Tornado | EP 5 | Saskia's Story

Summary

Betrayal Season 5, EP 5: Tornado | Saskia's Story

Release Date: February 26, 2026
Hosts: Andrea Gunning & Amanda Knox
Podcast: Betrayal (iHeartPodcasts & Glass Podcasts)

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Episode Overview

This gripping episode centers on Saskia Inwood’s harrowing journey through the criminal justice system after discovering her husband, Mike Levengood, had been living a secret and deeply criminal life. The story covers the lead-up to Mike’s trial for rape and illegal surveillance, the tense plea deal negotiations, Saskia’s feelings about justice, and the dramatic sentencing hearing. It also tackles the broader societal myth of the “perfect victim” and the legal and emotional obstacles faced by survivors seeking accountability.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Legal Case and the Plea Deal

• Charges and Evidence:

  • Mike was charged with rape after extensive evidence was gathered: “In the end, they gathered over 30 videos Mike had filmed without Saskia's consent. In many... she was completely unconscious and her husband was violating her.” (Andrea Gunning, 02:19)
  • “Under Maryland law, it was legal to rape your unconscious spouse, just so long as it was done without force.” (Andrea Gunning, 02:30)

• Saskia’s Hope for Justice:

  • Saskia wanted Mike in jail for life, equating her testimony to reclaiming her power:

    “I wanted him to be in jail, and I felt like testifying against him and holding him accountable would give me back some of my power.”
    (Amanda Knox as Saskia, 03:28)

• Prosecutors’ Dilemma:

  • Significant legal barriers and stigma around mental health and substance use history made conviction at trial precarious.
  • “They're going to be throwing out these things about this person to try to undermine their credibility, and that is a really hard thing for victims to deal with.”
    (Ashley Enderfirth, lead prosecutor, 08:38)
  • The risk of acquittal led prosecutors to accept a plea: “With a plea deal, they'd avoid the risk of a jury acquitting Mike. They'd get a guaranteed guilty.” (Andrea Gunning, 09:25)

• Saskia’s Disappointment:

  • Mike pled guilty to only one count of rape, which felt minimizing:

    “He only had to plead guilty for one count of rape. And it kind of felt like it discounted all of the times, all of the deceit, all of the manipulation.”
    (Amanda Knox as Saskia, 06:15)

2. The Sentencing Hearing: Telling Saskia’s Truth

• Courtroom Dynamics:

  • Saskia entered court with her support system, anticipating closure:

    “We were just all so excited for at least this piece of this terrible process to be behind me.”
    (Amanda Knox as Saskia, 10:28)

  • Mike’s demeanor stood out:

    “He looked gaunt... only because he knew he got caught. You would think... some level of remorse or shame, and he didn't. He looked straight at me and then looked straight ahead. It gave me chills.”
    (Amanda Knox, 11:26)

• Defense’s Strategy:

  • Emphasized Mike’s character, minimized the crime, cited “pornography addiction,” and referenced the marital rape exemption:

    “When you get in the mix of the tornado and whirlwind of pornography addiction... it kind of twirls you out of control…”
    (Mike’s attorney, 17:56) “Incapacitation is not a grounds of sexual assault with your spouse in Maryland. And the hours of footage... were largely of somebody incapacitated.”
    (Mike’s attorney, 18:39)

  • Tried to cast doubt about consent by referencing mutual sexual activity.

• Prosecution’s Response:

  • Framed the crime as a sustained “year of perpetuating this continual betrayal of trust...” rather than a one-time lapse (“not a tornado,” but a pattern)
    (Rebecca McVittie, prosecutor, 22:52)
  • Explicitly described the videos as evidence of Mike violating Saskia while she was unconscious and powerless:

    “He perpetrated every woman's fear by taking away her voice, her choice in the matter.”
    (Amanda Knox reading prosecutor, 24:35)

3. Victim Impact Statements

• Marisa (Saskia’s Sister):

  • Accused Mike of having “no shame” and of gaslighting the family.
  • Raised the suspicion of drugging Saskia and scorned his “cockiness in those videos.”

    “The worst part is your cockiness in those videos. How cool you felt... And then put on your good husband mask during the day... your Honor, even now I feel my words are probably lost on him.”
    (Marisa, 27:30)

• Saskia’s Statement:

  • Powerful testimony of lost safety and self-worth:

    “There’s not enough jail time for you... that will make me feel safe or give me back what I had before you victimized me. You pretended to be a loving husband, and yet you were my attacker. You posted pictures and videos of your crimes against my body on the Internet... You’re a sexual predator. Michael Levengood, you took away my ability to feel safe and to trust... I’ll never be the same because of you.”
    (Saskia, 29:24–31:14)

• Mike’s Refusal:

  • Mike declined to speak or to apologize.

4. Judge Cummins’ Sentencing Remarks

• Judge’s Experience of the Evidence:

  • Emphasized the difference between reading about the crime and seeing the videos:

    “…intellectually, knowing the facts of the case is very different from watching those videos. Not easy to watch those videos at all.”
    (Judge Cummins, 38:10)

  • Concluded force was clear, and that Saskia was “comatose... absolutely.”
    (Judge, 38:19)

  • Expressed skepticism about Mike’s purported remorse, highlighting his statements in the psych evaluation as minimizing his responsibility.

