Summary of "The Murder of Scott Macklem: The Guilt of Temujin Kensu Part Seven: Questions"

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain, a journalist, and Kevin Greenlee, an attorney, delve deeper into the complexities surrounding the murder of Scott Macklem and the conviction of Temujin Kinzu. Part Seven focuses on addressing listener-submitted questions, providing clarity on various aspects of the case, and discussing the ongoing coverage by the Murder Sheet team.

Ongoing Coverage of the Case

Kevin Greenlee [03:32]:

"We've been doing some pretty extensive coverage on the murder of Scott Macklem by a man who now calls himself Temujin Kinzu."

Áine Cain [05:34]:

"No, we're not done covering the case. We are done, for the time being at least covering it on a weekly basis."

The hosts clarify that while they have concluded the weekly updates, comprehensive coverage of critical case elements like the original case points and the commutation hearing will continue intermittently. They emphasize the need for ongoing reporting to explore various angles as they arise.

Protecting Sources and Encouraging Testimonies

Kevin Greenlee [06:29]:

"We protect our sources. We are very careful to protect our sources."

Given the harassment faced by those connected to the case, the hosts invite individuals with relevant information or personal connections to reach out, assuring them of confidentiality and protection.

Timeline of Events

Kevin Greenlee [08:38]:

"Crystal met the man now known as Temujin Kinzu in late April, early May, ish of 1986. She was the one who ended the relationship, not he."

Áine Cain [10:22]:

"The information on this Halloween party? I found that in a police report that was dated January 28, 1987."

The timeline outlines the progression from Crystal's relationship with Temujin Kinzu, through incidents of stalking, to the announcement of Crystal and Scott's engagement at a Halloween party, and finally Scott Macklem's murder on November 5, 1986.

Key Evidence and Motive

Kevin Greenlee [11:03]:

"Especially since by his own admission, Temujin Kinzu said that at the time of the murder, he believed that not only was Crystal pregnant, but she was pregnant, possibly with his child."

This segment discusses Temujin Kinzu's belief about Crystal's pregnancy and how it establishes a motive for the murder of Scott Macklem. The discussion underscores the relevance of Crystal's testimony in establishing Kinzu's motive.

Phil Joplin's Testimony and Alleged Deal

Kevin Greenlee [13:09]:

"Did Phil Joplin get a deal in exchange for his testimony against Kenzu...?"

Anya Cain [15:18]:

"No. So Phil Joplin was a person who spent a short time in kind of a holding cell where Temujin Kinzu was also in a holding cell."

The hosts address allegations that Phil Joplin received a deal in exchange for his testimony. They clarify that there is no substantial evidence supporting the claim of a deal, highlighting affidavits from prosecutors asserting that no such agreement exists. They argue that believing in a massive conspiracy would require disregarding credible legal testimonies and affidavits.

Defamation and Character Attacks

Kevin Greenlee [37:28]:

"We might cover some of the appellate stuff, and when we do, we'll certainly mention concurrences and things of that nature."

Anya Cain [40:03]:

"It's not right. I really strongly feel like you should not be getting into vague insinuations. You should be getting into where the evidence is."

The discussion turns to attempts by Temujin Kinzu's supporters to defame Scott Macklem's character. The hosts argue that without concrete evidence of wrongdoing by Macklem, such insinuations are baseless and serve to tarnish his reputation unfairly.

Shapiro Concurrence Controversy

Listener Question [41:50]:

"Why did you conveniently leave out the Shapiro concurrence?"

Kevin Greenlee [42:13]:

"The Shapiro concurrence wasn't even relevant for that reason, aloud."

The hosts explain that the Shapiro concurrence, a supplementary opinion in the appellate decision, does not alter the majority's verdict and is considered legal "dicta" that holds minimal weight in the context of the case. They reference an article from the George Mason Law Review that criticizes concurring opinions as "legal clutter."

Meg Penrose, George Mason Law Review [49:43]:

"Concurring opinions are the worst form of legal clutter... They are legal clutter."

This perspective reinforces their stance that the Shapiro concurrence does not significantly impact the case's outcome and should not be a focal point in discussions about the conviction.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Kevin Greenlee [51:04]:

"Good coverage, responsible coverage versus bad coverage is are you given the information that makes you understand the outcome."

Áine Cain [55:57]:

"Our reporting, even if people who disagree with us can inform others..."

The hosts critique mainstream media's coverage of the case, asserting that it often lacks depth and fails to present comprehensive evidence, leading to public confusion and misconceptions about Kinzu's guilt. They emphasize the importance of thorough, evidence-based reporting to foster a clear understanding of the case's nuances.

Behavior of Team Kinzu and Public Harassment

Áine Cain [62:48]:

"They are doing it digitally. Temujin is in prison, so he can't kill anybody. But, like, the same impulse of like, you don't get to walk away from me, I will hunt you down kind of nonsense is still there."

The discussion highlights the ongoing harassment and stalking behavior exhibited by Kinzu and his associates towards Crystal and others connected to the case, even from prison. The hosts condemn these actions as unethical and harmful, distinguishing them from legitimate innocence activism.

Handling Disagreements and Ethical Reporting

Anya Cain [75:16]:

"Let's not attack victims with no evidence. Let's not post the phone numbers of rape victims and encourage people to harass them."

Kevin Greenlee [76:00]:

"None of us are safe from things like surveillance and data breaches."

The hosts advocate for ethical journalism practices, urging peers and other media to respect victims' privacy, avoid defaming innocent parties without evidence, and refrain from unethical tactics like doxxing. They stress the importance of focusing on factual reporting over sensationalism or bias.

Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

Kevin Greenlee [89:51]:

"We're gonna step back from this case in terms of new episodes. We're gonna continue to report on it..."

Áine Cain [91:01]:

"Thank you so much for listening."

The episode concludes with the hosts indicating a temporary pause in focused coverage on the Scott Macklem case while assuring listeners that ongoing research and reporting will continue as new information emerges. They invite listeners to contribute tips and engage with the Murder Sheet community for further updates.

Notable Quotes

• Kevin Greenlee [03:32]:

  "When it comes to feeling bad or off, one top suspect should always be hormone imbalance."

• Áine Cain [39:49]:

  "But if there is a strategy that is credible, and I can imagine in certain circumstances, that strategy might have worked, you don't get to appeal."

• Kevin Greenlee [54:18]:

  "I, I think it was a very effective media campaign that Team Kenzu put on..."

• Áine Cain [66:55]:

  "I think people have a hard time walking away from something that they kind of just had this gut reaction to and never really questioned."

Key Takeaways

• Ongoing Reporting: Murder Sheet continues to investigate and report on the Scott Macklem case, with a focus on uncovering new information and addressing public misconceptions.

• Protecting Sources: The hosts prioritize the safety and confidentiality of their sources, encouraging those with pertinent information to come forward.

• Critical Evaluation of Evidence: Emphasis is placed on scrutinizing all available evidence, countering unsupported claims, and debunking baseless conspiracy theories.

• Ethical Journalism: A strong stance against victim blaming, defamation, and unethical reporting practices is maintained to ensure respectful and factual coverage.

For more information or to submit tips, listeners are encouraged to contact Murder Sheet at murdersheet@gmail.com.