The Murder of Scott Macklem: The Guilt of Temujin Kensu: Leyna’s Story – Part Three

Podcast: Murder Sheet
Hosts: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee
Guest: Leyna (daughter of Temujin Kensu, aka Frederick Freeman)
Release Date: October 8, 2025

Overview

This episode continues the in-depth exploration of the fallout surrounding the murder of Scott Macklem and the conviction of Temujin Kensu (formerly Frederick Freeman), through the perspective of Kensu’s daughter, Leyna. Having bravely spoken out against her father and his supporters, Leyna returns to describe the aftermath of her public statements, the overwhelming listener support she received, the vitriolic backlash from Kensu’s camp, and her emotional journey. The episode also addresses recent developments regarding Kensu’s conduct in prison and serves as both an update and a reflection on the broader issues facing families of high-profile offenders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leyna’s Return & Listener Support

• Leyna Shares Her Current State

  • Leyna describes life after coming forward as “such a positive experience” due to listener support, calling it “mind boggling” ([04:48]).
  • She emphasizes how strangers rallied to defend her after years of attacks and disbelief.

• Emotional Impact

  • Leyna is visibly moved by the supportive messages from listeners, admitting, “I'd never seen so many strangers step up to our defense… I was just, like, crying. Like, this is so unbelievable.” ([09:51])
  • Recounts being uplifted by people who, for the first time, believed her side of the story:
    “I felt like we didn't have a voice for so long and… they really lifted us up.” ([10:19])

2. Negative Backlash and Threats from Kensu’s Camp

• Immediate Retaliation

  • Days after the episode aired, Kensu and Paula (his supporter/partner) allegedly “doxxed” Leyna and threatened to release her criminal history ([05:12]).
  • Leyna’s fear: “I have kids. What are you doing?...he’s had people…physically come to our residences.” ([05:45])
  • She clarifies, “It was a way to, like, threaten me and let me know, once again, we have your information. We're still watching you…” ([07:34])

• Public Unraveling of Kensu

  • Kensu’s and Paula’s responses were described as “ad hominem attacks… incredibly vicious, mean spirited, seeking to destroy you and your reputation once more” ([16:53]).
  • Leyna notes seeing him portrayed as “an angry, broken man who can't do anything other than continue to lash out at me. You can't even articulate and dissect what I said in a cordial manner. You just go straight to hate and animosity.” ([17:39])

3. The Power of Public Pushback

• Shift in Online Dynamics

  • Listeners and online community members organized to shut down attacks from Kensu’s allies.
    “Somebody in one of the chats that I was in had said, 'You guys have gone through enough. We'll take it from here.'” ([11:10])
  • The hosts noticed a shift as the backlash against Leyna was met with vocal defenses and immediate, widespread support in Facebook groups and on Reddit.

• Exposing the Pattern

  • “Now the bullying was quite public because it was in these Facebook groups. It was all over Reddit. And so people could see this is who this guy really is.” (Kevin, [13:13])

4. Internet Manipulation & Tactics

• Orchestrated Defenses

  • Leyna and the hosts observed suspiciously similar “new Reddit accounts” appearing en masse to defend Kensu and attack detractors ([19:10]).
  • Leyna opines, “It seems like the same person who wrote them…also responding to themselves in a very timely manner.” ([19:36])

• Listener Solidarity

  • Online supporters described as giving Kensu’s camp “a taste of their own medicine” by countering misinformation and harassment campaigns ([21:22]).

5. Reflections on Advocacy and Responsibility

• Judging Advocacy Work
  • Leyna and the hosts urge those interested in wrongful conviction cases to “look at all of the evidence… sit down and do the deep dive” before backing someone’s innocence campaign ([23:26]).
  • Áine: “I'm a big believer in everyone in true crime who's a creator has a really strong responsibility to their audience and to cases in order to get it right as much as possible.” ([24:59])

Notable Quote

“Sometimes this is fueling the ego of these people and it's making them become more powerful… and so then they go behind closed doors and they're terrorizing people.”
— Leyna [25:26]

6. Prison Developments: Kensu’s Contraband & Punishment

• Recent Developments

  • Michigan DOC searched Kensu’s cell and found contraband, including a Wi-Fi enabled device, leading to disciplinary actions ([26:51]).
  • Leyna felt relief and validation, stating, “I had a cheerful celebration… especially because we've tried…to reach out to the warden and say, hey, he's harassing us. I think he's got a phone… and felt like it was falling on deaf ears. So knowing that people took this seriously… I feel incredible.” ([27:12])

• Ongoing Concerns

  • Questions remain about how Kensu acquired digital devices and whether others aided him, with the hosts expressing interest in investigating further ([29:00]).

