(In)Justice: Killer Privilege – Episode 6: "Catch Me If You Can"
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Katie Strick, London Standard Journalist
Production: Evening Standard | Message Heard
Introduction
In the sixth installment of "(In)Justice: Killer Privilege," titled "Catch Me If You Can," host Katie Strick delves deeper into the harrowing journey of Katya Faber, a mother grappling with the brutal murder of her son, Alex Morgan, by his affluent university friend, Bennett Von Vertes. This episode explores the intersection of grief, privilege, and justice, highlighting the enduring struggle Katya faces in seeking true accountability for her son's death.
Bennett Von Vertes' Release and Ongoing Elusiveness
Timestamp: 00:01 – 03:28
The episode opens on December 30, 2023, marking the ninth anniversary of Alex’s murder [00:01]. Bennett Von Vertes, the man convicted for Alex's death, was released on parole, reigniting fears and uncertainties for Katya [00:24]. Friends and acquaintances report sightings of Bennett enjoying a seemingly carefree life abroad, with mentions of trips to Asia, Germany, and other parts of Europe [00:36] – [00:45].
Katie Strick illustrates Bennett’s provocative online presence with a deleted Instagram post: a selfie of Bennett flaunting privilege with a mocking gesture and the ominous bio “Catch me if you can” [00:58]. Katya expresses disbelief and frustration over Bennett's apparent lack of remorse and continued financial irresponsibility [03:15].
Notable Quote:
Katya: "I would have thought that actually coming to terms with what happened, and paying your dues would be the place to start. As opposed to trying to lie on a beach and drinking out of a coconut." [03:15]
Katya's Journey of Healing
Timestamp: 05:05 – 07:05
Seeking solace, Katya purchases a 33-acre homestead in Malaga, Spain, named La Bonita [05:05]. Here, she cultivates olives, mandarins, avocados, and pecan nuts, finding mindfulness and strength in the physical labor of farming [06:02]. Nature becomes her sanctuary, allowing her to process grief without judgment [06:02].
Notable Quote:
Katya: "I realized that nature somehow cradled me and there was no judgment and I could just be where I was in my grief." [06:31]
Building a Global Grief Community
Timestamp: 07:05 – 14:15
Katya begins to engage with an online community of grieving parents, contributing articles to Still Standing magazine [07:05] – [07:21]. Her heartfelt writing resonates globally, transforming her personal grief into a collective healing process [08:12]. Cheryl, Julie's mother, becomes one of the many who connect deeply with Katya's experiences [08:31] – [08:56].
To ensure her support remains responsible and effective, Katya attends a grief retreat led by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore in Arizona [09:40] – [10:11]. Returning from the retreat, Katya's farm becomes a physical space for healing, attracting fellow grievers from around the world who seek solace through nature and shared experiences [10:41] – [12:06].
Notable Quote:
Dr. Joanne Cacciatore: "The natural world... creates this emotional space in our mind and in our hearts... it just allows us to be." [10:11]
The Ongoing Struggle for Justice
Timestamp: 18:24 – 29:39
Despite personal healing, Katya remains embittered by the unresolved aspects of justice. Bennett's apparent nonchalance and ongoing evasion tactics, including fake profiles and deceptive behaviors, leave Katya feeling that true justice remains elusive [22:13] – [28:09]. She highlights the discrepancy between media portrayals of Bennett’s "justice" and his continued financial and emotional evasion [24:58] – [25:18].
Katya expresses profound disappointment in Bennett’s lack of remorse and accountability, underscoring that financial settlements do not equate to true justice [28:09] – [28:28].
Notable Quote:
Katya: "He hasn't taken responsibility for what he did, so why would he take responsibility for the costs he incurred?" [24:42]
Reflections on Justice and Healing
Timestamp: 29:06 – 36:20
Katya reflects on the nature of justice, pondering whether Bennett’s lack of contrition and continued flaunting of his freedom truly serves justice [28:28] – [29:21]. She shares her internal struggle with forgiveness and the enduring pain of her loss, emphasizing that legal victories feel hollow without Bennett’s genuine remorse [29:21] – [30:10].
Katie Strick underscores the persistent fear Katya lives with, knowing Bennett could cross her path at any moment, a grim reminder of unresolved justice [29:57] – [30:10]. The episode concludes with Katya's philosophical musings on life, legacy, and the indelible impact of her son's death [31:57] – [36:20].
Notable Quote:
Katya: "If Bennett had felt genuine remorse... it would certainly have helped me with the process of coming to terms with what had happened and the healing, if I can call it that." [29:21]
Conclusion
Episode 6 of "(In)Justice: Killer Privilege" poignantly captures the intertwined themes of grief, privilege, and the quest for justice. Through Katya Faber's ongoing journey, listeners are presented with a raw and unfiltered portrayal of a mother's enduring pain and the complexities of seeking accountability within a system influenced by wealth and status. As Bennett Von Vertes continues his life seemingly untouched by his heinous act, Katya's story serves as a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice, even when it feels perpetually out of reach.
Final Reflection:
Katya: "Alex was an all or nothing young man... he was disarmingly honest... we'll never know [why he was killed]." [34:59]
Call to Action:
Alex Morgan's family encourages listeners to donate to Battersea Dog’s Home in his memory. Visit battersea.org.uk or contact Katya directly through her website or Instagram page.
Credits:
Produced by Sophie McNulty. Senior Producer Ari St Dot and Production Coordinator James Cox. Executive Producers Sandra Ferrari, Anna Van Praagh, and Jake Warren. Sound Editing by Lizzie Andrews and Alan Lear. Music by Tom Biddle.