Murder Sheet Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: The Cheat Sheet: Libraries and Legislatures
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)
Episode Overview
In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve into four distinct topics encompassing true crime cases, legal system intricacies, legislative developments, and a heartwarming educational initiative. The episode balances intense discussions on unresolved crimes and prosecutorial challenges with uplifting stories from the educational sector, showcasing the podcast’s commitment to comprehensive and varied true crime coverage.
1. Case Updates
a. Marquita Mull Case (New York)
Timestamp: 03:20 - 07:55
The hosts revisit the haunting disappearance of Marquita Mull, who vanished in the summer of 2021. Several months later, a human skull was discovered in Chautauqua County, New York, followed by the discovery of another body belonging to Marquita Mull approximately 10 yards away. This unsettling finding raises questions about the potential connection between the two remains.
Kevin Greenlee emphasizes the gravity of the case:
“This raises all sorts of interesting questions, one of which, are these two crimes related? And I don't think we have an answer to that yet...”
A significant development is the arrest of Richard J. Fox, a 61-year-old from Buffalo, New York, with a troubling criminal history involving multiple sexual offenses against women and girls. Áine Cain reflects on the systemic issue of repeat offenders:
“...a history of that sexual abuse where someone keeps getting convicted and then for some reason keeps getting let back out in society to do the exact same thing to other people...”
Kevin further discusses the frustration surrounding recidivism:
“It's very, very frustrating. And it's something that seems to happen over and over again...”
Áine Cain commends peer Mary Williams Deers for her advocacy and extensive coverage of the case, urging listeners to follow her work for more insights.
b. Vermont Murder Case: Mr. Deafen Moffatt and Jessica Hildenbrandt
Timestamp: 08:22 - 25:43
The discussion shifts to Vermont, focusing on Mr. Deafen Moffatt, who has been charged with the murder of Jessica Hildenbrandt. Hildenbrandt was missing for months before her remains were found in a gravel pit. However, preliminary identification of the remains lacks definitive confirmation, pending further tests, typically DNA-based.
Kevin Greenlee questions the prosecution's actions:
“...the argument could be made that how can we try this person for murder and for murdering this person...when we're not even certain 1000% that these remains belong to that person?”
Áine Cain highlights the complexities and potential miscarriages within the legal process:
“...this is pretty problematic. And I'm actually, I've looked into this a little too...”
The hosts debate the ethical implications of prosecutorial decisions when evidence remains inconclusive. The judge’s refusal to delay the case despite the necessity for confirmation tests leads to the dismissal of charges without prejudice, allowing for future re-filing should evidence confirm Hildenbrandt’s identity.
Kevin Greenlee underscores the heavy burden on prosecutors:
“...the heavy burden that prosecutors carry because there are so many little details for them to have to be aware of and have to act upon.”
Áine Cain expresses her concern over the balance between legal precision and the risk of wrongful convictions:
“I don't think...people in the legal system like, want to convict innocent people and ruin lives.”
The conversation segues into a critical analysis of prosecutorial practices, emphasizing the importance of thorough evidence before filing charges to prevent unjust incarcerations.
2. Legal System Discussion
a. Issues with Prosecutorial Practices
Timestamp: 23:01 - 26:22
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing prosecutorial discretion and the potential for wrongful convictions. Áine Cain shares her evolving perspective, acknowledging the intricacies prosecutors face:
“I don't want to dismiss it as silly lawyer games...”
Kevin Greenlee concurs, emphasizing the necessity for prosecutors to act responsibly:
“...you really don't want to have a situation where we allow in this country for people to have charges filed against them before the case is ready...”
They discuss the thin line prosecutors walk between ensuring justice and safeguarding against misuse of the legal system. The importance of basing charges on robust evidence is highlighted to prevent innocent individuals from bearing the brunt of unsubstantiated accusations.
b. Preventing Wrongful Convictions
Timestamp: 24:19 - 25:27
The duo explores the dire consequences of premature charging, referencing how double jeopardy laws protect individuals from being tried multiple times for the same offense. Áine Cain articulates the community's reliance on the legal system's integrity:
“It's not a casino. It's not something to be abused or just kicked around until it starts working.”
They stress the societal and individual repercussions when prosecutorial negligence leads to unintended incarcerations or, worse, wrongful convictions. The conversation serves as a call for meticulous and principled legal practices to uphold justice and public trust.
