Podcast Summary: Murder Sheet - The Cheat Sheet: Art and Arrests

Episode Information:

• Title: The Cheat Sheet: Art and Arrests
• Release Date: February 14, 2025
• Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)
• Description: The Murder Sheet is a weekly true crime podcast that delves into both high-profile and obscure cases with a journalistic approach, offering in-depth coverage, legal analysis, and insightful interviews.

1. Introduction to Domestic Violence Statistics

Timestamp: [03:37]
Speaker: Kevin Greenlee

The episode opens with a discussion on the prevalence of domestic violence, particularly highlighting its impact on murder cases. Kevin references a 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics report, revealing that 34% of nearly 5,000 female victims of murder and non-negligent manslaughter were killed by an intimate partner. In stark contrast, 6% of the approximately 18,000 male murder victims were killed by an intimate partner. Kevin emphasizes the importance of awareness and provides crucial resources for those experiencing intimate partner violence:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text Support: Text "START" to 88788

2. France Case: The Mysterious Deaths of Andrew Searle and Dawn Kerr

Timestamp: [07:09]
Speakers: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee

The first case discussed involves the mysterious deaths of Andrew Searle (62) and Dawn Kerr (56), a British couple residing in rural France near Toulouse. The couple was found deceased in their farmhouse under suspicious circumstances:

• Dawn Kerr: Discovered nude with head trauma from blunt or sharp force, no signs of sexual assault. A jewelry box was found nearby.
• Andrew Searle: Later found dead from hanging, devoid of defensive injuries.

The central question revolves around whether this is a double homicide involving a third party or a murder-suicide. Despite the couple appearing well-integrated and financially stable, the hosts caution against making assumptions based on outward appearances:

Kevin Greenlee [08:46]: "People are constantly doing things that you would never expect or totally irrational things."

Both Áine and Kevin stress the importance of waiting for concrete evidence before forming opinions, acknowledging the complexity of human behavior and the potential for hidden struggles.

3. International Case: Brent and Daniel Sikima in Brazil

Timestamp: [07:09]
Speakers: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee

The episode shifts to an international case involving Brent Sikima, a prominent art dealer, and his husband Daniel Sikima. The couple was undergoing a contentious divorce, which escalated tragically:

• Brent Sikima (75): Stabbed to death in Brazil.
• Daniel Sikima: Accused of conspiring to murder Brent. Charging documents reveal payments made to an individual allegedly involved in the crime.

Key Points:

• Legal Charges: Passport fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to murder a person in a foreign country.
• Defense Argument: Daniel maintains his innocence, claiming surprise at the accusations.
• Personal Background: Daniel authored a memoir, "Ticket to Paradise," detailing his life, including time as a male escort in Spain.

Kevin Greenlee [25:00]:

"If you hire someone to commit the crime, you’re likely to leave an evidence trail."

Áine and Kevin discuss the improbability of executing such a plan without leaving evidence, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting conspiracy cases.

4. Florida Case: Gregory and Kimberly Mallory

Timestamp: [07:09]
Speakers: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee

The hosts examine a harrowing case from Florida involving Gregory Philip Mallory Jr. (25) and Kimberly Ann Mallory (26):

• Incident: In 1997, Gregory and Kimberly were brutally attacked at their home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Their 23-month-old daughter survived the attack despite severe conditions.
• Perpetrator: James Dennis Ford, a former colleague at South Florida SOD Farm.
• Crimes: Assault with an axe, bludgeoning, throat slitting, rape, and shooting.
• Evidence: Semen found on Kimberly, eyewitness accounts, and Ford’s gun linked to the crime.

Ford was arrested shortly after the incident, with a seemingly strong case against him. His defense claimed he was blackout drunk, which Áine and Kevin critique as an ineffective and contradictory excuse, especially given his actions' brutality.

Kevin Greenlee [30:09]:

"I think you still bear responsibility for what you do at this point."

The discussion touches on the complexities of legal defenses involving intoxication and the moral questions surrounding accountability.

5. New Jersey Case: Ryan Keogh and the Keogh Parents

Timestamp: [07:09]
Speakers: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee

The final case highlights a legal controversy in New Jersey involving Ryan Keogh, who murdered Terrence Coolinge:

• Incident: Ryan shot Terrence at his family home and subsequently contacted his parents.
• Charges Against Parents: Mrs. and Mr. Keogh faced charges of endangerment for failing to assist after the shooting.
• Legal Analysis: Áine dives into the specific wording of the New Jersey statute, arguing that the charges are likely misguided because the victim was already deceased by the time the parents were aware of the incident.

Áine Cain [40:18]:

"Using the present tense 'causes' instead of 'caused' is enough to be a fatal blow to the charges against this couple."

The hosts conclude that the parents' charges were dismissed due to the legal nuances and timing of the incident, emphasizing the importance of precise legal language.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee provide thorough analyses of each case, blending journalistic investigation with legal expertise. They underscore the unpredictability of human behavior, the complexities of legal defenses, and the critical importance of accurate reporting in true crime narratives. By incorporating notable quotes with timestamps, listeners gain deeper insights into the hosts' perspectives and the cases' intricacies.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Greenlee [03:26]:
  "Domestic violence is something that we all need to be aware of. This is a scourge in society."

• Kevin Greenlee [08:46]:
  "People are constantly doing things that you would never expect or totally irrational things."

• Kevin Greenlee [25:00]:
  "If you hire someone to commit the crime, you’re likely to leave an evidence trail."

• Kevin Greenlee [30:09]:
  "I think you still bear responsibility for what you do at this point."

• Áine Cain [40:18]:
  "Using the present tense 'causes' instead of 'caused' is enough to be a fatal blow to the charges against this couple."

Final Thoughts:

The Cheat Sheet: Art and Arrests episode of The Murder Sheet navigates through a series of complex and emotionally charged cases, offering listeners a blend of detailed case facts, legal insights, and thoughtful commentary. For those interested in true crime with a focus on comprehensive reporting and analysis, this episode serves as a compelling listen.