How I Died: [Bonus] Mendez Takes The Stand – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 29, 2024

Introduction

In the bonus episode titled "[Bonus] Mendez Takes The Stand," listeners are thrust into a pivotal courtroom drama that unravels deeper layers of mystery surrounding Jonathan Spacer, the enigmatic forensic pathologist of Springfield. This episode delves into the testimonies that shed light on Spacer’s unconventional methods and the dark secrets he harbors, painting a more complex picture of the man behind the investigations.

Courtroom Testimony of Eric Mendez

Timestamp: [00:02] – [03:08]

The episode opens with a tense courtroom scene where Eric Mendez, a former deputy with the Springfield Police Department (SPD), is called to the stand. The atmosphere is charged as the attorney begins questioning Mendez about his professional relationship with Jonathan Spacer.

• Background on Eric Mendez

  Timestamp: [00:04] – [00:14]

  Attorney: "Please state her name and title for the court."

  Eric Mendez: "Eric Mendez, former deputy with the SPD."

  Mendez establishes his credentials, setting the stage for his forthcoming testimony.

• Relationship with Jonathan Spacer

  Timestamp: [00:14] – [00:30]

  Attorney: "You worked with Mr. Spacer on a number of occasions, is that correct?"

  Mendez: "Yeah."

  Attorney: "We were co-workers, not friends. We were friendly, maybe close at one."

  Mendez clarifies the nature of his relationship with Spacer, indicating a professional yet somewhat cordial rapport.

• Spacer’s Unorthodox Methods

  Timestamp: [00:59] – [01:21]

  Attorney: "Could you tell us about a time he opened up?"

  Mendez: "He told me he could speak to the dead, and that's how he solved the cases."

  This revelation is pivotal, highlighting Spacer’s claim of communicating with the deceased to aid his forensic work. Initially skeptical, Mendez admits his concerns:

  Mendez: "It did at first."

  Attorney: "John did know certain things that he shouldn't have."

  Mendez hints at Spacer possessing knowledge beyond the ordinary, raising questions about the legitimacy of his abilities.

• Observations of Spacer’s Behavior

  Timestamp: [01:32] – [02:17]

  Attorney: "Could you read what you wrote there? The highlighted part?"

  Mendez: "John Spacer showed signs of concerning behavior on crime scenes, including talking to himself and erratic behavior and mood swings at the last scene. He was clearly under duress."

  Attorney: "Duress, right."

  Mendez: "He was scaring me, okay, with the way he was acting. It was like he'd snapped. I just wanted to get him help, not this."

  Mendez provides a stark contrast to his earlier description, portraying Spacer’s behavior as increasingly erratic and concerning. His use of the term "duress" suggests internal conflict or external pressures influencing Spacer's actions.

• Spacer’s Secret Activities

  Timestamp: [02:34] – [03:05]

  Attorney: "Were you aware that John Spacer was transporting bodies and dropping them in the middle of the woods for pickup and mutilation?"

  Mendez: "He was."

  Attorney: "What, so you hadn't heard that from your former boss or anyone in your department?"

  Mendez: "No."

  Attorney: "Which means I'm assuming it wasn't a sanctioned attempt to catch anyone in the act, as the defense seems to have suggested?"

  Mendez: "No, it was not."

  Attorney: "In fact, was there any investigation sanctioned by your department that involved Mr. Spacer looking into any of this again, as the defense has suggested?"

  Mendez: "It wasn't. And there was no paper trail to even."

  This segment unveils Spacer's clandestine activities involving the handling and mutilation of bodies, actions that are both illegal and morally reprehensible. The absence of departmental sanctioning or investigation indicates a severe breach of protocol and hints at possible corruption or cover-ups within the SPD.

Implications of the Testimony

Eric Mendez’s testimony serves as a crucial turning point in understanding Jonathan Spacer’s character and actions. His revelations provide concrete evidence that Spacer not only engages in unethical behavior but also operates beyond the oversight of his peers and superiors. The absence of a "paper trail" and sanctioned investigations suggests possible systemic issues within the SPD, raising questions about accountability and the extent of Spacer’s influence and secrecy.

Notable Quotes

• Mendez on Spacer’s Abilities:

  [00:59] "He told me he could speak to the dead, and that's how he solved the cases."

• Mendez on Spacer’s Behavior:

  [02:07] "I did. He was scaring me, okay, with the way he was acting. It was like he'd snapped. I just wanted to get him help, not this."

• Mendez on Spacer’s Secret Activities:

  [02:34] "He was."

  [03:02] "It wasn't. And there was no paper trail to even."

Conclusion

"[Bonus] Mendez Takes The Stand" deepens the narrative surrounding Jonathan Spacer by exposing his hidden practices and the internal turmoil he faces. Through Eric Mendez’s testimony, listeners gain insight into Spacer’s unorthodox methods and the potential ramifications of his actions on the community of Springfield. This episode not only advances the overarching plot but also raises compelling questions about morality, the supernatural, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and vigilante justice.

Final Thoughts

This bonus episode intricately weaves courtroom drama with character exploration, providing a nuanced view of Jonathan Spacer. Eric Mendez’s candid and revealing testimony not only propels the story forward but also invites listeners to ponder the ethical complexities inherent in Spacer’s unique approach to solving crimes. As the series continues, the implications of Spacer’s actions and the truths unveiled in this episode are poised to have lasting effects on the unfolding mystery of Springfield.