Murder: True Crime Stories – SPECIAL: Halloween Murders 2

Hosted by Carter Roy | Release Date: October 29, 2024

In the second and final installment of the "Halloween Murders" special, Carter Roy delves into two harrowing true crime cases that occurred on Halloween nights, forever altering the way we perceive this festive holiday. This episode explores the tragic stories of Doreen Herbert and Martha Moxley, examining the intricate details of their murders, the subsequent investigations, and the enduring impact on their families and communities.

1. The Murder of Doreen Herbert

Background and Early Life

Doreen Ray Erbert, born Doreen Ray Hitchens on November 29, 1952, in San Joaquin County, California, was remembered by friends and family as kind-hearted and generous. Despite her petite stature, her vibrant spirit made her a beloved figure in her community. Doreen's life took significant turns through her relationships and personal struggles.

Relationship with Michael Dennis

Doreen married William Michael Dennis, known as Michael, in 1975 after a brief courtship. Michael, two years Doreen's senior, worked at Lockheed on the space shuttle project, showcasing his dedication and skill. Their marriage initially appeared harmonious, especially with the birth of their son, Paul Michael Dennis, in April 1976. However, the couple's relationship deteriorated, leading to a divorce in 1977 when Paul was just a year old. The custody arrangement initially favored Doreen, allowing Michael weekend visits and sparking Doreen's new relationship with Charles Herbert.

Tragic Loss and Rising Tensions

In February 1980, tragedy struck when Paul fell into a swimming pool, sustaining severe brain damage and passing away shortly after. Michael's grief morphed into anger, blaming Doreen for the accident, which he expressed through a wrongful death lawsuit. The court ruled in Doreen's favor, deepening Michael's resentment. His behavior became increasingly volatile, culminating in his demotion at work and strained relationships with tenants.

The Murder on Halloween Night

On October 29, 1984, shortly before Halloween, Doreen was preparing to take her daughter Deanna trick-or-treating. After mingling with neighbors, Doreen was urged to join Deanna in visiting a few houses. Upon their return, Charles Herbert left to procure a drink, instructing Doreen to lock up after his departure. However, around 9 PM, an intruder donned a wolf mask and wielding a machete breached their home. Doreen, eight months pregnant, was brutally attacked, leading to her death and harming her unborn child.

At [09:15], Carter Roy narrates:

"At about 9pm on Halloween night in 1984, a man wearing a wolf mask and wielding a machete forced his way into 31-year-old Doreen Herbert's home."

Investigation and Arrest

Initially, suspicion fell on Charles Herbert due to the timing of his return and the nature of the attack. However, by late night, the focus shifted to Michael Dennis, Doreen's ex-husband. Evidence such as blood type matching, bloodstains in Michael's home and vehicle, and the discovery of a machete label linked him to the crime. A crucial witness, Detective Bert Caro, identified photos of Michael in a wolf mask from a prior Halloween party, directly connecting him to the mask found at the crime scene.

Trial and Conviction

After a prolonged investigation, Michael Dennis was arrested and stood trial in 1988. Facing severe charges, including a push for the death penalty, Dennis pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Despite testimonies from psychiatrists suggesting psychological disturbances stemming from his son's death, the jury found him competent to stand trial. Ultimately, Dennis was convicted of first-degree murder for Doreen and second-degree murder for her unborn child, receiving a death sentence.

At [38:30], Carter Roy highlights:

"After hearing testimony from the now eight-year-old Deanna, the jury sided with psychiatrist number three. Michael might have been distraught, but the jury believed he was capable of taking responsibility for his actions."

Current Status and Aftermath

As of the episode's recording, Michael Dennis remains incarcerated due to California Governor Gavin Newsom's moratorium on the death penalty. He has expressed a desire for execution, contrasting with the sentiments of Deanna and Charles Herbert, who seek justice and closure. The Dennis family continues to grapple with the loss, while Michael remains a symbol of the enduring pain caused by unresolved grief and vengeance.

2. The Murder of Martha Moxley

Background and Community Setting

Martha Moxley, a 15-year-old from Belle Haven, Greenwich, Connecticut, was celebrating her second Mischief Night—a pre-Halloween tradition known for pranks—when she was brutally murdered in 1975. The affluent Belle Haven neighborhood, characterized by its ties to the Kennedy family through the Skakel brothers, provided a stark contrast between Martha's modest upbringing and the Skakels' wealth and notoriety.

Martha and the Skakels: A Complex Relationship

Martha was well-liked and integrated into the community, forming friendships with the Skakel siblings. Michael Skakel, one of seven children from a prominent family, struggled with personal issues, including alcoholism and undiagnosed dyslexia. His interactions with Martha were marked by jealousy and competition, particularly with his older brother, Tommy. Martha's diary entries reveal her conflicting feelings towards the Skakels, hinting at underlying tensions.

The Night of the Murder

On the night of October 30, 1975, Martha attended a gathering with Michael and other Skakel siblings. The evening involved playful interactions but took a dark turn when Martha remained with Tommy while others left. Around 1:30 AM, Martha failed to return home, prompting a frantic search by her family and friends. Her body was discovered under a tree, showing signs of severe violence, including a shattered golf club—the murder weapon—found nearby.

At [55:45], Carter Roy details:

"Martha was beaten so violently, the club broke into pieces. One of the metal shards was driven all the way through her neck, dragging a lock of her hair with it."

Initial Investigation and Suspects

Tommy Skakel became the prime suspect due to his presence at the scene and access to the murder weapon—his late mother's golf club. However, conflicting alibis and a lack of concrete evidence led to no immediate charges. The Skakel family's influence and sudden withdrawal from the investigation further complicated matters, leaving Martha's case unresolved for decades.

Reopening the Case: Michael Skakel Emerges

In the late 1990s, renewed interest in Martha's murder led to a private investigation by Rushton Skakel, Michael's father. Contrary to initial beliefs, evidence began to point towards Michael as the potential murderer. Leaked information and media attention culminated in Michael's arrest in 2000. During the trial, testimonies from classmates and a controversial confession attempt sealed his fate, resulting in a 2002 conviction for Martha's murder.

At [1:05:30], Carter Roy explains:

"On June 7, 2002, Michael was convicted of murdering Martha Moxley. 27 years after her death. Martha finally got justice. Or did she?"

Legal Battles and Conviction Vacated

Michael's conviction faced numerous appeals, highlighting procedural flaws and questions about the validity of his confession. In 2018, the Connecticut Supreme Court vacated his conviction due to these issues. By October 30, 2020, the state decided not to retry Michael, effectively releasing him from prison. Despite his acquittal, skepticism remains, with ongoing lawsuits and enduring pain for Martha's family.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

Martha Moxley's murder remains a poignant case study in the complexities of true crime investigations, the influence of social standing, and the quest for justice. Her memory is preserved not just as a victim but as a vibrant young woman whose life was unjustly taken, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the broader true crime narrative.

At [1:20:15], Carter Roy reflects:

"All anyone can do is remember Martha as more than a murder victim. She was the sweet girl who handwrote lemon square recipes in her mother's recipe book... She was a friend to everyone who knew her, and her life story deserved a far better ending than the one it got."

Conclusion

This Halloween special of Murder: True Crime Stories uncovers the chilling realities behind two heinous crimes committed during what is typically a night of fun and mischief. By focusing on the victims' lives and the profound effects of their untimely deaths, Carter Roy emphasizes the necessity of remembering and understanding these true crime stories. The episode serves as a haunting reminder that beneath the playful surface of Halloween lies a potential for darkness that can forever alter lives and communities.

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