Bear Brook Podcast: Episode Summary – "Promises Have Been Made"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Promises Have Been Made" from Season 2 of Bear Brook, host Jason Moon delves deep into the controversial case of Jason Carroll. Serving a life sentence for the murder of Sharon Johnson, Carroll insists on his innocence, asserting that his only incriminating evidence is his own taped confession. This episode meticulously unpacks the complexities surrounding Carroll's conviction, exploring the nuances of police interrogation methods, familial influence, and the quest for truth in a seemingly closed case.

Background of the Case

The episode begins by setting the stage for the murder of Sharon Johnson on July 28, 1988, a crime that would unravel into a convoluted investigation involving multiple confessions and allegations of police misconduct. Detective Roland Lammy, the lead investigator, played a pivotal role in securing the confessions that ultimately led to the conviction of Jason Carroll, Tony Puff, and Ken Johnson.

The Confessions and Investigation

Detective Lammy orchestrated a dramatic confrontation at the scene of the crime in Manchester, New Hampshire, aiming to validate Carroll's confession. On November 27, 1989, Lammy brought Tony Puff to the construction site where Sharon Johnson's body was discovered, presenting him with Jason Carroll as a co-conspirator. Lammy hoped that this staged scenario would solidify the case against Johnson by eliciting consistent confessions from both Carroll and Puff.

At [03:25], Jason Carroll states:

"Right from the top again."

As the investigation progressed, it became evident that Carroll's confession was not the sole piece of evidence. A second confession was recorded while Carroll was en route to meet with the authorities, further entangling the narrative and implicating additional individuals.

Interrogation Tactics and Alleged Coercion

A significant portion of the episode scrutinizes Detective Lammy's interrogation techniques, suggesting that promises of leniency may have coerced Carroll and Puff into their confessions. Lammy's approach involved creating pressure and ambiguity, leading the suspects to question the validity of their own memories and testimonies.

At [10:34], during Puff's interrogation, Lammy asks:

"You have indicated to me, prior to us turning this tape on, that you are now ready to tell the whole truth, so help you God, about your involvement in the killing of Sharon Johnson on July 28, 1988. Is that correct?"

The interrogation process, as described, appears methodical yet coercive. Lammy's strategies included repeated questioning, emotional manipulation, and the strategic use of recorded tapes to reinforce the desired narrative.

Role of Jason's Parents

Central to the controversy are the actions of Jason Carroll's parents, Karen and Jack Carroll. The episode reveals that they actively participated in the interrogation process, deviating from traditional parental roles by collaborating closely with Detective Lammy.

At [29:35], retired judge and former criminal defense attorney Cliff Kinghorn recounts:

"Until Cliff was appointed to represent Jason, no one outside law enforcement really knew what role Jason's parents had played. How his mom, Karen and his stepdad Jack allowed Jason to be questioned by police without an attorney for at least 13 and a half hours over a four day period."

Karen Carroll's involvement was particularly contentious. She allegedly facilitated the creation of an "outline tape" intended to demonstrate that no coercion or promises were made by the police to her son.

At [35:49], Karen reflects:

"I was not only a police officer, but I was a mother, you know, and mothers will do whatever they have to do to try to protect their kids, and things affect everybody differently. And I think he just took full advantage of my noodle, just slipped off the plate into the abyss."

The Outline Tape and Legal Challenges

The "outline tape" emerged as a critical piece of evidence, purportedly documenting Karen and Jack Carroll's assurances that no promises of immunity or leniency were made to Jason during his interrogations. This tape was intended to counteract any claims that Carroll's confessions were coerced through promises of reduced sentences or other benefits.

Detective Lammy, aiming to protect the integrity of the investigation, utilized the outline tape to reinforce the state's narrative. At [38:39], Lammy explains:

"Lammy knew the voluntariness of Jason's confessions would be an issue, possibly from the intel he was getting from Karen about the legal strategy of Jason's lawyers."

Despite these efforts, legal challenges persisted. Jason Carroll's attorney, Cliff Kinghorn, argued that the outline tape was a fabricated tool designed to mask police coercion. The Carrolls later testified, attempting to dismantle the state's narrative by asserting that promises were indeed made to Jackson Carroll, ultimately leading to his wrongful conviction.

Aftermath and Ongoing Controversies

Years after the conviction, doubts about Jason Carroll's guilt continue to surface. Survivors of the case and supporters argue that the confessions were obtained under duress, influenced by Detective Lammy's interrogation methods and the unwitting participation of Carroll's parents.

Carroll’s relationship with his parents remains strained, marked by unresolved tensions and unspoken truths. At [44:12], Carroll muses:

"And what's going to happen is it's like if I walk out of here. And get up, her and I are going to sit down and have a long, long talk, and she's probably not going to like some of the things I got to say."

Furthermore, Karen Carroll's later admissions and reflections suggest deep remorse and acknowledgment of her role in her son's conviction. At [44:39], she shares:

"I was not only a police officer, but I was a mother, you know... He just took full advantage of my noodle, just slipped off the plate into the abyss."

Conclusion

"Promises Have Been Made" serves as a profound exploration of wrongful convictions, the ethical boundaries of law enforcement interrogations, and the unintended consequences of familial involvement in legal processes. Through meticulous storytelling and compelling interviews, Bear Brook illuminates the murky waters of justice, questioning whether true innocence can ever surface amidst a web of confessions and coercion.

For listeners seeking to understand the depths of Jason Carroll's case and the broader implications for the criminal justice system, this episode offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that underscores the importance of vigilance, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Roland Lammy ([10:34]):

  "You have indicated to me... that you are now ready to tell the whole truth... about your involvement in the killing of Sharon Johnson... Is that correct?"

• Karen Carroll ([35:49]):

  "I was not only a police officer, but I was a mother... mothers will do whatever they have to do to try to protect their kids... he just took full advantage of my noodle."

• Jason Carroll ([44:12]):

  "What's going to happen is it's like if I walk out of here. And get up, her and I are going to sit down and have a long, long talk..."

References:

• Full episode transcript available at bearbrookpodcast.com
• Bear Brook by Jason Moon, New Hampshire Public Radio

This summary captures the essence of the "Promises Have Been Made" episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the transcript. It provides a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the podcast while maintaining the depth and engagement characteristic of Bear Brook.