• Final Judgment & Sentence:

  • The plea deal capped the time at 18 months in county jail, despite the judge’s belief that “you are a predator. To Ms. Inwood.” (Judge, 41:40)
  • The sentence: “15 years, suspend all but 18 months” (41:52).

5. Emotional Fallout & Reflections on the System

• Saskia’s Reaction:

  • 18 months felt hollow:

    “I can't tell you how wrong that felt.”
    (Saskia, 42:58)

  • Her sister focused on “the guilty plea... he's a sex offender for life” (43:07), but mourned the lack of proportional punishment.

• Moment of Closure – or Not:

  • Friend Bridget filmed Mike being led away for Saskia to have evidence of consequences, but Mike's dismay at being filmed was "very ironic" considering his crimes (45:13).
  • Saskia: “I thought it would heal part of me... Instead, I just had anger and hatred.” (45:42 – 45:52)

• Limits of Legal Justice:

  • Ashley, prosecutor:

    “The result of the criminal case can’t be the be-all and end-all. ...the criminal justice system can be a part of your healing, but it can’t be all of it, because it’s not going to do it.”
    (Ashley, 46:24)

• Ongoing Struggle:

  • “For perpetrators, jail... can be a final destination. But for victims, that jail sentence is just the beginning.”
    (Andrea Gunning, 46:04)

• Unfinished Business:

  • Civil battle—especially custody and family law—remains ahead.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Legal Loopholes:

  “Under Maryland law, it was legal to rape your unconscious spouse, just so long as it was done without force.”
  (Andrea Gunning, 02:30)

• On Betrayal:

  “That is the reason that this betrayal is so intense for Ms. Inwood... these types of crimes... are not committed in the light of the day. They are committed in darkness after that trust has been established.”
  (Prosecutor Rebecca McVittie, 21:28)

• On Survivor Guilt and Healing:

  “I thought it would heal part of me. I thought it would heal me feeling like a helpless victim. Instead, I just had anger and hatred... that person [Mike] died.”
  (Saskia, 45:42–46:04)

• On Systemic Hurdles:

  “Mental health still has stigma around it that can impact a juror. It shouldn't, but it does.”
  (Debbie Feinstein, 09:18)

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Important Timestamps

• Prosecutors describe limitations of law: 02:12 – 04:44
• Saskia reacts to the plea deal: 05:59 – 06:56
• Defense’s shifting narrative in sentencing: 16:29 – 20:03
• Prosecutor’s moving summation of the crime: 21:28 – 25:45
• Impact statements from Marisa and Saskia: 26:40 – 31:14
• Judge’s powerful assessment; sentencing: 37:03 – 42:13
• Reflections on 18-month sentence & aftermath: 42:58 – 46:56

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Tone and Style

The tone is articulate, empathetic, and at times raw—balancing legal precision with personal and emotional testimony. The hosts maintain a careful, survivor-focused perspective while exposing the flaws and realities of the criminal justice system.

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Episode Takeaways

• The legal system’s limitations and outdated statutes create barriers to justice, especially for survivors of intimate partner sexual violence.
• “Perfect victim” myths and stigma (especially around mental health or substance use) can make convictions hard to secure.
• Sentencing and legal outcomes rarely align with the harm suffered by survivors.
• The show underscores the importance of survivor voices, the lingering aftermath of betrayal, and the need for broader structural change.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, visit rainn.org or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE for confidential support.

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Transcript

[Amanda Knox]

This is an iHeart podcast, Guaranteed Human.

[Ben Higgins]

You can scroll the headlines all day and still feel empty. I'm Ben Higgins, and if youf Can Hear Me is where culture meets the soul. Honest conversations about identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Celebrities, thinkers, everyday people. Some have answers. Most are still figuring it out. And if you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if youf Can Hear me on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amanda Knox]

I'm Amanda Knox, and in the new

[Andrea Gunning]

podcast, the Case of Lucy Letby, we unpack the story of an unimaginable tragedy

[Amanda Knox]

that gripped the UK in 2023.

[Andrea Gunning]

But what if we didn't get the whole story?

[Amanda Knox]

Evidence has been made to fit. The moment you look at the whole picture, the case collapsed. What if the truth was disguised by

[Andrea Gunning]

a story we chose to believe?

[Amanda Knox]

Oh, my God. I think she might be innocent.

[Andrea Gunning]

Listen to Doubt the Case of Lucy

[Amanda Knox]

Letby on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your PODC. Hi, it's Jill Interesting, host of the Spirit Daughter Podcast where we talk about

[Andrea Gunning]

astrology, natal charts, and how to step into your most vibrant life.

[Amanda Knox]

And today I'm talking with my dear friend Krista Williams.

[Andrea Gunning]

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[Amanda Knox]

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Just so. I'm, like, delusionally proud of my chart.

[Amanda Knox]

Listen to the Spirit Daughter podcast starting on February 24th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. This is Special Agent Riegel, Special Agent Bradley Hall.

[Ben Higgins]

In 2018, the FBI took down a ring of spies working for China's Ministry of State Security, one of the most mysterious intelligence agencies in the world.

