The Murder Sheet: "The Cheat Sheet: Plazas and Pizzas" Release Date: March 21, 2025
Hosts:
- Áine Cain, Journalist
- Kevin Greenlee, Attorney
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode of The Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve into five chilling true crime cases spread across New Jersey, New York, Maryland, California, and New Mexico. Utilizing investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) and other forensic advancements, the podcast uncovers the dark narratives behind these unresolved and historically significant murders. The hosts provide insightful legal analysis, emotional narratives, and thought-provoking discussions on the implications of these crimes within the broader criminal justice system.
1. The Murder of Nancy Noga (New Jersey)
Timestamp: [05:38 – 07:21]
Case Summary: In January 1999, 17-year-old Nancy Noga disappeared from her apartment in New Jersey. Five days later, her frozen body was discovered behind the Mini Mall Plaza shopping center, approximately a 15-minute walk from her residence. Nancy had been brutally raped and died from blunt force trauma.
Breakthrough: In 2021, advancements in IGG led to the arrest of Bruce Symansky, aged 52, who was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with 30 years of parole ineligibility.
Notable Quote:
Áine Cain reflects on the case's complexity:
“The discovery has other suspects in it. Wow.” [07:00]
Discussion Points:
- Forensic Genetic Genealogy: The role of IGG in solving cold cases.
- Family’s Struggle: Nancy’s family endured the pain of this unsolved case for over two decades.
- Legal Implications: The controversy surrounding Symansky’s guilt, especially considering conflicting DNA evidence from other suspects.
2. The Murder of Catherine Donahue (Maryland)
Timestamp: [10:29 – 12:08]
Case Summary: Catherine Donahue, a 31-year-old woman from Arlington, Maryland, was murdered in 1979. She was beaten, raped, and left in a parking lot in Prince George's County.
Breakthrough: Decades later, preserved DNA evidence was re-examined using modern technology with assistance from the FBI’s IGG team and Othram. This led to the identification and arrest of Roger Zotis Brown, an 82-year-old man residing in North Carolina.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee muses on the nature of offenders:
“I think people have a hard time with the idea that someone can do something like this and go live their lives.” [12:00]
Discussion Points:
- Advancements in DNA Technology: How preserved evidence can transform cold cases.
- Behavioral Analysis: Understanding how individuals capable of such heinous crimes can continue mundane lives.
- Systemic Challenges: The difficulties in tracking and prosecuting elderly suspects for past crimes.
3. The Murder of Scott Dwight Habermel (New Mexico)
Timestamp: [14:52 – 26:29]
Case Summary: Scott Dwight Habermel, a 63-year-old scientist and cyclist, was murdered on May 29, 2024, at Sandia National Laboratory. A group of teenagers deliberately crashed a stolen car into him, filming the act and posting it on social media.
Suspects:
- William Garcia, 15
- Jonathan Overbay, 13
- Unnamed 11-year-old
Discussion Points:
- Juvenile Delinquency: Exploring the motivations and psychological factors behind such extreme behavior in minors.
- Parental Responsibility: Debating the role of parenting in preventing teenage involvement in violent crimes.
- Community Impact: The significant decrease in crime rates following the arrest of the teenagers.
- Risk Factors for Delinquency: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee reference the 2003 US Department of Justice report outlining individual, family, school, peer group, and community factors influencing juvenile delinquency.
Notable Quotes:
Kevins Greenlee highlights societal perceptions:
“There could have been some explanation...This woman was abducted, raped and murdered.” [09:05]
Áine Cain emphasizes the complexity of punishment:
“Maybe we should have an entire show about this at some point.” [32:00]
4. The Case of Mikayla Reilersdom (California)
Timestamp: [26:32 – 37:37]
Case Summary: Mikayla Reilersdom, a 31-year-old woman, was involved in a tragic incident resulting in the death of Michael Dale, 56. Dale sought her services for extreme fetish activities, including being wrapped in Saran Wrap and having adhesive put on his eyes. The encounter culminated in Dale suffocating and dying from the imposed restraints.
Legal Proceedings: Mikayla has been charged with second-degree murder due to the recklessness of her actions, despite lacking the intention to kill.
Discussion Points:
- Consent and Safety in Fetish Practices: The fine line between consensual activities and criminal negligence.
- Legal Definitions: Clarifying second-degree murder where specific intent is absent but recklessness is present.
- Ethical Implications: Debating appropriate punishment for accidental deaths resulting from consensual but unsafe practices.
Notable Quotes:
Áine Cain on the intent behind actions:
“It feels a little harsh to be a murder charge, frankly.” [30:22]
Kevin Greenlee discusses societal roles in punishment:
“Why do we believe we as a society are punishing criminals?” [33:32]
5. The Assassination Attempt on Masi Alinajad (New York)
Timestamp: [38:33 – 44:56]
Case Summary: Masi Alinajad, an Iranian women's rights advocate in Brooklyn, was the target of an assassination plot orchestrated by Khalid Medivev. Medivev, aiming to infiltrate her life, employed unorthodox methods such as sending peculiar texts, staking out her residence, and even ordering pizza to maintain his cover. Despite his efforts, Alinajad survived the initial attempts due to the evidence captured by her Ring camera.
Breakthrough: Medivev was arrested with incriminating evidence, including a loaded gun and a ski mask intended for disguise. During incarceration, Medivev cooperated with authorities, leading to the identification of his employers, Rafat Amirav and Polad Amurov, who claimed the plot was a hoax to extort money from Iran.
Discussion Points:
- International Threats: The dangers faced by activists advocating for women's rights in oppressive regimes.
- Incompetence in Criminal Operations: Medivev’s numerous mistakes highlight the challenges in executing covert operations.
- Legal Ramifications: The prosecution’s stance on treating the assassination attempts seriously despite claims of it being a scam.
Notable Quotes:
Áine Cain expresses disbelief:
“Baffling.” [43:14]
Kevin Greenlee comments on media portrayals:
“We make them often out to be really cool and competent in most TV shows.” [44:16]
Final Thoughts and Reflections
Timestamp: [44:29 – 54:21]
The hosts reflect on the nature of criminal intent, the complexities of legal definitions, and the societal implications of punishment and rehabilitation. They discuss the balance between holding individuals accountable and understanding the underlying factors that lead to such extreme behaviors.
Notable Quote:
Kevin Greenlee contemplates the essence of punishment:
“Is it simply to keep the public safe... Is it revenge?... Is it rehabilitation?” [33:42]
Conclusion
In "Plazas and Pizzas," The Murder Sheet offers a profound exploration of diverse murder cases, emphasizing the role of forensic advancements and the intricate nature of human behavior. Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of true crime, blending meticulous research with empathetic storytelling.
Notable Quotes from the Episode:
-
Áine Cain:
“The search for truth never ends.” [00:00] -
Kevin Greenlee:
“We make them often out to be really cool and competent in most TV shows.” [44:16] -
Sponsors Mentioned: While sponsors are present throughout the episode, the hosts ensure that the focus remains on delivering in-depth crime analysis and discussions.
For More Information and Resources:
- Join the Murder Sheet Discussion Group on Facebook: Engage with other true crime enthusiasts and discuss cases covered in the podcast.
- Support the Show: Visit Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to contribute to the research and reporting efforts.
This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode for those who haven't listened, encapsulating key discussions, insights, and poignant moments highlighted by the hosts.