Murder Sheet: The Murder of Scott Macklem; The Guilt of Temujin Kensu Part Five "He Struck The Baby"

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)

Overview

In this gripping fifth installment of the Murder Sheet series, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve deeper into the harrowing case of Scott Macklem's murder and the subsequent conviction of Temujin Kinzu. This episode, aptly titled "He Struck The Baby," explores the multifaceted dimensions of the case, including testimonies from victims, insights from law enforcement, and a poignant look into Kinzu's character and potential motives. The episode underscores the enduring impact of this crime on the families involved and the community at large.

Case Background

Scott Macklem was a 20-year-old college student in Port Huron, Michigan, who was tragically murdered in a parking lot outside St. Clair Community College on November 5, 1986. Temujin Kinzu, also known by various aliases such as Frederick Freeman and John Lamar, was convicted of the murder six months later and has remained incarcerated since. Throughout the decades, Kinzu has vehemently maintained his innocence, sparking debates and campaigns aimed at exonerating him.

Áine Cain (03:58) emphasizes, "The case has become well known in some circles as a case of a supposedly wrongful conviction."

Victims’ Testimonies

1. Crystal: The Fiancée and Survivor

Crystal, Scott's fiancée and a survivor of Kinzu's heinous abuse, provides a haunting account of the emotional and physical torment she endured. Her testimony highlights Kinzu's manipulative tactics and his direct threats to both her and Scott.

Crystal [08:46]: "Temujin Kenzu is not a man of integrity, but one of deception, lies... He used fear to try to control us."

Her statements vividly portray Kinzu's character as ruthless and remorseless, reinforcing the legitimacy of Scott Macklem's murder being a targeted act rather than a random occurrence.

2. Elle: Kinzu's Daughter

Elle, Kinzu's daughter, chronicles her personal struggle with her father's past and his ongoing attempts to manipulate and terrorize her family even years into his imprisonment.

Elle [17:19 – 21:13]: "Having to stand in the same room as the man I know to be my father... puts myself and my family's life in harm's way... I believe if Temujin Kenzu is released, my family will pay the ultimate price."

Elle's narrative sheds light on the long-term psychological impact of Kinzu's actions and the persistent fear his presence instills in his victims and their families.

3. G: The Former Wife and Victim

G, a former wife of Kinzu and Elle's mother, delivers a heart-wrenching testimony about her abusive marriage and the life-threatening ordeals she faced, including the brutal attack involving their infant daughter.

G [29:20 – 35:27]: "I have had my bones broken. I have had my body cut... He made me use a sword to threaten suicide, and when I couldn't comply, he struck me and assaulted me while I was five months pregnant with our daughter."

G's account is pivotal in illustrating the extreme violence and control exerted by Kinzu, further solidifying the argument against his potential release.

Law Enforcement Perspectives

David Hall: Head of the Drug Task Force

David Hall provides clarity on unfounded claims linking Scott Macklem to drug activities, a narrative often propagated by Kinzu's supporters to tarnish Scott's reputation.

David Hall [40:32 – 41:27]: "Scott Macklem's name never came up in the use of drugs... We kept good records... There is no evidence tying Scott to drug-related activities."

His testimony debunks attempts to suggest that Scott's involvement in the drug trade was a motive for his murder, reinforcing the notion that Kinzu had a personal vendetta against Scott.

Lynette Lawrence Kirk: Friend of the Families

Lynette recounts her observations during Kinzu's trial, emphasizing the corroborative evidence presented through victims' genuine emotions and Kinzu's sinister demeanor.

Lynette Lawrence Kirk [41:35 – 42:40]: "The body language of Kinzu and the genuine emotion of the victims told the real story... His eyes look like Satan."

Her perspective underscores the unspoken truths that emerged during the trial, highlighting Kinzu's lack of remorse and inherent guilt.

Renee Gobind: Eyewitness and Law Enforcement Officer

Renee, who initially provided eyewitness testimony, addresses criticisms regarding his identification of Kinzu and the integrity of his statements.

Renee Gobind [43:11 – 44:37]: "I participated in the trial, testified under oath... Temujin Kinzu did look at me in the courtroom and state, 'You die.'"

