(In)Justice: Killer Privilege
Episode: Part 3: Ticking Time Bomb
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Katie Strick
Produced by: Message Heard and The London Standard
Introduction
In Part 3 of the gripping series (In)Justice: Killer Privilege, titled "Ticking Time Bomb", host Katie Strick delves deeper into the harrowing trial of Bennett Von Wertes, the wealthy art dealer who brutally murdered Katja Faber’s son, Alex. This episode uncovers the intricate dance between power, privilege, and the justice system, painting a vivid picture of a family’s quest for justice amidst overwhelming odds.
Katja’s Grief and Quest for Justice
The episode opens with Katja Faber grappling with profound grief and a desperate need for justice for her son, Alex. Reflecting on a poignant quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear, Katja narrates how she perceives herself and her family as powerless pawns in a cruel game orchestrated by someone with immense privilege.
Katja (00:20): "Alex's killer had been his university friend Bennet – the son of an ultra-rich art dealer – who had brutally beaten Alex before murdering him."
Katja contemplates the nature of justice: Is it vengeance, rehabilitation, or something else entirely? Her struggle underscores the emotional and psychological toll that such a loss imposes on a family.
Bennett's Trial: First Impressions and Initial Hearings
As the narrative progresses, Katja attends her first hearing with Bennett, Alex’s killer, marking her initial face-to-face encounter with the man responsible for her unimaginable loss. The tension and emotional burden are palpable.
Katie Strick (04:48): "It was hard. It was very hard. [...] the hurt and the grief and the nerves and the unknown and the fact that it was going on and on and on."
Katja describes Bennett’s unsettling demeanor during the preliminary hearings—calm, composed, and almost indifferent, which contrasts sharply with the brutality of his crime. This initial meeting leaves a lasting impact on her, highlighting the stark differences in their worlds.
Media Frenzy and Public Perception
The trial quickly becomes a media spectacle, attracting journalists from around the globe, particularly from the UK and Germany. The moniker "Gold Coast Killer" reflects Bennett’s affluent background and the sensational nature of the case.
Katja (12:11): "British journalists in particular had got wind of the story and flown in, lured by the initial reports in the Swiss press."
The influx of media not only amplifies public interest but also adds pressure on Katja and her family, who must navigate the invasive and relentless nature of news coverage while seeking justice.
Unraveling Bennett's Dark Past
As the trial unfolds, Bennett’s history of violence and substance abuse emerges, painting a picture of a man spiraling out of control. The prosecution presents a compelling case that Bennett was a "ticking time bomb," with multiple incidents of aggression and substance abuse leading up to Alex’s murder.
Christine Brand (20:04): "Going back years, there was an incident where Bennett attacked his father while he was on drugs."
Bennett’s defense hinges on the argument that his actions were a result of a drug-induced psychotic break, aiming to diminish his culpability. However, the prosecution counters this by emphasizing his awareness of the dangers posed by his drug use.
Testimonies and Evidence
Key testimonies, including that of Bennett’s ex-girlfriend, provide critical insights into his volatile behavior. She recounts instances of abuse and his inability to control his anger when under the influence of drugs.
Ex-Girlfriend (21:16): "He could get very angry just because the little things, like when the potato was not really cooked the way he liked it and he was hitting her in the face from time to time."
These testimonies bolster the prosecution’s case, illustrating a pattern of abusive and unpredictable behavior that culminated in the tragic murder of Alex.
The Verdict and Aftermath
After a grueling five-day trial, the court convicts Bennett of intentional homicide, rape, and attempted murder, sentencing him to 12 and a half years in prison. While Katja feels a sense of closure, the moment is marred by Bennett’s intention to appeal the verdict, casting uncertainty over the finality of justice.
Katie Strick (30:45): "I am so sorry, you must believe me. I would take back what has happened."
Katja interprets Bennett’s apology as hollow, lacking genuine remorse, which further complicates her path to healing. The episode concludes with the looming threat of appeal, signaling that the battle for justice is far from over.
Key Takeaways
- Power and Privilege: Bennett’s affluent background affords him a level of influence and resources that pose significant challenges to the pursuit of justice.
- Emotional Toll: Katja and her family endure immense emotional and psychological strain throughout the trial, highlighting the often-overlooked human cost of such legal battles.
- Systemic Flaws: The episode underscores potential loopholes in the Swiss legal system that may favor the privileged, raising questions about the true effectiveness of justice in such cases.
- Resilience and Determination: Despite overwhelming odds, Katja’s unwavering commitment to justice exemplifies the resilience required to confront systemic power imbalances.
Notable Quotes
- Katie Strick (07:47): "He seemed quite relaxed. In fact, he seemed almost bored by what was going on."
- Katja (14:28): "I couldn't protect them. And I knew that they had to go through this process..."
- Andre (30:16): "It's not fair justice...if you have good lawyers and a lot of money, you can definitely get you ahead."
Looking Ahead
As the series progresses, the next episode promises to explore Katja’s transformation from a grieving mother to a relentless advocate, uncovering deeper systemic issues and the lengths she will go to ensure justice for Alex.
(In)Justice: Killer Privilege continues to shed light on the intersection of wealth, power, and the legal system, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by victims seeking justice against privileged adversaries.