[Amanda Knox]

The Sixth Bureau podcast is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one man's ambition and mistakes

[Ben Higgins]

opened its vault of secrets. Listen to the 6th Bureau on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Andrea Gunning]

On December 18, 2018, Mike Levengood was charged with rape. The prosecutors spent the next year building the case against him. They were going to a jury trial and the state wanted a conviction. So they ran toxicology, consulted with experts, combed through online chats, and analyzed every moment of the dozens of videos they were able to track down. In the end, they gathered over 30 videos Mike had filmed without Saskia's Consent. In many of them, she was completely unconscious and her husband was violating her. Mike was charged with 31 counts of illegal surveillance. And even though prosecutors had video evidence of what Mike did, in the end they were only able to bring four counts of rape. Under Maryland law, it was legal to rape your unconscious spouse, just so long as it was done without force. If he was found guilty of every charge, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. That was Saskia's hope.

[Amanda Knox]

I wanted him to be in jail, and I felt like testifying against him and holding him accountable would give me back some of my power.

[Andrea Gunning]

But if the jury questioned Saskia's story, Mike could walk free. For Ashley Enderfirth, the lead prosecutor on the case, it was nerve wracking.

[Amanda Knox]

This isn't a scenario where it's a 5050 and we got to get it to 51%. The jury has to believe it beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Andrea Gunning]

In the final lead up to the trial, Ashley had to pass the case off to another colleague.

[Amanda Knox]

I had to go out on maternity leave.

[Andrea Gunning]

She was pregnant with twins, and they came early in the months after they were born. She practically lived in the nicu, and

[Amanda Knox]

I was sort of, you know, really not thinking about work. But this case was an exception.

[Andrea Gunning]

The day before Mike's trial was set to begin, Ashley was in the hospital. She was at her baby's bedside when her phone rang. It was Rebecca McFittie, the prosecutor who took over Saskia's case. Ashley answered right away.

[Amanda Knox]

She knew how much I cared about it, and she called me to make sure I was okay with what she was going to do.

[Andrea Gunning]

I'm Andrea Gunning, and this is betrayal. Season 5, Episode 5 Tornado. Saskia had just started working again after taking a year off to manage her trauma. That morning, she was sitting in a conference room talking with her fellow social workers. But the only thing on her mind was tomorrow's trial. She was expecting a call from the prosecutor to let her know what time to be there the next day. Instead, she got a message saying there was news.

[Amanda Knox]

I said I had to excuse myself. And I went into the psychiatrist's office because it was a bigger room. And I went and sat on the chair and was kind of shaking and just waiting to hear what happened, how we were proceeding.

[Andrea Gunning]

The minutes crept by. Then, after what felt like an eternity,

[Amanda Knox]

I got the call saying that he made this plea deal and they wanted to accept it.

[Andrea Gunning]

Mike was pleading guilty. He would serve time and be on the sex offender registry for life.

[Amanda Knox]

But he only had to Plead guilty for one count of rape. And it kind of felt like it discounted all of the times,

[Ben Higgins]

all of

[Amanda Knox]

the deceit, all of the manipulation. It was like it came down to one incident.

[Andrea Gunning]

For a year, Saskia had been preparing to take the stand, to make Mike answer for what he'd done to her. In video after video. Now she learned there would be only one charge and there would be no trial.

[Amanda Knox]

I felt that my chance to speak my truth was gone, and my emotions, all the lead up to that just kind of drained out of me in tears.

[Andrea Gunning]

The decision to go to trial wasn't hers to make because the prosecutors don't represent Saskia like attorneys would in a civil case. They represent the state of Maryland and its citizens as a whole, and they had to be realistic with the instructions given to the jury. Would they convict? Remember, the law wasn't on Saskia's side. Force was required to prosecute spouses for

[Amanda Knox]

rape, but the force was minimal because she was completely incapacitated.

[Andrea Gunning]

That's Debbie Feinstein, head of the special victims division at the state's attorney's office in Montgomery County. She supervised the case.

[Amanda Knox]

We could see on the videos that he had moved parts of her body, and we planned to argue that was force. Would we have been successful? I don't know, because that's not conventionally what someone thinks of when they think of force.

[Andrea Gunning]

The burden of proof was incredibly high. Any doubt as to whether Mike's actions constituted forcible rape could throw the whole case out the window. He could walk free. The state's attorneys also had to think about Saskia. They were aware of Saskia's alcohol use, her dependence on prescription medications, her mental health history, and her dad's mental health history. These were all things that a defense attorney would use to turn a jury against her. Here's Ashley, the original prosecutor.

[Amanda Knox]

They're going to be throwing out these things about this person to try to undermine their credibility, and that is a really hard thing for victims to deal with. And it makes it harder for us to prove our case beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Andrea Gunning]

Everyone at the state's attorney's office believed Saskia. They'd seen the evidence this woman had been raped. But their belief in Saskia and their certainty that this was a crime wasn't enough to ensure a conviction. As Debbie told us, unfortunately, mental health

[Amanda Knox]

still has stigma around it that can impact a juror. It shouldn't, but it does.

[Andrea Gunning]

With all of this in mind, when Mike said he was ready to take a plea, the prosecutors said yes, with a Plea deal, they'd avoid the risk of a jury acquitting Mike. They'd get a guaranteed guilty. When Ashley, the original prosecutor, got the

[Amanda Knox]

news, I was really glad to hear it. Given all of the complexities with this case, I thought that him pleading guilty was the very best thing that could happen. I told my colleague that I was very pleased with what she had been able to work out.

[Andrea Gunning]

So the decision was made. There would be no trial, but Saskia would still get her day in court. Because after Mike took the plea, he had a sentencing hearing. At this hearing, Judge Jill Cummins would determine exactly how long Mike would spend behind bars. Saskia walked down the center aisle into the courtroom with her sister, brothers, and friends by her side.