3. Legislative Spotlight: Virginia's Fentanyl Laws
Timestamp: 26:24 - 33:21
Kevin Greenlee introduces the topic of Virginia contemplating legislation that would classify fentanyl dealing resulting in death as a murder charge. This mirrors existing laws in Indiana, leading to a robust discussion on the efficacy and ethical ramifications of such measures.
Áine Cain references their prior coverage on the subject, including interviews with key legal figures:
“We interviewed two wonderful attorneys and actually quite a number of people for our series the Fentanyl Files...”
Prosecutor Zach Craig advocates for accountability, asserting the lethal nature of fentanyl and the need to hold dealers responsible:
“If you are giving someone a poison, even if you're selling it to them, that will kill them...”
Conversely, Public Defender Tim Sled critiques the war on drugs, suggesting that targeting low-level dealers overlooks the broader systemic issues and the powerful cartels controlling the supply chain:
“...we need to take the fight to higher-ups, people who are really making money off of this...”
The hosts analyze the balance between punitive measures and addressing the root causes of the opioid crisis, pondering whether legislation like Virginia's fosters meaningful change or merely targets symptoms of a deeper societal problem.
4. Positive Highlight: Colorado Librarian's Murder Mystery Project
Timestamp: 33:27 - 38:56
Shifting from heavy topics, the hosts share an uplifting story from Colorado about librarian Toby Ertelt, who won the 2024 School Library Services Award. Ertelt's innovative "Murder Mystery Research Project" engages middle school students in developing critical research skills through an interactive murder mystery scenario.
Kevin Greenlee reads an excerpt from Ertelt's interview:
“The students use their research skills to investigate the crime. In the end, they make accusations and give their evidence.”
Áine Cain praises the initiative, highlighting its effectiveness in teaching authority evaluation, bias recognition, and the importance of credible sources:
“...it helps bring home the importance of authority, bias, content, and date and helps them understand the importance of evaluating what they read.”
This segment underscores the value of integrating true crime elements into education to foster critical thinking and research proficiency among young learners.
5. Upcoming Projects: "Shadow of the Bridge" Book
Timestamp: 38:56 - 43:35
The hosts briefly discuss their forthcoming book, "Shadow of the Bridge," centered on the Delphi murders. This comprehensive work aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the case, incorporating extensive interviews and meticulous research to present a definitive narrative.
Áine Cain emphasizes the book's goal to authentically unravel the complexities of the Delphi case:
“...tell the truth, tell the comprehensive version of what happened.”
Kevin Greenlee touches on the challenges of navigating biased sources to uncover the factual truth:
“...some of the people I'm referring to have sources that are biased or come from a place of bias...”
Listeners are encouraged to pre-order the book on platforms like Amazon and Bookshop.com, with the hosts expressing gratitude for their support and promising exclusive treats for early adopters.
6. Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Marquita Mull Case:
- Kevin Greenlee [05:28]: “...if the evidence against him is strong and if he is convicted, then it's incredibly disturbing that he was led out again and again...”
-
Vermont Murder Case:
- Áine Cain [12:00]: “...if you have situations where prosecutor's office is putting the cart before the horse...”
-
Legal System Discussion:
- Áine Cain [23:01]: “When I was listening to True Crime podcast, when I was just a listener, so many times I would be listening to someone and they'd be like, these prosecutors don't want to file charges because they only care about their winning record...”
-
Virginia's Fentanyl Laws:
- Prosecutor Zach Craig [28:02]: “This is something where there needs to be accountability. If you are giving someone a poison...”
-
Colorado Librarian:
- Toby Ertelt [35:00]: “...the students are always so engaged. It helps bring home the importance of authority, bias, content, and date...”
Conclusion
In this multifaceted episode, Murder Sheet adeptly navigates through gripping true crime cases, controversial legal debates, legislative developments, and inspiring educational stories. Hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee provide insightful analysis and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities within the criminal justice system, while also celebrating positive initiatives that nurture critical thinking in youth. This episode exemplifies the podcast’s dedication to delivering comprehensive and thought-provoking true crime content.
Note: For a more immersive experience and ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to engage with the Murder Sheet community through their Facebook discussion group and support their endeavors via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.