Detailed Summary of "The Cheat Sheet: Attempts and Anesthesiologists" Episode – Murder Sheet Podcast
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain, a journalist, and Kevin Greenlee, an attorney, delve into three harrowing true crime cases spanning Louisiana, Minnesota, Hawaii, and California. They employ a journalistic approach, offering in-depth analyses, personal insights, and thoughtful discussions on each case.
1. Hit-and-Run Tragedy in Louisiana
Case Overview: The episode opens with the tragic story of Josh Woodruff, a 28-year-old tourist from Nebraska who was brutally killed in a hit-and-run incident in New Orleans on January 1, 2016. Woodruff, affectionately known as "Woody," was visiting the city and working at Soylent. His compassionate nature and close family ties made his untimely death particularly heartbreaking.
Details:
- Incident Location & Time: Domain and Decatur streets in the French Quarter around 3:00 AM.
- Vehicle Description: A dark-colored four-door sedan, images released by the police are blurry, lacking clear license plate details.
- Aftermath: Woodruff's body was discovered near the General de Gaulle Drive exit on the West Bank Expressway by 3:30 AM. Security camera footage captured the vehicle, but leads remain scarce.
Discussion: Áine Cain emphasizes the unresolved nature of the case, urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in identifying the perpetrator. She states, “This really heinous hit and run killing should be solved and people should be held accountable” [Timestamp: 07:50].
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111 or the New Orleans Police Department's homicide section at 504-658-5300 if they have any pertinent information.
2. The Controversial Case of Attorney Sarah Gadget in Minnesota
Case Overview: The discussion shifts to Minnesota, focusing on the tragic murder of Monique Baugh in Minneapolis. Central to this case is Lyndon Wiggins, previously convicted for his involvement, whose conviction has been overturned, leading to a new trial.
Key Figures:
- Lyndon Wiggins: Allegedly involved in Monique Baugh's murder; facing a new trial after his initial conviction was overturned.
- Sarah Gadget: Wiggins' defense attorney, now embroiled in allegations of smuggling drugs into prisons by soaking paperwork with fentanyl and cocaine. She adamantly denies these charges.
Details:
- Allegations: Authorities suspect Gadget of providing drug-soaked papers to inmates, facilitating the distribution of narcotics within prisons.
- Evidence: Searches of Gadget's residence revealed liquor bottles, a prescription syringe, and white powder residue.
- Legal Implications: Gadget argues that the publicity surrounding her allegations compromises Wiggins' fair trial, suggesting that the court should dismiss all charges against her client to maintain impartiality.
Discussion: Áine Cain critiques Gadget's strategy, expressing skepticism about dismissing charges solely based on personal allegations. “I don't know if alcohol or narcotics was involved in this driver's decision making... but he dragged someone that far for that long, it seems like a possibility” [Timestamp: 12:37].
Kevin Greenlee counters by highlighting the ethical dilemma faced by defense attorneys whose personal legal issues might prejudice their cases. He muses, “if such an attorney is suspected of smuggling drugs into the prison... that's going to attract a lot of attention, isn't it?”
Community Impact: The situation has sparked a "#FreeGadget" movement, reflecting the community's divided opinions on the allegations and their implications for the justice system.
3. Assault by Anesthesiologist in Hawaii
Case Overview: The episode then explores a disturbing incident in Hawaii involving Gerhardt Koenig, an anesthesiologist accused of attempting to murder his wife on the island of Oahu.
Details:
- Location: Poly Lookout Trail, Oahu, Hawaii.
- Incident Time: Approximately 10:00 AM.
- Alleged Actions: After his wife declined to take a photo, Koenig allegedly attacked her by pushing her off the trail, hitting her head with a rock, and attempting to inject her with a syringe multiple times.
- Aftermath: Koenig fled the scene but was apprehended by Honolulu Police after a foot chase down the Pali Highway around 6:00 PM. His wife remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Discussion: Áine Cain reflects on the nature of domestic violence, emphasizing its indiscriminate nature. She highlights a statement from Seno Kai of Women Helping Women: “Both prominent people in our community... DV does not discriminate. People from every walk of life can be affected” [Timestamp: 22:35].
Kevin Greenlee adds, “It's horrific... there should be accountability,” underscoring the need for justice in cases of domestic violence irrespective of the perpetrator’s professional standing.
Insights: The hosts discuss the broader implications of domestic violence, noting that societal perceptions often underestimate its prevalence across different social strata. They stress the importance of recognizing that domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of their status or occupation.
4. Vigilante Attempt by Cain Velasquez in California
Case Overview: The final case examines the actions of Cain Velasquez, a former mixed martial artist, who took the law into his own hands after discovering that his four-year-old son had been molested repeatedly by Harry Goular Tay at a daycare.
Details:
- Incident: In 2022, upon learning about his son's abuse, Velasquez embarked on an 11-mile car chase, armed with a handgun, attempting to kill Goular Tay.
- Outcome: During the pursuit, Velasquez wounded Tay and another individual in the vehicle. Tay survived and has yet to stand trial.
- Legal Consequences: Initially sentenced to 30 years, Velasquez was moved to house arrest to be with his child and eventually pleaded no contest. The judge, moved by the circumstances, reduced his sentence to five years, acknowledging that Velasquez is not a threat to public safety.
Discussion: Áine Cain grapples with the ethical complexities of vigilante justice. She remarks, “You can't just, you can't do it,” yet also expresses empathy for Velasquez’s anguish, stating, “I can't imagine the helplessness that a parent would feel in a situation like that” [Timestamp: 35:58].
Kevin Greenlee discusses the prosecution's stance on preventing vigilante actions, noting the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and recognizing the motives behind such extreme responses.
Notable Quote: The judge, addressing the mitigating factors, remarked, “This is a tragic case... mitigating factors really outweigh the aggravating factors,” leading to Velasquez’s lenient sentencing [Timestamp: 32:28].
Ethical Considerations: The hosts debate the repercussions of both the act itself and the judicial response. They consider whether society benefits from rehabilitating individuals like Velasquez or if stricter penalties are necessary to deter similar actions in the future.
Conclusion
In this episode, Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee navigate through complex and emotionally charged true crime cases, offering listeners a blend of factual reporting and personal reflection. The discussions highlight the multifaceted nature of justice, accountability, and the human emotions that drive individuals to both perpetrate and respond to heinous crimes.
Notable Quotes:
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Áine Cain: “This really heinous hit and run killing should be solved and people should be held accountable.” [07:50]
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Seno Kai, Women Helping Women: “Both prominent people in our community... DV does not discriminate. People from every walk of life can be affected.” [22:35]
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Áine Cain: “I can't imagine the helplessness that a parent would feel in a situation like that.” [35:58]
Additional Resources:
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Contact Information for Cases:
- Louisiana Hit-and-Run: Crime Stoppers - 504-822-1111; New Orleans Police Department Homicide - 504-658-5300
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Support Groups:
- Women Helping Women: Advocating against domestic violence across all societal sectors.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of each case and the broader implications for the criminal justice system.