[Amanda Knox]

We were just all so excited for at least this piece of this terrible process to be behind me and behind us and for him to at least be taken away in shackles for doing what he did.

[Andrea Gunning]

The courtroom was emptier than she'd imagined it. It was just a handful of spectators, some attorneys, some clerks, and the judge. Sitting at the front of the room, where the jury would have been, were 12 vacant chairs. Saskia, her friends and family took their seats in the gallery.

[Amanda Knox]

We're just pretty dead silent, waiting for the case to be called and waiting for Mike to be brought in.

[Andrea Gunning]

And then the doors opened. In walked Mike. Saskia's friend Bridget recalls seeing him that day. He was wearing a suit and brand new white sneakers. At a glance, he was put together, but the outfit didn't fool her.

[Amanda Knox]

He looked gaunt, and he had lost a lot of weight from stress, and that's only because he knew he got caught. You would think that you would put your head down or just have some level of remorse or shame, and he didn't. He looked straight at me and then looked straight ahead. It gave me chills.

[Andrea Gunning]

Mike took his seat next to his two attorneys. The sentencing hearing was ready to begin. What we're about to play for you are real excerpts from that day.

[Ben Higgins]

Calling phase 1350630, state mail is Michael Paul Levengood.

[Amanda Knox]

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[Amanda Knox]

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[Andrea Gunning]

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[Amanda Knox]

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[Amanda Knox]

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[Amanda Knox]

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[Ben Higgins]

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[Amanda Knox]

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[Ben Higgins]

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[Andrea Gunning]

The hearing began with a statement by one of Mike's defense attorneys. He was determined to get the minimum possible penalty for his client, and he pulled out every stop to make that happen.

[Ben Higgins]

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. And Mike, the great parts of him, will continue and dominate for the rest of his life. In this particular case regarding the conduct here, Mr. Levengood understands that it is unacceptable and I'm very confident as I stand here today that he has internalized that.

[Andrea Gunning]

The attorney had witnesses prepared to testify to Mike's strong character, and he had letters from Mike's family, friends and co workers all saying the same thing. Mike was a good man.

[Ben Higgins]

He has been kind to others. He has been empathetic to others. He has been non self centered. He has been a giving person and an excellent dad and an excellent employee and friend to dozens throughout his life.

[Andrea Gunning]

On top of that, Mike had been given a psych evaluation. It's commonly done in criminal cases to help inform sentencing decisions. Mike's evaluator said he was a low risk to society. He wasn't a danger to other women. As Mike's attorney argued, this crime was a misstep in an otherwise perfect life.

[Ben Higgins]

When you get in the mix of the tornado and whirlwind of pornography addiction or pornography fixation, however you want to characterize it, it kind of twirls you out of control at certain moments. And again, there's nothing that takes away in anything that I'm saying from his own responsibility and his own agency and his own free will. But I do think that this was part of this kind of hailstorm or tornado is the best thing I could think of, him being twirled into these, we would say, unacceptable criminal series of conduct.

[Andrea Gunning]

Mike's other attorney also made remarks, and of course, he brought up the marital exemption.

[Ben Higgins]

Much of the most offensive behavior in this case was actually is legal under the law right, which has no bearing on whether or not it's moral, appropriate, desired, or right. But as it was, this case was difficult because incapacitation is not a grounds of sexual assault with your spouse in Maryland. And the hours of footage that were presented by the state were largely of somebody incapacitated.

[Andrea Gunning]

And then he snuck in another argument.

[Ben Higgins]

There were also hours and hours of footage of mutual, completely different conduct that was sexual in nature and was pornographic. It was completely within their marriage and conflict completely within the two of them and purely for their own private enjoyment.

[Andrea Gunning]

I want to underscore what's happening here. Mike was pleading guilty. According to his lawyers. He took full responsibility for what he did to Saskia. He was sorry. But in the same breath, Mike's defense team was trying to discredit Saskia. They were trying to convince the judge that Saskia did consent in hopes of getting Mike less time. This was all one big misunderstanding. You'll hear the judge's take on that later in the episode. But for now, back to Mike's attorney.

[Ben Higgins]

Mr. Levengood was in a committed marriage. He did not ever cheat on her, did not in any way stray from loving her. His commitment to her was real, and the things that he shared with her were real. However perverse and wrong and misguided and based on so many codependent and bad things, they were real. He has accepted responsibility for this position, and he will accept the punishment, and he will go to jail to death. Someone who's never been in jail, who was successful, who was, while this was going on, making $200,000, $250,000 a year and living a life for him that was in many ways perfect, that was, on paper, everything that you would want, his life will be ruined by this. He will be a lifetime registrant on the sex offender registry. He will be instantly judged by anyone who meets him. He will be restricted on where he can live and so many other things. And he has gotten a lot of perspective himself from what is important, from this whole thing. Losing everything can help you see the material matters that really matter to being happy and being safe and secure.

[Andrea Gunning]

With that, he asked the judge to give Mike the lowest possible sentence. And then it was the state's turn. The prosecutor, Rebecca mcvittie, stood up before the judge.

