Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder | Interview with Lanie's Defense Attorney | Episode 7
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Overview
In Episode 7 of Wondery's gripping series Hollywood & Crime, titled "The Cotton Club Murder: Interview with Lanie's Defense Attorney," listeners are taken deep into the notorious case surrounding the mysterious death of Roy Raiden. This episode features an exclusive interview with Ed Shohat, the esteemed criminal defense attorney who represented Lanie Jacobs (later known as Lanie Greenberger) during her high-stakes murder trial. Through Shohat's firsthand accounts, the episode unravels the complexities of the case, the strategies employed in defense, and the tumultuous journey that led to Lainey's conviction.
Background of the Cotton Club Murder
On June 10th, 1983, the lifeless body of Roy Raiden, a successful variety show producer, was discovered in a secluded canyon near Los Angeles. Raiden had vanished after a meeting with Lanie Jacobs, a woman whose ambition to break into Hollywood alongside Raiden set the stage for a dramatic and deadly turn of events.
Lanie and Roy were entangled in a web of greed, ambition, and substance abuse, culminating in a billion-dollar cocaine and cash heist that ultimately led to Raiden's murder. The ensuing investigation exposed connections to Hollywood elites, including former producer Robert Evans, but the case went cold until persistent efforts by the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and pivotal testimonies reopened the investigation.
Introduction to Ed Shohat and His Involvement
The episode opens with Tracy Patton introducing Ed Shohat, a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Miami, Florida, known for his defense of high-profile clients, including Carlos Lehder of the Medellín Cartel fame. Despite being geographically distant from California, Shohat was summoned to represent Lanie Greenberger, marking the beginning of a challenging legal battle.
Notable Quote:
"She knew my reputation as a criminal defense lawyer. She knew that I was selected from all the lawyers on the planet to defend Carlos Lehder... She wanted me to defend her."
— Ed Shohat [07:24]
Lainey Jacobs: From Law Firm to Murder Accusation
Shohat recounts his initial meeting with Lainey Jacobs, a professional and articulate legal secretary who briefly worked at his Miami law firm. Their relationship was cordial until Lainey's sudden arrest for the murder of her husband, Larry Greenberger, and the disappearance of Roy Raiden.
Notable Quote:
"Lainey was adamant that she wanted me to represent her. I wanted to represent her, and I did."
— Ed Shohat [06:25]
Navigating the Californian Legal System
Transitioning from Miami's legal landscape to California's stringent judicial procedures posed a significant challenge for Shohat. California's open-file discovery system provided the defense with unrestricted access to the prosecution's evidence, allowing Shohat and his co-counsel, Marcia Morrissey, to meticulously prepare for the preliminary hearings.
Notable Quote:
"Open file discovery... I had available to me the people of California's entire evidence book and was able to use it to prepare for what first would be a preliminary hearing."
— Ed Shohat [09:15]
The Role of Robert Evans and Witnesses
Central to the case was former producer Robert Evans, whose connections to the murder added layers of intrigue. However, Evans neither testified nor was called as a witness, largely due to his request for immunity, which the prosecution ultimately did not grant.
Simultaneously, the prosecution introduced damning tape recordings of Mentzer and Lowe discussing the case with key witness Bill Ryder, undermining the defense's stance and complicating Lainey's position.
Notable Quote:
"They were devastating for Laney because... they implicated Laney and they weren't helpful."
— Ed Shohat [17:19]
Strategizing the Defense
Despite the uphill battle, Shohat remained steadfast in his belief in Lainey's innocence regarding intentional involvement in Raiden's murder. The defense faced the dilemma of whether to call Lainey as a witness—a move Shohat typically deemed desperate.
Notable Quote:
"Putting a defendant accused of a crime on the witness stand is an act of utter desperation."
— Ed Shohat [22:27]
Ultimately, Shohat decided to have Lainey testify, believing that her personal account was crucial for the jury's understanding, despite the strategy being out of the ordinary and fraught with risks.
Challenges During the Trial
The trial was marred by intense cross-examinations and strategic maneuvers from the prosecution, who portrayed Lainey not just as a potential murderer but also as a drug dealer with a questionable moral standing.
Notable Quote:
"They bloodied her up as a drug dealer who was keeping a stash house with her... they implicated them in the murder."
— Ed Shohat [24:58]
These tactics led to a tense courtroom atmosphere, with both defense and prosecution scrambling to manage the narrative and juror perceptions.
Verdict and Aftermath
After a grueling trial, the jury convicted Lainey Jacobs of second-degree murder, suggesting she played a role in the murder without premeditated intent. While the primary hitmen were found guilty of first-degree murder, Lainey's life was irrevocably changed, sentenced to life without parole.
Notable Quote:
"I wish she would get her sentence commuted after all these years in prison and she would get released and be able to return to her son... and live out her days in freedom."
— Ed Shohat [34:29]
Despite an appeal, the conviction stood firm, leaving many questions unanswered and the case somewhat open-ended.
Reflections and Final Thoughts
In concluding the interview, Shohat expresses a mix of professional respect and personal sympathy for Lainey, highlighting the complexities of legal defense in high-profile cases intertwined with Hollywood's glitzy yet perilous underbelly. He also touches upon the unresolved elements of the case, such as the mysterious death of Larry Greenberger and the elusive Milano Bellachas, pondering why certain key figures were never charged despite substantial evidence.
Notable Quote:
"The whole case was in some ways, a bit of a circus in so many different ways that we don't see here in South Florida... but I guess that goes with the territory."
— Ed Shohat [35:56]
Conclusion
Episode 7 of Hollywood & Crime offers a compelling dive into one of Hollywood's murkiest true crime stories. Through Ed Shohat's insightful narration, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the legal strategies, courtroom drama, and personal battles that define the Cotton Club Murder case. This episode not only sheds light on the events leading to Roy Raiden's death but also explores the broader implications of ambition and desperation within the glitzy confines of Hollywood.
For those enthralled by true crime and the intricate dance of justice, this episode serves as a masterclass in legal defense and the human stories behind headline-making cases.
Listen to "The Cotton Club Murder: Interview with Lanie's Defense Attorney" exclusively on the Wondery app or any major podcast platform to immerse yourself in this riveting tale of Hollywood's dark side.