Murder Sheet – The Murder of Scott Macklem: The Guilt of Temujin Kensu
The Temujin Tapes: Part Two: "That’s Why I’m In Here Now" (Feb 17, 2026)
Episode Overview
This episode, hosted by journalist Áine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee, dives into recently released phone recordings of convicted murderer Temujin Kensu (a.k.a. Temujin Kinzu) made by his late wife, Denise Derringer. Building on part one of the Temujin Tapes, Cain and Greenlee examine Kensu’s own words on a range of topics: his views on race and sexuality, his combative interactions with women, his creation of a pseudo-religion, and—crucially—statements they regard as highly incriminating regarding his role in the murder of Scott Macklem.
The hosts contextualize these tapes as critical evidence, arguing they expose the “real” Temujin Kensu behind his public advocacy campaigns and claims of innocence. Through analysis and direct excerpts, Cain and Greenlee scrutinize Kensu’s manipulation of witnesses, abusive behavior, and disturbing attitudes, ultimately concluding that his taped statements reveal both his character and his guilt.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Origin and Purpose of the Tapes
- Context: Tapes were made by Kensu's late wife, Denise, some recorded actively, others as a facilitator of calls.
- Significance: These tapes are described as a rare glimpse into Kensu’s unfiltered personality, beyond the controlled settings of media interviews. All phone calls in Michigan prisons are recorded, and Kensu is fully aware of this (05:02–05:54).
2. Temujin Kensu’s Views on Race, Sexuality, and Social Issues
- Prominent Segment: (07:30–14:14)
- Kensu interrogates Michelle, a key witness, about her views on politics, homosexuality, and race.
- Notable Quote:
“You’d want homosexuals raising Freddie in school...You want gays everywhere. You want gays being charged to your child?”
— Temujin Kensu (08:25–08:35) - He expresses open disdain for Black people and LGBTQ individuals, pressing Michelle for “the truth” beyond political correctness.
- Hosts’ Analysis: Cain and Greenlee highlight Kensu’s history of racist and homophobic attitudes, noting his attempts to influence others and the disconnect between his supporters' progressive self-identification and the person they actually defend (13:13–14:14).
- Notable Quote:
3. Kensu's Delusions of Grandeur & Cult Leadership
- Founding a ‘Religion’: Kensu discusses creating his own faith, styling himself as “the Samyan,” writing pamphlets, and claiming he is worshipped by followers in and outside prison (28:44–33:41).
- Notable Quote:
“I’m becoming very popular, like, very quickly. Like, you know, like rise to power, like political, religious, pseudo pope kind of thing.” — Temujin Kensu (31:48–32:15)
- Notable Quote:
- Hosts’ Critique: They find Kensu’s claims delusional but note his manipulation of others, a classic cult-leader dynamic. His “doctrine” asserts the law doesn’t apply to him:
- Quote:
“You told me what I’m supposed to do with the law. I am the law. I wrote the law. I’m not bound by the law.”
— Temujin Kensu (44:21–44:33)
- Quote:
4. Patterns of Emotional Abuse and Manipulation
- Recurring Abuse: Kensu routinely threatens, belittles, and uses psychological tactics against Denise and Michelle to maintain control (45:31–47:39; 61:57–63:37).
- Example: Threatening Michelle with lawsuits, ruin, Child Protective Services, or public humiliation unless she cooperates with exculpatory statements for media interviews (56:04–59:08).
- Notable Quote:
“If you tell the world anything about me I find negative, then I will destroy your world.”
— Paraphrased by Kevin Greenlee (59:08–59:36)
- Gaslighting: He attempts to convince Michelle she is lying about past abuse, accusing her of fabricating events (61:57–63:37).
- Hosts’ Analysis: The hosts argue that these tactics invalidate Michelle as an independent, credible witness and illustrate a pattern of intimidation and emotional assault.
5. Coaching and Rehearsing Witness Testimony
- Segment: (65:47–68:37)
- Kensu is heard actively coaching Michelle on case details, telling her what is important to testify about, and offering to send his “notes” to aid her memory.
