Episode 454 - "Together We're Fine" Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
- Host/Author: Exactly Right Media – the original true crime comedy network
- Description: A true crime comedy podcast where Karen and Georgia delve into compelling true crimes and share hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since its inception in January 2016, the podcast has explored a wide range of cases, from infamous serial killers to mysterious cold cases and significant historical events.
1. Introduction and Context
The episode titled "Together We're Fine" opens with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark setting a somber yet determined tone, addressing the current societal and political climate. They express feelings of helplessness and frustration while emphasizing the importance of community and collective action.
Notable Quote:
Karen Kilgariff (00:02): "Do you need a ride? Each week on our podcast do you Need a Ride? We drive around with some of the most hilarious people in comedy."
2. Sarah Everard Case
The primary focus of this episode is the tragic and senseless murder of Sarah Everard, a case that ignited nationwide outrage in the UK over women's safety in public spaces.
Background of Sarah Everard: Sarah Everard was a 33-year-old marketing professional living a fulfilling life with a supportive network of friends and family. Despite facing challenges like a job layoff and a breakup in 2020, she had rebuilt her life by 2021, securing a new job and planning future travels with her boyfriend, Josh.
Disappearance and Investigation: On March 3, 2021, Sarah left her friend's house in Clapham, South London, around 9 PM. She called her boyfriend Josh at 9:13 PM, and shortly after, she vanished. The police launched an intensive investigation, utilizing approximately 1,800 hours of CCTV footage and canvassing the area for eyewitnesses.
Discovery of the Suspect: Wayne Cousins, a 48-year-old police officer from Deal, Kent, became the prime suspect after police traced a white rental car linked to the crime through license plate recognition technology. Despite multiple red flags during his background checks—such as significant personal debt and previous misconduct—Cousins had successfully secured a position in the Metropolitan Police.
Arrest and Confession: Cousins initially provided a convoluted story involving coercion by an Eastern European gang but failed to convince the investigators. A thorough search revealed incriminating evidence, including blood and semen matching Sarah's DNA in his vehicle. Faced with overwhelming evidence, Cousins pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, and murder, receiving a whole life sentence in September 2021.
Impact and Social Reaction: Sarah Everard's murder sparked widespread protests and a significant social media movement addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women. The case highlighted systemic failures in protecting women and managing sexual violence, leading to calls for legal and societal reforms.
Notable Quotes:
Georgia Hardstark (08:00): "My God."
Karen Kilgariff (05:31): "We're gonna sally forth."
Sarah's Father, Jeremy: "Mr. Cousins, please, will you look at me? The impact of what you have done will never end."
3. Lufthansa Heist
Transitioning from contemporary crime, Karen and Georgia delve into one of America's most notorious mob-related crimes: the Lufthansa Heist.
Overview of the Heist: On December 11, 1978, six armed men executed a meticulously planned robbery at JFK Airport's Lufthansa cargo terminal in Queens, New York. Utilizing insider information from Lewis Werner, a supervising shipping clerk, they stole approximately $5.8 million in untraceable currency and $800,000 in jewelry.
Planning and Execution: The heist was orchestrated by Martin Krugman, a wig salesman indebted to mob figures Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke of the Lucchese crime family. The thieves exploited hotel CCTV systems, insider knowledge of shipment schedules, and intricate coordination to bypass security and execute the heist during a staff coffee break.
Aftermath and Investigation: Despite the grand scale of the robbery, only Lewis Werner was convicted, receiving a 15-year sentence. The remaining crew members, including Tommy DeSimone and Louis Gafora, were systematically eliminated to maintain the mob's code of silence. The stolen money and jewelry remain undiscovered, cementing the heist's legacy as one of the largest in American history.
Cultural Impact: The Lufthansa Heist inspired iconic films like "Goodfellas" and books detailing the intricate world of organized crime. The episode highlights the thin line between fact and fiction, showcasing how real-life events shape and are shaped by popular culture.
Notable Quotes:
Georgia Hardstark (50:46): "It's a known thing, but nobody knows how much."
Karen Kilgariff (52:21): "It's like the last great heist. Holy shit."
4. Reflections and Conclusion
Karen and Georgia reflect on the themes of power, corruption, and the fragility of trust within institutions meant to protect the public. They emphasize the importance of community solidarity and resilience in the face of systemic failures and personal tragedies.
Notable Quote:
Georgia Hardstark (37:27): "The holidays are a whirlwind of events and family gatherings, and with Quince's luxe."
5. Production Credits
- Researcher: Maren McClassian
- Producer: Alejandra Keck
- Managing Producer: Hannah Kyle Creighton
- Editor: Aristotle Acevedo
- Mixing: Liana Scolacci
Note: Listeners are encouraged to email their hometown stories to myfavoritemurder@mail.com and follow the show on social media for updates and more content.
Final Thoughts: Episode 454 of "My Favorite Murder" intertwines a contemporary case with a historical mob heist, offering listeners a deep dive into the complexities of crime, investigation, and societal impact. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Karen and Georgia shed light on the enduring issues surrounding violence, institutional trust, and the quest for justice.