosted and written by me, Sloan Glass and is a production of Glass Podcasts, a division of Glass Entertainment Group in partnership with iHeart Podcasts. The show is executive produced by Nancy Glass and Todd Ganz. The series is also written and produced by Todd Ganz with additional writing by Ben Fetterman and Andrea Gunning. Our Associate producer is Kristin Melchuri. Our iheartie is Ally Perry and Jessica Krynczak. Audio editing and mixing by Matt D'Alvecchio, Dave Seah and Britt Robicheaux. Additional editing support from Nick Arucca, Tanner Robbins and Patrick Walsh. American Homicide's theme song was composed by Oliver Baines of Noiser Music Library, provided by Mib Music. Follow American Homicide on Apple Podcasts and please rate and review American Homicide. Your five star review goes a long way towards helping others find this show. For more podcasts from iHeart, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts at Ameca Insurance we know it's more than just a house. It's your home. The place that's filled with memories. The early days of figuring it out to the later years of still figuring.

[Arthur Megidda]

It out.

[Sloane Glass]

For the place you've put down roots. Trust Amica Home Insurance Ameca Empathy is our best policy. Hate has been winning for too long. It's at an all time high and too many people are facing too much hate all over this country. To turn the tide, we have to stand together as a united team. We can change the momentum. It's time to take a timeout against hate. Visit standuptoallhate.org to help join us in calling for a hashtag timeoutagainsthate by following ot's upwithhate or posting the blue square emoji.

[Narrator]

Gifting is hard, but here's a hint. Give the gift of connection from US Cellular. Not sure what that means? Here's a slightly more specific you can choose four free phones and get four lines for $90 a month from US Cellular. Your family wants new phones? How do we know?

[Sloane Glass]

They told us.

[Narrator]

The good news is that compared to wrapping presents, you're great at getting hints.

[Sloane Glass]

So take the hint and get them.

[Narrator]

Four free phones and four lines for $90 a month. US Cellular built for us.