7. Advice to Others Facing Similar Circumstances

• Advice on Speaking Out

  • Leyna stresses the importance of coming forward “when you’re ready,” highlighting the emotional toll: “For me, I learned to process my trauma through addiction… I’ve realized that though, I think I’m really healed…I don’t like the word triggered, but you can get triggered again. And so be prepared for that if you are going to speak.” ([31:44])
  • “If you even survive trauma and abuse and you're here to talk about it, you can't be forced or pushed until everything is the right time…Just be prepared. It's a wave, and that's okay. Give yourself grace while you're riding it.” ([34:55])

• On Anonymity and Support

  • Leyna underscores the hosts’ sensitivity, saying, “Not everybody has to [use their real name or go on camera]… these are two great people. If you want to put it in their hands… they are not going to harass and threaten you. It's very different experience than Fred's camp. It's been very empowering.” ([40:18])

8. Temujin Kensu’s Name Change

• The Legal Aspect
  • Discussion around Kensu allegedly reverting to his birth name “Frederick Freeman,” possibly for legal reasons. Leyna wryly comments, “It's kind of great to see him get knocked down a peg or two. Whether he's trying to do it for a public image, it doesn't matter... it wasn't Temujin who committed these crimes. It was Fred.” ([35:12])

9. Gratitude to the Community

• Leyna expresses deep appreciation for the hosts and listeners, crediting community support for helping her and other victims find their voice and feel safe.

  “I can't even explain how much our families appreciate you guys... and everything that you guys have done, I sing your praises all the time. I love you guys.” ([37:02], [38:16])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Impact of Support:

  • “I felt like we didn't have a voice for so long and… they really lifted us up.” – Leyna ([10:19])

• On Facing Public Attacks:

  • “Here's this guy. He's like, supposed to be my dad, just exploiting, like, every horrific thing that happened to me for his benefit.” – Leyna ([06:47])

• On the Public Backlash:

  • “Now, the bullying was quite public… people could see this is who this guy really is.” – Kevin ([13:13])

• Advice for Victims:

  • “If you even survive trauma and abuse and you're here to talk about it, you can't be forced or pushed until everything is the right time…Give yourself grace while you're riding it.” – Leyna ([34:55])

• On Name Change:

  • “Doesn't matter if you're Temujin or Fred. I hate you either way.” – Leyna quoting a listener ([36:45])

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 04:35 | Leyna’s check-in: Initial reactions, positive support | | 05:12 | Negative backlash; threats from Kensu and Paula | | 09:51 | Listener pushback, emotional impact | | 11:10 | Online solidarity; shifting online dynamics | | 16:53 | Breakdown of Kensu and Paula’s retaliatory tactics | | 19:10 | Observing coordinated Reddit attacks | | 23:26 | Call for responsible journalism in true crime | | 26:51 | Michigan DOC finds Kensu’s contraband; family’s relief| | 31:36 | Leyna’s advice to others in similar positions | | 35:12 | Discussion on name change from Temujin Kensu to Fred | | 37:02 | Gratitude for host and listener support | | 40:18 | Advice on anonymity for future whistleblowers |

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, supportive, and raw, with Leyna expressing a spectrum of emotions—from fear and trauma to gratitude and hope. The hosts, Áine and Kevin, use a careful, evidence-based tone, showing empathy while encouraging responsible journalism and activism in true crime. The episode blends somber realities with uplifting moments as Leyna and the community reclaim agency against abuse and misinformation.

Summary Prepared for Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode offers an inside look at what happens when a key witness and relative of a convicted murderer challenges the dominant narrative, faces public and private retaliation, and finds strength and support in unexpected places. Listeners gain valuable insight into the psychological toll of confronting family secrets, the risks of online advocacy and misinformation, and the crucial importance of thoughtful journalism in the true crime community.