[Amanda Knox]

This is a familiar situation for the court in the sense that we have a defendant that during the light of day, in all regards, is looked at as a contributing member of society, somebody who is lovable and likable. And that is exactly the aspect of the defendant's personality that allowed Ms. Inwood to fall for him, to love him, and to trust him. But these types of crimes, as the court seen over and over again, are not committed in the light of the day. They are committed in darkness after that trust has been established. That is the reason that this betrayal is so intense for Ms. Inwood. As defense counsel mentioned, this resolution is a compromise. Under the current state of Maryland law, if the state was not precluded from going forward on rape charges under the incapacitation theory, the state would be looking at hours and hours of more footage, countless more counts of second degree rape. As the defendant himself admits repeatedly engaging in sexual acts while Ms. Inwood was completely unconscious. Defense counsel referenced that this is a tornado of pornography addiction. But a tornado comes and goes. In moments. From October 28, 2017, until October 25, 2018, about a year, the defendant, that we know of, videotaped Ms. Inwood while she was unconscious or inebriated over 30 times. That is not a tornado. That is a year of perpetuating this continual betrayal of trust over and over again with the person he was supposed to protect the most.

[Andrea Gunning]

Rebecca then described the contents of one of the videos Mike took. Because the charges on paper, could never capture what was in those videos, it feels important to Saskia and to us for people to know the extent of Mike's crimes. But if you'd like to skip hearing these details, you can fast forward one minute.

[Amanda Knox]

In one of the videos that the state provided to the court, Ms. Inwood is asleep, unconscious, however you'd like to say it. About 14 minutes into her being unconscious, she pushes the defendant away, and it looks like she mounts the words stop. After that happens, the defendant continues to perform sexual acts with her, including digital penetration of her vagina, inserting sex toys in her vagina. And at the end, you see that he just leaves the camera on while she's unconscious in that bed. There is no doubt that over the course of the year, the defendant waited until she was unconscious to get online and chat and exchange pornographic videos for tokens or coins or payment of some sort. He perpetrated every woman's fear by Taking away her voice, her choice in the matter. And he left her powerless to protect herself.

[Andrea Gunning]

Finally, Rebecca brought up the psych evaluation, the one given to Mike, where the psychologist concluded that he was a low risk to society. She said there was one thing missing from that assessment.

[Amanda Knox]

Dr. Deem, in his sex offender evaluation, was actually never given a copy of these videos. He was given descriptions by the defense as to what these videos entail. It is a dramatic difference from reading the words on the statement of charges to watching that betrayal, that abuse, and the disturbing acts that the defendant chose to record.

[Andrea Gunning]

And with that, the prosecutor concluded her argument. She asked the judge for the maximum possible sentence under the plea agreement for Saskia. The speech was validating.

[Amanda Knox]

It was like, yes, we've had to go through this painful process, but we didn't doubt that he was guilty.

[Andrea Gunning]

The prosecutor sat back at her desk. But before Judge Cummins could make her sentencing decision, there were still two people left to hear from.

[Amanda Knox]

Her sister would like to speak, and then Ms. Inwood would like to be heard from. Absolutely.

[Andrea Gunning]

Saskia and her sister Marisa had prepared victim impact statements. It would be Saskia's one chance to address Mike on the record, and it would be her only opportunity to show the judge who Mike Levengood really was. Marisa stood up and addressed the court.

[Amanda Knox]

Michael Levengood, you have no shame. You sit here and you deny your wrongdoing in the face of irrefutable evidence that you're a rapist. We, her family and friends, we know what you did. We see the truth clearly. I know when it all started, even before the date was shared today, because she was deteriorating mentally and physically right before our eyes, and we had no explanation as to why. I went with her, with you sometimes, to multiple doctors and hospitals, trying to find out what was wrong with her. No one could answer how she could get well. I recall vividly one night shortly after our mother died. Wichott shared that that date was September 30, 2017, right before the videos began, when, despite drinking no more than anyone else, she was suddenly and surprisingly so incapacitated that she could not walk. Everyone was so concerned what had happened. She was fine one minute and then not the next. We thought about taking her to the hospital, but he was so calm, always in charge, always in control, less concerned than others, and reassured me personally that she would be fine, that he was there to take care of her. And now I have to wonder, based on that date, did you drug her that night or did you just encourage her to drink? Did you set up your cameras and fondle and manipulate her body while she was not aware and could not physically resist you. I know on my bones that you did. What upsets me most is your cockiness in those videos. How cool you felt. How powerful to be able to do this without anyone knowing. To be able to pull it off time after time. And then put on your good husband mask during the day and reap the rewards of a beautiful home and a loving wife. Your Honor, even now I feel my words are probably lost on him. He has only been concerned about himself and his consequences and his future life. Don't let him displace blame onto his victim. Don't let other husbands or wives think they can do whatever they want to their spouses. Ensure that all people know having sex with an unconscious person is called rape. Even when you're married to them. Thank you for Uncle. Thank you, ma'.

[Ben Higgins]

Am.

[Andrea Gunning]

Then, after Marisa, it was finally Saskia's turn. With her paper shaking in her hand, she walked up to a table between the prosecution and the defense. Her body was angled towards the judge, but really, she wanted to deliver the speech to Mike.

