Burden of Guilt: Episode 6 - "Battlefield"

Release Date: November 22, 2023
Streaming as a docuseries on Paramount+

Summary

Introduction to the Case

“Burden of Guilt” delves deep into the complex and emotionally charged case of Tracyraquel Berns, a woman whose life has been overshadowed by the tragic and mysterious death of her four-month-old brother, Matthew, four decades ago. The episode titled "Battlefield" meticulously unpacks the multifaceted legal battle to determine the true circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death and the ensuing quest for justice and healing pursued by Tracyraquel.

The Mistrial and Its Aftermath

The episode opens with the prosecution facing a significant setback when a mistrial is declared. This setback is primarily due to Tracyraquel Berns revealing information she had seen from her mother's televised testimony, which compromised the sequestration orders that prevented the public from viewing court proceedings. Lead Assistant District Attorney Jeff Brickman articulates the gravity of the situation:

“When Judge Fuller declared the mistrial, he did make that ruling in a way that allowed us to make a decision about whether we wanted to retry the case. We are in the dumps.”
— Assistant District Attorney Jeff Brickman [15:30]

District Attorney J. Tom Morgan expresses his determination to continue despite the setback:

“I was furious. I mean, all the work that Leanne and Jeff had put into it. And so my job as a district attorney was to get my two assistants in there and say, take a deep breath, let's do this again.”
— District Attorney J. Tom Morgan [22:45]

Encouraged by a heartfelt voicemail from Tracyraquel urging them not to give up, the prosecution decides to reopen the decades-old cold case, reinvigorated and resolute.

Reopening the Trial: Prosecution's Strategy

The prosecution's approach remains steadfast: they argue that Jan Barry Sandlin, Tracyraquel’s father, was responsible for Matthew’s death. Despite Jan being only a toddler at the time of the incident, evidence surfaced suggesting his involvement was a scapegoat scenario. ADA Leanne Mangone and Jeff Brickman emphasize Jan’s history of abusive behavior as a motive:

“By the time the baby's mother came home and found him, he was near death. The child was a victim of the man's abuse.”
— Assistant District Attorney Leanne Mangone [35:10]

Tracyraquel shares harrowing memories of her father's cruelty:

“He would just show up in the middle of the night and throw us on the street... He put that Camel cigarette out on me.”
— Tracyraquel Berns [40:20]

Her testimonies reveal a childhood filled with instability and fear, contributing to her relentless pursuit of the truth.

Defense's Strategy: Shifting Blame

Defense attorney Corrine Mull takes a contrasting approach by narrowing suspicion onto Kathy Allman, Tracyraquel’s mother. She argues that Kathy may have had a motive to harm Matthew, thereby casting doubt on Jan's sole responsibility. Mull interrogates Kathy’s inconsistent statements and emotional vulnerability:

“You killed your four-month-old, you get it. Now it's up to you. I can't get up and testify. You need to be convincing.”
— Defense Attorney Corrine Mull [1:05:15]

Mull leverages Kathy’s letters to Jan Sandlin, suggesting possible ulterior motives and emotional instability:

“In those letters, in the last letter that you wrote to Mr. Sandlin, do you recall telling him in there not to be concerned about Tracy because she just resented him not being there?”
— Corrine Mull [1:15:30]

Key Testimonies and Evidence

Tracyraquel Berns' Testimony:
Tracyraquel discusses her discovery of medical records that implicated herself as responsible for Matthew's death, a claim that contradicts her childhood belief of an accidental tragedy.

Ann Davidson's Testimony:
Tracyraquel’s grandmother, Ann Davidson, recounts an incident where Kathy Allman discovered Matthew with red eyes, an event that is pivotal in establishing the timeline and circumstances of Matthew's deteriorating condition:

“She took the baby and she got a washcloth and washed his eyes out, gave him a bottle, and pretty soon he stopped crying.”
— Ann Davidson [1:30:45]

Dr. Burton's Autopsy Report:
The medical examiner, Dr. Burton, provides crucial insights, concluding that Matthew’s injuries were inflicted by an adult, not by a two-year-old:

“The injuries that resulted in Matthew's death were inflicted or caused by another person.”
— Dr. Burton [1:50:20]

Prosecution's Closing Arguments

ADA Jeff Brickman passionately presents the prosecution's case, emphasizing the heinous nature of Matthew’s death and Jan Sandlin’s culpability:

“This is the case about a murder which could have been committed by only one person. And that person is sitting right there. Jan Barry Sandlin is guilty of murder.”
— ADA Jeff Brickman [2:10:05]

He appeals to the jury's sense of justice, invoking Matthew’s innocence and the need to hold Jan accountable:

“Matt Golder is crying out to you today as he must have cried in December of 1971. But today he's crying very differently. He's crying for justice.”
— Jeff Brickman [2:15:30]

Defense's Closing Arguments

Defense attorney Corrine Mull fervently argues for Jan's innocence, highlighting inconsistencies in Kathy’s statements and her fragile emotional state:

“You're giving information to your child's doctor that you so badly wanted. You don't lie to that doctor.”
— Corrine Mull [2:30:10]

She underscores the lack of concrete evidence against Jan and posits Kathy as the more plausible perpetrator, aiming to create reasonable doubt.

Verdict and Conclusion

As the trials conclude, the jury deliberates and ultimately finds Jan Barry Sandlin guilty of murder. The declaration marks a significant, albeit bittersweet, victory for Tracyraquel Berns and the prosecution team after decades of pursuit for justice.

“We, the jury, find the defendant, Jan Barry Sandlin.”
— Jury Foreperson [2:50:45]

The episode ends with a poignant reflection on the emotional toll of the case and sets the stage for the upcoming docuseries on Paramount+, promising further exploration of the aftermath and lasting impact on those involved.

Notable Quotes

1. Jeff Brickman on Jan’s demeanor:

   “He had this twinkle in his eye. I got the sense that he thought he was smarter than everybody.”
   — Jeff Brickman [00:25:10]

2. Tracyraquel on nightmares:

   “Nightmares are an ongoing thing for me... from not being stable and getting thrown out of your house in the middle of the night.”
   — Tracyraquel Berns [01:00:50]

3. Dr. Burton on Matthew's injuries:

   “These injuries could have been inflicted by an adult, not by a two-year-old.”
   — Dr. Burton [01:45:30]

4. ADA Jeff Brickman appealing to the jury:

   “He is asking that you send the loudest and clearest message that you can. He wants you to tell this man what you did was wrong.”
   — Jeff Brickman [2:18:10]

Conclusion

“Battlefield” intricately portrays the relentless legal battle faced by Tracyraquel Berns in uncovering the truth behind her brother’s untimely death. Through compelling testimonies, strategic courtroom maneuvering by both prosecution and defense, and emotionally charged narratives, the episode captures the essence of a prolonged quest for justice and the profound personal toll it exacts on those involved. As the series transitions into its docuseries format on Paramount+, viewers are encouraged to witness the full scope of this harrowing story, gaining deeper insights into the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the enduring human spirit.

Additional Information

• Watch the Docuseries: Burden of Guilt on Paramount+
• Subscribe and Review: Support the podcast by subscribing on Apple Podcasts and leaving a five-star review.
• Follow on Instagram: @glasspodcasts
• Contact: Email the team at burdenofguiltpodmail.com
• Support Child Abuse Prevention: If you or someone you know is in need, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A CHILD (1-800-422-4453).