Murder Sheet Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Cheat Sheet: Presumptions and Professors
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)
Release Date: February 7, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve into three compelling true crime cases, exploring themes of legal presumption and the complexities within the criminal justice system. The episode, titled "Cheat Sheet: Presumptions and Professors," examines cases from Indiana, Colorado, and New York, highlighting issues ranging from child disappearance to judicial misconduct.

2. Case Study 1: The Mysterious Disappearance of Hayden Manus (Indiana)

Overview:
The episode opens with the harrowing case of nine-year-old Hayden Manus from Indiana. Hayden was under the custody of his grandparent after his father, Dustin Manus, struggled with drug addiction. In 2019, despite the grandparent's objections, custody was returned to Dustin, after which the family lost all contact with Dustin and Hayden.

Key Developments:

• False Claims by Dustin Manus: Dustin falsely reported that Child Protective Services (CPS) had taken Hayden away, a claim quickly debunked through accessible government records.

• Dustin's Death: In December 2024, Dustin was arrested on drug charges, later released on bail, and subsequently died from an overdose, complicating the investigation into Hayden's whereabouts.

• Ongoing Investigation: Authorities remain determined to uncover Hayden's fate, urging anyone with information to contact the Delaware County Sheriff's Investigations Division.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Greenlee ([12:00]):
  "I personally don't believe that Hayden is still alive. He's nine. He can't just go... He's a child, you know, if he's not with the people he's supposed to be with, that's a really ominous bad sign."

• Áine Cain ([11:12]):
  "We want answers and figure out what happened. And so their investigation is proceeding and they're actively interested in more information from anyone who might have such information."

Insights and Discussions:

The hosts highlight the systemic failures that may have contributed to Hayden’s disappearance, questioning the lack of follow-up from CPS after returning custody to Dustin. They express deep concern over the potential abuse Hayden may have suffered and the broader implications for child welfare systems.

3. Case Study 2: The Colorado Murder of Seorin Kim and the Death of Their Child

Overview:
Shifting focus to Colorado, the hosts explore the tragic case of Nicholas Micklebust, a 44-year-old professor at Regis College, who was arrested for the murder of his wife, Seorin Kim, and the tampering of evidence. This case is further complicated by the earlier death of their nine-day-old child, Bear Micklebust, in 2021 from skull fractures.

Key Developments:

• Evidence Against Nicholas Micklebust:

  • Micklebust's hands were found bloody, bruised, and swollen, suggesting physical altercations.
  • Seorin Kim’s death was ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma, with defensive scratches observed on Micklebust.
  • Bloody gloves were discovered in the dryer, indicating possible evidence tampering.

• Civil Complaint by the Victim’s Parents:
  Seorin Kim’s parents filed a civil lawsuit aiming to prevent Micklebust from profiting from her death, seeking justice outside the criminal proceedings.

• Comparison to O.J. Simpson Case:
  The hosts discuss the distinction between criminal and civil cases, referencing how Micklebust could face different outcomes in each, similar to the infamous O.J. Simpson trials.

Notable Quotes:

• Áine Cain ([05:27]):
  "This is a terrible story. It's awful."

• Kevin Greenlee ([29:19]):
  "True crime podcasts are a bit like investments when it comes to your time. You're taking a few spare minutes here and there, tuning in and building up a knowledge base to set yourself up in the future."

Insights and Discussions:

Cain and Greenlee analyze the complexities of prosecuting such cases, especially when the defendant is deceased, limiting the pursuit of truth and justice. They underscore the importance of civil actions in holding perpetrators accountable, even when criminal convictions are unattainable.

4. Case Study 3: Judicial Misconduct in New York – Judge Richard T. Snyder

Overview:
The third case examines judicial misconduct involving Richard T. Snyder, a judge from Petersburg, New York. Snyder attempted to avoid jury duty, citing a personal bias that presumed all defendants are guilty, thereby questioning the foundational principle of "presumption of innocence."

Key Developments:

• Snyder’s Bias:
  Judge Snyder openly declared that he believes in the guilt of anyone accused of a crime, undermining the impartiality required for jury service.

• Public and Legal Response:
  The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct condemned Snyder’s stance, stating, "There is no place on the bench for someone who so deeply misunderstands the role of a judge in the administration of justice."

• Impact on Judicial Integrity:
  The episode discusses the potential repercussions of such biases on past and future cases overseen by Snyder, raising concerns about the integrity of judicial proceedings in his purview.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Greenlee ([46:17]):
  "The presumption of innocence is very important. We don't just assume that someone is arrested and therefore they're guilty."

• Áine Cain ([48:17]):
  "He's not going to be a judge anymore."

Insights and Discussions:

The hosts delve into the essential role of the presumption of innocence in the justice system, critiquing Snyder’s blatant disregard for this principle. They emphasize how such attitudes can erode public trust in the legal system and potentially lead to miscarriages of justice.

5. Apology and Episode Wrap-Up

Towards the end of the episode, Áine and Kevin address an earlier episode's mistake involving misinformation about Taylor Swift's favorite candy. Áine apologizes for the error, and the hosts engage in lighthearted banter about correcting their mistake and promoting their merchandise.

Conclusion

In "Cheat Sheet: Presumptions and Professors," Murder Sheet offers a deep dive into significant true crime cases, illuminating systemic issues within child welfare, criminal investigations, and the judiciary. Through meticulous analysis and poignant discussions, Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of each case's complexities and broader societal implications.

For more detailed insights and updates on these cases, listeners are encouraged to visit the Murder Sheet website and follow their ongoing investigations and reporting.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• [12:00] Kevin Greenlee:
  "I personally don't believe that Hayden is still alive. He's nine. He can't just go..."

• [05:27] Áine Cain:
  "This is a terrible story. It's awful."

• [29:19] Kevin Greenlee:
  "True crime podcasts are a bit like investments when it comes to your time."

• [46:17] Kevin Greenlee:
  "The presumption of innocence is very important."

• [48:17] Áine Cain:
  "He's not going to be a judge anymore."

Further Engagement:

Listeners seeking to support the podcast or contribute information on the discussed cases can reach out via the provided contact channels. Additionally, Áine and Kevin mention their upcoming book, "Shadow of the Bridge," which promises an in-depth exploration of the Delphi murders and related investigations.

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the substantive content discussed in the episode.