[Amanda Knox]

I knew not to expect any empathy or remorse. And I think that drove me even more. The only thing that I can get is for him to have to sit with what he did to me. Let me start by saying there's not enough jail time for you. That will make me feel safe or give me back what I had before you victimized me. You deserve the maximum possible sentence. You pretended to be a loving husband, and yet you were my attacker. I posted pictures and videos of your crimes against my body on the Internet for people to watch. I suffered embarrassment and shame that I don't deserve. I never deserved. Makes me sick to my stomach to think about the hours and hours, those images being watched by strangers. Maybe the worst part was when I woke up to catch you filming me. And then to finally see evil in your eyes. And that's exactly what I saw. No remorse, no caring, no sympathy. A cold and empty man. And at that point, I knew that no amount of money or personal discomfort would stop me from pursuing justice. So you were not able to prey on other vulnerable women. You pretended to support me through my ups and downs. Number one, slitting on that. You were using me. I had no idea that the cause of my misery was lying in the bed next to me. You deserve to go to jail with the people who are real dangerous to society. You're a dangerous person who preys on vulnerable and trusting people. You're a sexual predator. Michael Levengood, you took away my ability to feel safe and to trust me, but wholeheartedly you took away from me my happiness and I'll never be the

[Ben Higgins]

same because of you.

[Amanda Knox]

Thank you, Ms. Lynwood.

[Andrea Gunning]

After Saskia, Mike was offered the last word. This would have been the moment to take accountability or to apologize. He chose to say nothing. At last it came time for Judge Jill Cummins to deliver Mike's sentence.

[Amanda Knox]

I was very familiar with the statement of charges, knew what you were accused of. I was very familiar with the facts of the case. But intellectually knowing the facts of the case is very different from watching those videos is. Hi, this is Joe Winterstein, host of the Spirit Daughter Podcast where we talk

[Andrea Gunning]

about astrology and natal charts and how

[Amanda Knox]

to step into your most vibrant life.

[Andrea Gunning]

And I just sat down with a

[Amanda Knox]

mini driver, the Irish traveler said when I was 16.

[Andrea Gunning]

You're going to have a terrible time with men.

[Amanda Knox]

Actor, storyteller and unapologetic Aquarian visionary. Aquarius is all about freedom loving and different perspectives and I find a lot of people with strong placements in Aquarius like are Misunderstood A Sun and Venus in Aquarius in her seventh house spark her unconventional approach to partnership. He really has taught me to embrace people sleeping in different rooms, on different houses, in different places, but just an embracing of the isness of it all. If you're navigating your own transformation or just want a chart side view into how a leading artist integrates astrology, creativity and real life, this episode is a must. Listen Listen to the Spirit Daughter Podcast Starting on Facebook February 24th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. What if mind control is real?

[Ben Higgins]

If you could control the behavior of

[Amanda Knox]

anybody around you, what kind of life would you have? Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car? When you look at your car, you're

[Ben Higgins]

gonna become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Amanda Knox]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Ben Higgins]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Amanda Knox]

Can you get someone to join your cult?

[Andrea Gunning]

NLP was used on me to access my subconscious.

[Amanda Knox]

NLP AKA Neuro Linguistic Programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Ben Higgins]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Amanda Knox]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples, and the fake doctor who invented it at a New Age commune and sold it to guys in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of All NLP might actually work. This is wild. Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio

[Andrea Gunning]

app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ben Higgins]

What do you do when the headlines don't explain what's happening inside of you? I'm Ben Higgins and if you can hear me is where culture meets the soul. A place for real conversation. Each episode I sit down with people from all walks of life, celebrities, thinkers and everyday folks. And we go deeper than the polished story. We talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope. We get honest about the big stuff. Identity when you don't recognize yourself anymore Loss that changes you Purpose when success isn't enough Peace when your mind won't down slow slow down Faith when it's complicated Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out. If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Andrea Gunning]

In 2023, a story gripped the UK evoking horror and disbelief.

[Amanda Knox]

The nurse who should have been in charge of caring for tiny babies is now the most prolific child killer in modern British history.

[Andrea Gunning]

Everyone thought they knew how it ended.

[Amanda Knox]

A verdict, A villain. A nurse named Lucy Letby. Lucy Letby has been found guilty.

[Andrea Gunning]

But what if we didn't get the whole story?

[Amanda Knox]

The moment you look at the whole picture, the case collapses. I'm Amanda Knox and in the new

[Andrea Gunning]

podcast Doubt the Case of Lucy Letby, we follow the evidence and hear from

[Amanda Knox]

the people that lived it.

[Andrea Gunning]

To ask what really happened when the world decided who Lucy Letby was.

[Amanda Knox]

No voicing of any skepticism or doubt.

[Ben Higgins]

It'll cause so much harm at every single level of the British establishment of this is wrong.

[Andrea Gunning]

Listen to Doubt the Case of Lucy Letby on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts,

[Amanda Knox]

or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Andrea Gunning]

Judge Jill Cummins had been prepared for a full criminal trial. She'd presided over the case for months, hearing all kinds of motions and pretrial arguments. At this point, she knew the case well much of the time. At sentencing hearings, judges give brief explanations of their decision. Some judges give no speech at all. Judge Jill Cummins was no such judge.

[Amanda Knox]

Mr. Levengood, what I will tell you is I've read every letter that everyone has submitted on your behalf. Your letters from your daughters, your co workers, your friends, your ex wife. And everyone has the same impression of you as a fine, upstanding person. But interestingly, with the exception, I'd say, of your ex wife, your friends, your co workers. They don't know what happens behind bedroom doors and what people do in the privacy of their own homes. As you know, I've lived with this case for almost the last year now. And what I will say is I was very familiar with the statement of charges, knew what you were accused of, had read it several times every time you had appeared before me. For pretrial statuses, a motion to everything. I'm very familiar with the facts of the case. But intellectually, knowing the facts of the case is very different from watching those videos. Not easy to watch those videos at all.

