(In)Justice: Killer Privilege – Episode 1: Did You Hear About Alex?

Host: Katie Strick
Production: Message Heard | The London Standard
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction and Background

In the premiere episode of the (In)Justice: Killer Privilege series, host Katie Strick delves into the harrowing story of Alex Morgan, a 23-year-old London socialite whose life was tragically cut short. The episode sets the stage for a gripping narrative that intertwines themes of wealth, privilege, and the complexities of the justice system.

The Tragic Loss of Alex Morgan

The story begins with Katya Faber, Alex’s mother, recounting the devastating news of her son's death in December 2014. Unlike typical narratives of crime and punishment, Alex's murder by his affluent university friend Bennet von Vertes unfolds against the backdrop of Zurich’s opulent Gold Coast—a symbol of extraordinary privilege.

Katya Faber shares her initial shock and the challenges she faced navigating the legal labyrinth:

“I had thought that having been a criminal law barrister, I would know how to go through the labyrinth of what lay ahead. But I was wrong.”
[01:22]

Alex Morgan: A Charismatic Life

Alex is portrayed as a vibrant and charismatic young man, beloved by his friends and family. Interviews with his close friends, including Sam Hunter, an Australian musician, highlight Alex's magnetic personality and his zest for life.

Sam Hunter describes Alex as:

“One of the warmest human beings I've ever met and really funny. Like he was always cracking a joke or he always had a witty remark.”
[11:40]

Alex's lifestyle is emblematic of the privileged circles he moved in—jet-setting between London and Zurich, enjoying the high life with access to luxury and exclusivity.

The Zurich Social Scene and Privilege

The episode paints a vivid picture of Zurich’s Gold Coast, an enclave of wealth and privacy where the affluent reside in secluded villas away from public scrutiny. Sasha Bafiani, a Swiss journalist, describes the area as:

“A quiet place where you can enjoy your luxurious life, I guess. But to be honest, it's not that easy for journalists to get into this world if you don't have friends and people who would invite you for whatever reason.”
[17:37]

This setting underscores the theme of privilege that permeates the narrative, highlighting how wealth and social status can create insular communities insulated from ordinary societal constraints.

Bennet von Vertes: The Killer

Bennet von Vertes emerges as a central figure in the tragedy. A 29-year-old art gallery owner from a prominent Hungarian-German family, Bennet embodies the epitome of privileged elitism. His background is meticulously detailed, showcasing his education at esteemed institutions like Schule Schloss Salem and Hertwood House, and his lifestyle marked by high-end partying and substance abuse.

Sasha Bafiani provides insight into Bennet’s superficial engagement with art:

“There are, you know, those who understand a lot about art and maybe pay a little bit less attention to the money side of it, and then there are those who are mainly interested in the money.”
[27:24]

Bennet's excessive drug use is underscored with shocking details:

“On an average week, Bennett would consume as much as 5 grams of cocaine and 10 grams of ketamine.”
[27:56]

The Fateful Night: December 29, 2014

The narrative reaches its climax as Katie Strick recounts the events of the night Alex was killed. Amidst a backdrop of drugs and partying, Alex and Bennet's paths tragically collide. The episode teases the violent confrontation that led to Alex's death, leaving listeners on edge.

Katya Faber reflects on her frantic feeling leading up to the tragedy:

“I was somehow trying to swim to shore, but there was no shore. And you just continue swimming and you just keep going because what else are you meant to do?”
[08:41]

The episode concludes with a poignant teaser for the next installment, where Katya reveals a haunting dream she had hours before learning of Alex’s death.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Katie Strick encapsulates the essence of the story:

“This was a story about drugs, privilege, power and justice. Or the lack thereof, depending on who you speak to. But there's another side to this story too. This is also a tale of love, forgiveness, determination and one mother's fight for healing in the face of unbearable horror.”
[27:00]

Listeners are left anticipating the unfolding of this intricate case, promising deeper explorations into the lives affected and the enduring quest for justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Katya Faber:
  “I was somehow trying to swim to shore, but there was no shore. And you just continue swimming and you just keep going because what else are you meant to do?”
  [08:41]

• Sam Hunter:
  “He was one of the quickest people that I knew.”
  [11:40]

• Sasha Bafiani:
  “They live at the Gold Coast because the evening light shines golden into their houses at their side of the lake, whereas the other side lies in shadow.”
  [17:23]

• Stephanie (Katya's friend):
  “Brace yourself. I would have said, brace yourself. This is going to be the fight of a lifetime. It's going to push you further into hell more than you can imagine.”
  [36:03]

This detailed exploration in Episode 1 sets the foundation for a multi-episode deep dive into the intersection of privilege and justice, promising to unravel the intricate web surrounding Alex Morgan's untimely death.