- Notable Quote:
“The only thing you really testify to about in the end is that you were with me in town…anything else is going to come down to my recollection.” — Temujin Kensu (67:28–68:00)
- Notable Quote:
- Hosts’ Reaction: They emphasize the inappropriateness of a convicted murderer rehearsing an alibi witness and the severe credibility issues this raises (“This renders her useless as a witness.” — Anya Cain, 68:05–68:37).
6. The “Incriminating Statement”
- Critical Segment: (77:52–80:55)
- Kensu, while berating Denise, states:
- Quote:
“You don’t get to do something to me and then just smile and walk off. That’s why I’m in here now. People just like that.”
— Temujin Kensu (77:52–78:08; highlighted/discussed 78:08–82:24)
- Quote:
- Hosts’ Interpretation: Cain and Greenlee dissect this, concluding it is a tacit admission of having murdered Scott Macklem—because someone crossed him and “walked away smiling,” triggering vengeance.
- Notable Quote:
“To me, he is basically acknowledging in those words that he committed this murder.” — Kevin Greenlee (80:23–80:39)
- Notable Quote:
- They note that Kensu’s worldview revolves around perceived disrespect requiring punishment, which aligns with the facts of the crime.
7. Reflection on Supporters and Larger Impact
- Throughout, the hosts question the motives and awareness of Kensu’s advocates, suggesting they are complicit in targeting and harming women like Michelle by enabling Kensu.
- Notable Quote:
“Have your work product and your effort and your energy be wielded upon women like Michelle who really do not deserve it at all? Does it feel good?”
— Anya Cain (65:41–65:50) - Argument: They believe advocates have misrepresented his character, perpetuating “innocence fraud” and sidelining truly deserving inmates.
- Notable Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Acknowledging Recordings:
“I'm sure this is recorded foia.”
— Temujin Kensu (05:32–05:34) -
Obsessive Homophobia & Racism:
“What, you think it's okay for fags to parade around naked on Jerry Springer in front of our children?”
— Temujin Kensu (29:30)“You think it's okay for racist black gangs to dominate our streets and turn our country into a sewer?”
— Temujin Kensu (29:38) -
Religion & Self-Importance:
“I have converted guards… I'm just becoming great. Well, basically, it's Reverend Kent, is what it is. Legitimately.”
— Temujin Kensu (34:08–35:15) -
Law & Power:
“I am the law. I wrote the law. I'm not bound by the law.”
— Temujin Kensu (44:21–44:33) -
Threats to Denise/Michelle:
“If there was a council, first off, you'd be hanging from a tree.”
— Temujin Kensu (46:27–46:31) -
Incriminating Statement (Contextual):
“You don’t get to do something to me and then just smile and walk off. That's why I'm in here now. People just like that.”
— Temujin Kensu (77:52–78:08)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:02–05:54 | Kensu discusses recorded calls – “no expectation of privacy” | | 08:25–09:03 | Kensu questions Michelle’s political/social beliefs | | 20:58–21:43 | Kensu laments not being Black: “huge hurdle in this case” | | 28:44–29:56 | Discussion of Kensu’s ‘religion’ and leadership | | 31:48–32:29 | “Pseudo pope kind of thing…rise to power” | | 44:21–44:33 | “I am the law. I wrote the law…” | | 46:27–46:31 | “If there was a council, first off, you’d be hanging from a tree.”| | 56:04–59:08 | Kensu threatens Michelle over potential HBO appearance | | 65:47–68:37 | Coaching/rehearsing Michelle’s testimony | | 77:52–78:08 | “That’s why I’m in here now.” (the incriminating statement) | | 78:08–82:24 | Host analysis of statement’s meaning |
Host Tone & Analysis
Cain and Greenlee’s style is candid and conversational, blending legal/journalistic assessment with sharp, sometimes darkly humorous commentary. They emphasize evidence and logic but are not afraid to pass judgment on character—especially when addressing what they see as advocacy misrepresentation, witness manipulation, and misogynistic abuse.
Conclusion
This episode leverages the raw content of the Temujin Tapes to argue that Kensu’s own words showcase his guilt, racist and misogynistic worldview, and manipulative tactics. The hosts contend that recognizing Kensu’s true character is vital for understanding both the Scott Macklem murder case and the broader field of wrongful conviction advocacy. The incriminating statement—“That’s why I’m in here now; people just like that”—is highlighted as a rare, direct admission of motive and responsibility.