Renee's testimony reinforces the consistency and reliability of the evidence against Kinzu, countering claims of coerced or manipulated testimonies.

Michael Wendling: Prosecuting Attorney of St. Clair County

Michael Wendling articulates the enduring threat Kinzu poses to society, emphasizing the consistent efforts of the prosecution to keep him incarcerated.

Michael Wendling [47:52 – 50:11]: "Temujin Kinzu is the most dangerous individual in St. Clair County... His conduct during hearings spoke volumes about the type of person he is."

Wendling's insights highlight the broader implications of Kinzu's potential release, reinforcing the necessity of keeping him behind bars.

Temujin Kinzu’s Testimony and Motives

During a 2010 parole hearing, Kinzu's responses reveal a complex persona marked by deception, manipulation, and an inability to accept responsibility for his actions.

Kinzu [50:29 – 53:18]: "I did believe it might have been somebody else's child... I thought it might be Scott Scott had wronged them."

Kinzu's acknowledgment of a potential rivalry over paternity introduces a plausible motive for Scott Macklem's murder, suggesting that Kinzu feared losing access to his child if Crystal chose to be with Scott.

Moreover, Kinzu's attempts to undermine the credibility of his accusers and the legal process further illustrate his manipulative nature:

Kinzu [54:51 – 55:11]: "Well, yeah, I had to."

His defensive and aggressive demeanor during the hearing did not sway the Parole and Commutation Board, reinforcing the community's trust in the original conviction.

Legal Implications and Board Decisions

The episode details the rigorous evaluation process undertaken by the Parole and Commutation Board, highlighting the factors that led to the decision to deny Kinzu's commutation.

Kevin Greenlee (55:35 – 64:37) meticulously breaks down Kinzu's antisocial behavior traits, aligning them with documented psychological profiles. He references specific characteristics such as pathological lying, lack of remorse, and manipulative tendencies to argue against Kinzu's suitability for release.

Kevin Greenlee: "Temujin Kenzu has been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder... His behavior aligns with core traits of sociopathy, making him a continued threat to society."

The board's unanimous decision to deny commutation underscores the severity of Kinzu's crimes and the enduring danger he poses, as expressed by both the prosecution and the victims' families.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee conclude the episode by reaffirming the importance of maintaining Kinzu's incarceration to protect the community and provide justice for Scott Macklem and the other victims.

Áine Cain [64:42]: "We very much hope that [Kinzu's] release never occurs."

They hint at future episodes that will explore Kinzu's ongoing claims of innocence and his continued harassment of victims from behind bars, promising listeners a comprehensive examination of all facets of this deeply troubling case.

Key Takeaways

• Targeted Murder: The episode reinforces that Scott Macklem's murder was a premeditated act by Temujin Kinzu, driven by personal vendettas and fears over paternity.

• Victims' Resilience: Testimonies from Crystal, Elle, and G illustrate the profound and lasting trauma inflicted by Kinzu, highlighting the moral imperative to prevent his release.

• Law Enforcement Integrity: Insights from law enforcement officials debunk myths surrounding Scott Macklem's character and discredit attempts to associate him with illicit activities.

• Psychological Profiling: Detailed analysis of Kinzu's personality traits underscores the necessity of his continued imprisonment to safeguard society.

Notable Quotes

• Crystal [08:46]: "Temujin Kenzu is not a man of integrity, but one of deception, lies."

• Elle [17:19]: "I can't stay in one place for too long because I fear that he will find me."

• G [29:20]: "The time I spent with Temujin was the most traumatizing time of my life."

• David Hall [40:32]: "Scott Macklem's name never came up in the use of drugs."

• Kinzu [50:29]: "I thought it might have been somebody else's child."

• Michael Wendling [47:52]: "Temujin Kinzu is the most dangerous individual in St. Clair County."

Engage with the Murder Sheet

If you have any personal connections to this case or additional information, Murder Sheet encourages you to reach out via email at us@murdersheetmail.com. Your insights could be invaluable in uncovering more layers of this complex case.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as Murder Sheet continues to unravel the intricate web surrounding Temujin Kinzu and the tragic murder of Scott Macklem.

For more detailed discussions, interviews, and investigations into both well-known and obscure true crime cases, subscribe to Murder Sheet on your preferred podcast platform.