The Murder Sheet: The Cheat Sheet Episode Summary – "Mockingbirds and Misconduct"

Release Date: April 18, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain, a seasoned journalist, and Kevin Greenlee, an attorney with a keen insight into the criminal justice system, delve into a series of haunting true crime cases spanning the United Kingdom, Tennessee, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Titled "Mockingbirds and Misconduct," the episode offers a deep exploration of each case, interwoven with poignant personal reflections and incisive legal analysis.

1. The Hertfordshire Tragedy: Murder of Carol and Her Daughters

Timestamp: [04:33] – [14:29]

The episode opens with a harrowing recount of the murder of Carol Hunt and her two daughters, Hannah and Louise Hunt, in Hertfordshire, UK. The perpetrator, Kyle Clifford, Louise's ex-boyfriend, orchestrated the brutal killings using a crossbow and a knife on July 9, 2024.

Áine Cain narrates the sequence of events, highlighting Clifford's manipulative behavior over an 18-month relationship characterized by infidelity and overt misogyny. Initially maintaining a facade of amicable separation, Clifford's true intentions emerged tragically as he methodically eliminated Carol and her daughters. The narrative emphasizes the sheer brutality and premeditation of the act, climaxing with Hannah Hunt's last-ditch effort to alert authorities before succumbing to her injuries.

A particularly moving moment occurs when Áine reads a powerful statement from John Hunt, the father of the victims, delivered during sentencing:

John Hunt (04:58): "I also want to confirm to the world the truth, especially how Louise conducted herself within a textbook mature breakup on her part. Understanding the conflict of saying goodbye to someone she once loved, but not allowing those memories to cloud her certain knowledge that you simply failed to be the person she needed. You failed. I am so proud of all my girls. Unlike you, Kyle, at every step of their lives, they made the correct choices to improve themselves as people. Louise enjoyed more success and fulfillment in one morning than you achieved in your entire miserable life."

This excerpt underscores the profound loss and the resilience of the Hunt family in the face of unimaginable grief.

2. Tennessee’s Dark Secrets: The Solomon Case

Timestamp: [14:34] – [24:52]

Shifting focus to Tennessee, Áine and Kevin examine the Solomon case, a complex and emotionally charged incident involving Grant Solomon, an 18-year-old who died in a tragic accident on July 20, 2020. Grant was accidentally run over by his father, Aaron Solomon, a former news anchor. The incident raised suspicions among the family and local community, with allegations surfacing that Aaron may have had more sinister motives.

Kevin Greenlee provides context, noting the rampant conspiracy theories propagated by certain websites alleging Aaron's culpability without substantial evidence:

Kevin Greenlee (17:40): "It's pretty serious charge that should certainly have some evidence backing it up."

The situation escalates when Angela Solomon, Aaron's ex-wife and Grant's mother, is arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Aaron, purportedly to secure a trust fund for their daughter. Áine comments on the malign motives behind Angela's actions, dismissing the claims of seeking revenge and highlighting the apparent financial greed:

Áine Cain (22:12): "So she's not saying I want revenge for my murdered son who wasn't really murdered, she's saying I want the money. So that sounds about right."

The hosts critically analyze the tangled web of grief, suspicion, and familial discord, emphasizing the danger of unfounded conspiracy theories and the importance of evidence-based conclusions.

3. Oregon’s Unresolved Past: Reopening Michael Franke’s Murder

Timestamp: [30:38] – [36:41]

The narrative then moves to Oregon, where the unsolved murder of Michael Franke, the Corrections Director, in 1989 resurfaces with new developments. Initially, Frank Gable was convicted for the murder, but years later, significant flaws in the investigation led to widespread doubt about his guilt. Judge Jacqueline Union cited:

Judge Jacqueline Union (33:11): "The facts on appeal are extraordinary. Since the trial, nearly all the witnesses who directly implicated Gable have recanted. Many explained they intended to frame Gable after hearing he was a police informant. They attribute their false testimony to significant investigative misconduct, which the state remarkably, does not dispute."

This revelation prompts a bipartisan effort in the Oregon House of Representatives to request the FBI to reopen the case. Kevin reflects on the gravity of the situation:

Kevin Greenlee (33:01): "That's very, very troubling. And I know Mr. Gable has filed a suit against some of the investigators involved. Yeah, it's troubling."

Áine concurs, expressing hope for justice:

Áine Cain (35:57): "I tend to think, more likely than not, that Mr. Gable is not the person responsible for this."

The episode underscores the enduring quest for truth and accountability within the criminal justice system, highlighting the challenges of rectifying past miscarriages of justice.

4. Wisconsin’s Dark Corners: The Stephen James Weiss Case

Timestamp: [36:47] – [40:53]

Concluding the episode, Áine and Kevin discuss the Stephen James Weiss case from Wisconsin. Weiss, an IT professional at Frater Hospital in West Bend, pled no contest to 31 counts related to severe sexual misconduct, including stalking minors, illicitly recording individuals in private spaces, and tampering with personal items.

Áine details the nature of Weiss's crimes, emphasizing the violation of trust and the invasive nature of his actions. Kevin explains the legal implications of Weiss's no contest plea:

Kevin Greenlee (38:54): "No contest is kind of like a halfway house or a halfway point between you're not saying you're guilty, you're not saying you're innocent. You're basically saying, I'm not going to contest these charges."

This plea resulted in a substantial sentence of 44 years in prison plus an additional 35 years with extended supervision, underscoring the severity of Weiss's offenses and the legal system's response to such egregious violations.

Concluding Remarks and Listener Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Áine and Kevin briefly discuss upcoming live events, merchandise, and ways listeners can engage with the podcast, including supporting through Patreon and Buy Me A Coffee. They also address the high demand for live appearances, reflecting on the growing popularity of The Murder Sheet.

A playful exchange about their sponsorship and merchandise underscores the hosts' personable dynamic, leaving listeners with a sense of connection beyond the gravity of the cases discussed.

Notable Quotes:

• Áine Cain [06:36]: "How badly do you have to mess up as parents to raise two people like this?"

• John Hunt [04:58]: "Louise's favorite novel from her school days was Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird... You killed three beautiful mockingbirds, Kyle."

• Kevin Greenlee [33:11]: "The facts on appeal are extraordinary... many explained they intended to frame Gable..."

Final Thoughts:

In "Mockingbirds and Misconduct," The Murder Sheet delivers a poignant and thorough examination of multiple true crime cases, each illustrating different facets of human tragedy and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through meticulous reporting and heartfelt discussions, Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee offer listeners not only detailed narratives of each case but also insightful commentary on broader societal issues such as misogyny, wrongful convictions, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

For those seeking an in-depth and emotionally resonant true crime experience, this episode stands out as a testament to the hosts' dedication to uncovering the truth and honoring the memories of victims.