Murder on the Towpath with Soledad O’Brien: Episode "Exhibit A" - Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the episode "Exhibit A" of Murder on the Towpath with Soledad O’Brien, host Soledad O’Brien delves into one of America's most enigmatic unsolved mysteries: the 1964 murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer. Centered around the intersecting lives of two women from different racial and socio-economic backgrounds, the podcast explores the complex trial of Ray Crump, a Black man accused of Meyer's murder, and the groundbreaking defense mounted by civil rights lawyer Dovey Roundtree.

The Murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer

Mary Pinchot Meyer, a prominent painter and a close associate of President John F. Kennedy, was brutally murdered on a sunny day in 1964 while taking her daily walk along the Georgetown towpath. Her death sent shockwaves through the Georgetown community and the nation, raising numerous questions about motive and identity of the killer.

The Accusation against Ray Crump

Nine months after the murder, Ray Crump was put on trial as the primary suspect. As the only Black man accused in this high-profile case, Crump's trial became a focal point for discussions on race and justice in 1960s America.

The Trial Begins

The trial commenced with testimonies from key witnesses, including Henry Wiggins, a 24-year-old Black man and war veteran who claimed to have witnessed the murder. At [02:41], the narrator sets the scene:

"It had been nine months since Mary Meyer was shot in broad daylight on the Georgetown towpath. Her killer hadn't been brought to justice." ([02:41])

Key Testimonies and Evidence

Henry Wiggins' Testimony: At [06:25], a historian and legal expert highlights the significance of Wiggins' eyewitness account:

"According to author Ron Rosenbaum, it was good eyewitness testimony." ([06:30])

Wiggins described seeing a Black man standing over Meyer's body and later identifying Ray Crump as the perpetrator based on the resemblance of clothing.

Prosecutor's Strategy: Prosecutor Alfred Hantman leveraged Wiggins' testimony, presenting photographs and physical evidence to link Crump to the crime. At [06:49], the narrator explains:

"After hearing Henry's memory of the events, Hetman brought out several pieces of clothing... Wiggins testified they were the exact clothes he had seen on the man standing over Mary." ([06:49])

Dovey Roundtree's Defense Strategy

Dovey Roundtree, defying the odds in a racially charged courtroom, meticulously dismantled the prosecution's case. At [08:34], the historian notes:

"It was obviously a discrepancy between what people said about his height and weight and what in fact, it was." ([10:44])

Key moments in her defense included:

• Challenging Eyewitness Reliability: At [08:47], Dovey questioned Wiggins' ability to accurately identify Crump from 120 feet away behind a stone wall.

  "She held up the pants. Was he positive these were Ray's dark corduroy slacks? Yes, Henry answered he was positive." ([08:47])

• Highlighting Inconsistencies: She exposed contradictions in Wiggins' testimony regarding Crump's physical description, emphasizing the improbability of accurate identification from a distance.

• Personal Presence of the Defendant: Dovey made a strategic decision not to have Ray testify, which was pivotal in sowing reasonable doubt. At [20:03], the historian reflects:

  "And she takes a huge risk for her case, for Crump, for the future of black men who are going to be tried in this court, and decided to rest her case." ([20:03])

The Verdict

After 11 days of intense deliberations, the jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty for Ray Crump. At [25:20], the historian underscores the gravity of the outcome:

"And you can't place him on the scene. You can't convict him." ([25:25])

The courtroom erupted as Judge Corcoran announced:

"Members of the jury, we have your verdict, which states that you find the defendant, Ray Crump Jr. Not guilty..." ([25:25])

Crump's acquittal was hailed as a historic victory for Dovey Roundtree, especially given the racial tensions of the era.

Aftermath and Ray Crump's Life

Despite his acquittal, Ray Crump's life took a downward spiral:

• Personal Turmoil: Shortly after his release, his marriage dissolved, and his subsequent life was marred by multiple arrests and violent behaviors, including arson and threats against family members.

• Psychological Impact: Psychiatrist Terry Coopers discusses the detrimental effects of Solitary Confinement on individuals like Crump, suggesting that the trauma may have contributed to his later actions.

  "Solitary confinement damages human beings... Some individuals can't control their anger when they get out." ([32:15])

• Public Perception: While some viewed Crump as a fall guy who was wrongfully accused, others believed his post-acquittal criminal activities were indicative of his guilt in Meyer's murder.

At [34:38], Ron Rosenbaum provides insight:

"Because a jury has reasonable doubt does not mean that the person accused is innocent. Just means guilt was not proven." ([34:38])

Conclusion

Murder on the Towpath paints a poignant picture of justice, race, and personal downfall intertwined in Mary Pinchot Meyer's unsolved murder. Dovey Roundtree's legal acumen not only secured Crump's acquittal but also highlighted systemic biases within the judicial system. However, the case remains shrouded in mystery, with lingering questions about the true identity of Meyer's killer and the long-term repercussions for all parties involved.

The episode concludes by hinting at unresolved aspects of the case, including Mary's enigmatic diary and her connections to powerful individuals, setting the stage for future explorations in subsequent episodes.

This summary captures the essence of the "Exhibit A" episode, focusing solely on the narrative content and key discussions, while omitting advertisements and non-relevant segments.