[Andrea Gunning]

The judge had only just seen those videos in preparation for the sentencing. They shifted her entire understanding of the case.

[Amanda Knox]

It was clear to me that force was exercised in those videos. It was clear to me that Ms. Inwood was comatose. Not asleep, but comatose. Unconscious, absolutely. It was clear to me that you were enjoying yourself, that you weren't just taping this on the laptop. It looked like you had to have on some. I couldn't describe it, anything, others, like a GoPro video thing. Taping. As you were maneuvering yourself and her, you added some extra cameras there for camera angles. So reading the statement of charges and knowing the statement of charges was one thing, watching those videos was something completely, completely different. What was clear to me was that was not consensual behavior. It was disturbing. And the life that you have led, I do not diminish that. Your education, your success that you've had in the business arena. But you have victimized Ms. Inwood. The damage done to her is probably irreparable, knowing that those videos are out there for the world to see.

[Andrea Gunning]

Then the judge addressed the psych evaluation.

[Amanda Knox]

After watching those videos, the very first question in my mind was, did Dr. Dean watch those videos when he rendered his evaluation? And Ms. McVittie answered that question for me this morning, and it was, no, he didn't watch those videos. So I Now definitely take Dr. Deems evaluation with a grain of salt, knowing that he didn't see the videos to understand the conduct that makes up these charges. And I did have some concern when I read the evaluation that there did seem to be some lack of acceptance or responsibility on your part for the crime that you pled guilty to. And as I read this evaluation, I didn't take this as you were saying that I was wrong. I shouldn't have done this. It was. We started down this path and she told me that when she passed out, I Could do whatever I wanted to her. That's not someone who's saying, I know what I did was wrong. That's someone saying, well, she said I could do whatever I want to her. When she was comatose after watching those videos, I don't believe that that's what she said. So I'm in the position of finding that you were not truly accepting of your guilt or responsibility in this case. Mr. Levengood, you are a predator. To Ms. Inwood. Mr. Levengood, you have received the benefit of a plea agreement. Your guidelines are four to nine years.

[Andrea Gunning]

She's referring to the sentencing guidelines for second degree rape. If the case had gone to trial, these are the instructions the judge would have used to ensure fair sentencing.

[Amanda Knox]

Your attorneys in the state have negotiated a very good range for you based upon those guidelines. So as to count 1 2nd degree rape, I'm going to send you to 15 years. Suspend all but 18 months.

[Andrea Gunning]

Suspend all but 18months. The judge believed Mike's crimes warranted a 15 year sentence. But his defense team had struck a deal with the state. As part of the plea agreement, they decided on a maximum amount of time Mike would spend behind bars. 18 months. 18 months is a magic number in Montgomery County. It meant that Mike would go to county jail instead of state prison. Saskia first heard that number on her call with Rebecca the prosecutor. It was the same call where she learned there would be no trial. When she heard that Mike would only serve a maximum of 18 months, she was devastated.

[Amanda Knox]

I can't tell you how wrong that felt.

[Andrea Gunning]

Her sister Marisa tried to help her see the positives of the plea.

[Amanda Knox]

We try to focus on the guilty plea. You know, he's a sex offender for life. These are big deals. But it didn't feel equivalent to like what he'd taken from her. He deserves more time. And it was a slap in the face that he didn't get more time.

[Andrea Gunning]

The prosecutors knew Saskia wanted Mike in prison for life. But victims perspectives are only one element that they weigh in making plea agreements.

[Amanda Knox]

We're constantly balancing. How are we going to hold the offender accountable for what they did? How are we going to try to help the victim get some closure on the criminal case and then public safety? What are we doing in terms of protecting the public from this offender?

[Andrea Gunning]

To the prosecutors, 18 months plus a guarantee that Mike would be on the sex offender registry for life was a win. On that day in court when the judge handed down the sentence, Marisa was moved.

[Amanda Knox]

Oh, God. That was just an amazing. That was amazing. I Feel like the judge just saw, you know, the judge saw everything. Even though we knew he was gonna get 18 months, we knew that was gonna be the outcome. We knew we were gonna have a chance to speak and to tell him, you did this, and we know you did this. I didn't realize that there was gonna be that huge validation.

[Andrea Gunning]

Here's Saskia.

[Amanda Knox]

I remember the attorneys and him whispering something to each other. And he got up and the bailiff went to meet him.

[Andrea Gunning]

Mike was handcuffed and let out the

[Amanda Knox]

front doors, and my friend Bridget tried to snap a photo.

[Andrea Gunning]

Before Mike could get away, Saskia's friend Bridget pulled out her phone.

[Amanda Knox]

I just wanted to record him getting handcuffed and walking off so that I could show Saskia he is where he needs to be. And I wanted her to be able to see that so that she could have that replay in her head and

[Andrea Gunning]

not have all these terrible memories replay in her head.

[Amanda Knox]

I had pulled my phone up, and I thought I was being inconspicuous, but he looked over at me and was

[Andrea Gunning]

like, your honor, you're not supposed to take photos or videos. In the courtroom, Saskia's other friend, Colleen, remembers Mike's reaction well.

[Amanda Knox]

He looked around frantically for the judge to help him.

