Murder Sheet Podcast: "Questions and Answers to Close Out 2024" Summary

Released on December 31, 2024

Hosts:

• Áine Cain – Journalist
• Kevin Greenlee – Attorney

1. Delphi Murders Case

A. Richard Allen’s Profile and Criminal History
The hosts delved into the perplexing profile of Richard Allen, the suspect in the Delphi murders. Given that Allen was in his early 50s at the time of the crimes—a deviation from the typical younger profile of most murderers—the question arose: Does he have a history of sexually motivated crimes or murders, and why commit his first crime later in life?

Notable Insights:

• Áine Cain highlighted insights from Lieutenant Jerry Holman of the Indiana State Police, mentioning the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU):

  “[...] the BAU came to that conclusion [Allen having no criminal history].” (03:06)

• Kevin Greenlee emphasized the importance of investigating Allen’s past in his community for any unsolved crimes that might link back to him:

  “Were there rapes or murders that took place while he lived there that were unsolved?” (05:12)

B. Investigative Errors
A significant error in the Delphi case was addressed—the misfiling of a crucial tip that could have expedited the investigation.

Key Points:

• Áine Cain identified the improperly handled tip as the biggest mistake, clarifying it wasn't the fault of the primary investigators but likely an administrative oversight during dispatch:

  “Somehow it got misfiled anyway. It seems like the error originated with dispatch...” (06:29)

C. Richard Allen’s Interaction with Authorities
The episode explored whether Allen’s decision to approach the authorities was calculated or naive.

Insights:

• Kevin Greenlee discussed the possibility of Allen seeking control over the situation, drawing parallels with the Lyon sisters case where a suspect proactively engaged with law enforcement.

  “[...] maybe you think you want to get ahead of it and offered the police... an innocent explanation for your presence there.” (08:43)

• Áine Cain concurred, suggesting that Allen's actions reflected his need for control, even though it ultimately led to his capture:

  “He must have seen the image of bridge guy come out and... allow me greater control...” (09:55)

D. Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Delphi
The podcast addressed why the Delphi case became a hotspot for conspiracy theories and amateur sleuthing.

Discussion:

• Áine Cain attributed the surge in conspiracy theories to the accessibility of case details and the rise of online true crime communities, which fostered both respectful curiosity and disruptive behavior:

  “Delphi unfortunately became the sort of prototype for the sort of do it yourself true crime sleuthing that has become rampant on the Internet.” (22:51)

• She further critiqued defense attorneys Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rosie for popularizing unfounded theories, fueling a "forest fire" of misinformation:

  “[...] they lit the match of going with maybe... a frankly somewhat ridiculous theory...” (22:51)

2. Podcasting and Book Deal

A. Responding to Criticism About Book Deals
The hosts addressed accusations that their forthcoming book deal hinged on Allen's guilt.

Clarifications:

• Kevin Greenlee refuted this, explaining that their book deal was secured independently of the trial's outcome and was intended to document the case comprehensively regardless of the verdict:

  “You don't get a book deal based on the verdict of a trial. That's just not how the publishing world works.” (25:33)

• Áine Cain echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to presenting the truth and expressing gratitude for reader support:

  “We really hope to kind of grow from there and kind of just continue to expand.” (33:17)

B. Challenges of Writing a Book
Discussing the complexities of documenting a high-profile case, the hosts highlighted the meticulous research and narrative crafting required to produce a respectful and engaging account.

Insights:

• Áine Cain mentioned the difficulty in synthesizing multiple perspectives while maintaining coherence:

  “It's going to be difficult to like, get all that in there and make it coherent.” (27:59)

3. Starting the Podcast and Relationship Dynamics

A. How the Podcast Began
The origin story revealed that Kevin Greenlee initiated contact with Áine Cain through a shared interest in the Burger Chef murders, leading to both professional collaboration and a personal relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Greenlee humorously recounted his intent to keep in touch by proposing the podcast:

  “If I convince her to do a podcast, I at least get to talk to her for an hour every week.” (29:19)

• Áine Cain shared their journey from professional collaboration to a romantic partnership:

  “We moved in together. And at that point, I felt comfortable possibly doing a podcast.” (30:34)

B. Navigating Conflicts Within the Podcasting Community
The hosts discussed their experiences with backlash from prominent podcasters like Ashley Flowers and the challenges of maintaining professional relationships amidst criticism.

Key Points:

• Áine Cain described the social media animosity following their critical episode on Ashley Flowers:

  “[...] some podcasters decided to just get really angry at us.” (36:37)

• They also reflected on positive relationships with podcasters who align with their values:

  “We have a lot of respect for both Nick and the captain.” (38:11)

4. Work Dynamics and Collaboration

A. Division of Labor
Áine and Kevin detailed their collaborative process, emphasizing their complementary skills and shared responsibilities in producing the podcast.

Insights:

• Áine Cain admitted to being a perfectionist in writing and research, striving for thoroughness and clarity:

  “I want to make it really good and really engaging for our audience.” (28:09)

• Kevin Greenlee highlighted their flexible roles, with both capable of handling any aspect of the podcast:

  “Both of us are capable of doing any aspect of it.” (48:19)

B. Handling Disagreements
The hosts acknowledged receiving strong disagreements on cases like Delphi but maintained a balanced approach, often shifting perspectives after thorough discussions.

Key Points:

• Áine Cain noted their ability to switch sides during disagreements, fostering a balanced viewpoint:

  “We've really balanced it out in a weird way.” (54:48)

• Kevin Greenlee appreciated Áine’s strengths in interviewing, enhancing their collaborative efforts:

  “You have a special strength in doing interviews...” (81:22)

5. Personal Lives and Interests

A. Personal Relationships
Áine and Kevin shared intimate details about their romantic relationship, highlighting how their partnership evolved from professional collaboration to love.

Notable Quotes:

• Áine Cain expressed gratitude for their meeting:

  “We wouldn't have met each other otherwise...” (75:29)

• Kevin Greenlee humorously addressed the coincidence of their shared name in the music credits:

  “So I think I thought that would be very, very funny...” (44:22)

B. Hobbies and Downtime
The hosts discussed their favorite activities outside of podcasting, including watching TV shows like Twin Peaks and engaging in board games.

Insights:

• Áine Cain emphasized a love for history, connecting it to their work in true crime:

  “I love reading about people... it just fascinates me.” (58:06)

• Kevin Greenlee shared his fondness for board games like Risk and his preference for less visually stimulating activities:

  “I enjoy eating Pez.” (82:52)

C. Future Aspirations
They touched upon potential future projects, including covering upcoming trials and expanding their podcast and book endeavors.

6. Conclusion and Gratitude

Wrapping up the Q&A session, Áine and Kevin expressed heartfelt thanks to their listeners for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of the audience in driving the success of Murder Sheet. They also touched upon plans for 2025, including book releases and potential new case coverages.

Final Remarks:

• Áine Cain conveyed deep appreciation:

  “We just want to thank you. I just want to express immense gratitude.” (89:06)

• Kevin Greenlee reiterated their dedication to delivering thorough and respectful true crime reporting:

  “We would not be here if it wasn't for you listening.” (34:26)

Notable Quotes:

• Áine Cain:

  “Probably can't get to everyone who submitted... I hate leaving people out.” (01:13)

• Kevin Greenlee:

  “There's a lot of great stories... It's all there for you.” (58:16)

• Áine Cain:

  “I feel like we couldn't trust any of these people. They are snakes.” (43:39)

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