[Andrea Gunning]

His dismay at everyone watching him and recording him in the violation that he

[Amanda Knox]

expressed was very ironic.

[Andrea Gunning]

Saskia wishes this moment of seeing her perpetrator taken to jail would have fixed everything.

[Amanda Knox]

I thought it would heal part of me. I thought it would heal me feeling like a helpless victim.

[Andrea Gunning]

She thought she'd be relieved.

[Amanda Knox]

Instead, I just had anger and hatred. I had sadness and loss for the person that I thought he was. But that person died.

[Andrea Gunning]

Saskia had a lot of healing to do. But that healing had to happen beyond the courtroom. For perpetrators, jail or prison can be a final destination. But for victims, that jail sentence is just the beginning. It's something Ashley, the prosecutor, often tells victims.

[Amanda Knox]

The result of the criminal case can't be the be all and end all. Even if we win and get every single count, somebody that you loved and cared about and married is going to prison for a long time. That's hard, too. Or there's an acquittal. You internalize that. A jury didn't believe you. So the criminal justice system can be a part of your healing, but it can't be all of it, because it's not going to do it.

[Andrea Gunning]

Finally, Mike was in jail, but having him behind bars didn't mean he was out of Saskia's life.

[Amanda Knox]

He was smart enough to know that this was going to now be a family law case.

[Andrea Gunning]

The criminal matter was finalized, but the legal battle wasn't over, not by a long shot. On the next episode of Betrayal, she was very depressed.

[Ben Higgins]

There was drug use on her part, more than mine. When she starts drinking, she doesn't stop.

[Amanda Knox]

I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. The fact that the judges were even listening to these things was blowing my mind.

[Andrea Gunning]

For resources on sexual violence, visit rainnn.org betrayal that's R A I N N.org betrayal. You can also get free confidential 24. 7 support through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline. Just text HOPE to 64673 or call 1-800-656, hope you are not alone. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team or want to tell us your story, email [e-mail] that is betrayalpodmail.com or follow us on Instagram Instagram etrayalpod to access additional content and to connect with the betrayal community. Join our [e-mail] we're grateful for your support. One way to show support is by subscribing to our show on Apple Podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review Betrayal. Five star reviews go a long way. A big thank you to all of our listeners. Betrayal 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 Jennifer Faison, hosted and produced by me, Andrea Gunning. Written and produced by Kaitlyn Golden. Our supervising producer is Carrie Hartman. Our story editor is Monique Laborde. Also produced by Ben Fetterman. Associate producers are Olivia Hewitt and Leah Jablo. Production management by Kristin Melchiori. Additional support by Curry Richman. Our I Heart team is Ali Perry and Jessica Krynczyk. Audio editing by Tanner Robbins with additional editing and mixing by Matt d'. Alvecchio. Special thanks to Saskia, her friends and family, and special thanks to Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman. The Trail's Theme is composed by Oliver Baines Music Library provided by MIB Music and for more podcasts from iHeart, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amanda Knox]

Weight Watchers now offers access to affordable GLP1s. It works for members like I'm Hailey

[Andrea Gunning]

and I've lost 100 pounds. Weight Watchers has everything I need from weight loss medications to nutrition support and help with my side effects. It's all in one place.

[Amanda Knox]

Weight Watchers handles the insurance for you and offers affordable cash pay options. With our program, our members are losing more weight with expert nutrition and side effects support.

[Ben Higgins]

I'm Mike and I've lost 135 pounds. Weight Watchers prescribing GLP1 medications. It's been life changing.

[Amanda Knox]

I'm Sharia and I lost 80 pounds on Weight Watchers.

[Andrea Gunning]

I realized that it would take more

[Amanda Knox]

than a prescription to lose weight and feel good on a glp. Better results, Expert support Lose more weight, make it last.

[Ben Higgins]

I can't imagine doing a GLP1 without Weight Watchers.

[Amanda Knox]

Get started for as low as $25 at weightwatchers.com glp1 for over 60 years, we've helped millions of members find what works for them. Now it's your turn.

[Andrea Gunning]

Weight Watchers.

[Amanda Knox]

Watch it work.

[Ben Higgins]

You can scroll the headlines all day and still feel empty. I'm Ben Higgins and if youf Can Hear Me is Where culture meets the Soul. Honest conversations about identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Celebrities, thinkers, everyday people. Some have answers. Most are still figuring it out. And if you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amanda Knox]

This is Special Agent Riegel, Special Agent Bradley Hall.

[Ben Higgins]

In 2018, the FBI took down a ring of spies working for China's Ministry of State Security, one of the most mysterious intelligence agencies in the world.

[Amanda Knox]

The Sixth Bureau podcast is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one man's ambition and mistakes opened its vault of secrets.

[Ben Higgins]

Listen to the 6th Bureau on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amanda Knox]

Hi, it's Jo Interestine, host of the Spirit Daughter Podcast where we talk about

[Andrea Gunning]

astrology, natal charts and how to step into your most important vibrant life.

[Amanda Knox]

And today I'm talking with my dear friend Krista Williams.

[Andrea Gunning]

It can change you in the best way possible. Dance with the change. Dance with the breakdowns.

[Amanda Knox]

The embodiment of Pisces intuition with Capricorn power moves.

[Andrea Gunning]

So I'm like delusionally proud of my chart.

[Amanda Knox]

Listen to the Spirit Daughter podcast starting on February 24th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast. This is an I heart podcast, guaranteed human.