Rotten Mango Episode Summary
Title: Mom Confess To Watching Daughter Get Dismembered & Got Turned On By It- Now Claims False Confession
Host: Stephanie Soo
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Podcast: Rotten Mango
Introduction
In this harrowing episode of Rotten Mango, host Stephanie Soo delves deep into one of the most disturbing and complex criminal cases: the tragic murder of 10-year-old Victoria Martens. The case revolves around Michelle Martens, Victoria's mother, who initially confessed to witnessing the brutal assault and dismemberment of her daughter by her boyfriend, Fabian, and Fabian’s cousin, Jessica. However, Michelle later retracted her confession, claiming it was false. This episode explores the intricate details of the crime, the investigation, the psychological aspects of false confessions, and the ensuing public debate.
Background
Michelle Martens was a single mother living with her 8-year-old son, Matthew, and her 10-year-old daughter, Victoria, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Michelle's relationship with Fabian, her boyfriend, took a dark turn when he, along with his cousin Jessica, moved into her home. Both Fabian and Jessica had criminal backgrounds and a history of violent behavior.
Quote:
"Michelle Martens tells the authorities that she gets off on inviting men over after meeting them on websites to watch them assault her 8-year-old son and her 10-year-old daughter, Victoria."
(Transcript, [04:42])
The Crime
Victoria was found brutally murdered in her bathtub, dismembered and set on fire. The crime scene was gruesome, with evidence of severe mutilation and the removal of her internal organs. Initially, Michelle confessed to witnessing the assault, claiming that Fabian and Jessica were sexually assaulting Victoria when Michelle watched without intervening.
Quote:
"They stabbed her. She grabs a tissue. Almost like this realization dawns on her and she starts crying harder."
(Transcript, [06:50])
The Confession
During a two-hour interrogation, Michelle provided a detailed account of the night of the murder. She described how Fabian and Jessica assaulted Victoria, leading to her death and subsequent dismemberment. Michelle also admitted to having intimate relations with Fabian shortly after the assault.
Notable Quotes:
"I did nothing. I didn't even know that Victoria was lit on fire in the apartment." — Fabian
(Transcript, [19:51])
"I should have stopped it." — Michelle
(Transcript, [25:06])
Investigation and Charges
As the investigation unfolded, inconsistencies emerged between Michelle’s confession and physical evidence. A partial DNA match suggested the presence of an unknown male, leading authorities to question the validity of Michelle's statements. Consequently, charges against Michelle, Fabian, and Jessica were downgraded from murder to various counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence.
Quote:
"So how could Michelle see all of this happening to her daughter when she's not even home at the time that this happens?"
(Transcript, [09:02])
Claims of False Confession
Michelle’s defense team argued that her confession was coerced. They cited her low IQ, poor memory, high anxiety, and susceptibility to authority as factors that made her vulnerable to giving a false confession. The team contended that the interrogation tactics used were leading and manipulative, thereby invalidating her statements.
Quote:
"She confessed due to her people-pleasing pushover personality traits and the fact that she has a lower than normal IQ." — Michelle’s Attorney
(Transcript, [49:36])
Autopsy and Evidence
The autopsy report revealed that Victoria died from manual strangulation, categorizing her death as a homicide. While some evidence suggested possible sexual assault, the lack of methamphetamine in Victoria’s system contradicted Michelle’s claim that drugs were used to calm Victoria during the assaults.
Quote:
"Ms. Victoria Martens died as a result of manual strangulation. The manner of her death is best classified as homicide."
(Transcript, [40:57])
Public and Netizens' Reaction
The case sparked intense debate online. Opinions were polarized between those who believed Michelle’s confession and those who viewed it as a coerced false confession. Netizens scrutinized the interrogation methods, the credibility of the involved parties, and the overarching failures of the system to protect Victoria despite multiple CPS reports.
Notable Comments:
"What an absolute monster. The officer showed great restraint."
"How is that their fault though? She could be a monster either way."
(Transcript, [55:20])
Trial and Sentencing
Ultimately, Michelle received a 12-year sentence, Fabian was sentenced to 37 and a half years, and Jessica received 44 years in prison. The sentencing reflected the complexities of the case, balancing between direct involvement and the legal challenges posed by the questionable confession.
Quote:
"Michelle gets 12 years. Fabian gets 37 and a half years. Jessica gets 44 years."
(Transcript, [73:10])
Community and Aftermath
Victoria's grandparents filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging negligence due to the inadequate responses to multiple CPS reports. The community rallied to support Victoria by collectively purchasing a gravestone, highlighting the lack of a supportive environment for her.
Quote:
"The community has come together to purchase a gravestone for Victoria because it really seems like nobody's in Victoria's life that cared for her."
(Transcript, [73:09])
Conclusion
This episode of Rotten Mango underscores the devastating impact of child abuse and the intricate dynamics of false confessions. It highlights systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children and scrutinizes the psychological manipulation that can lead to coerced admissions of guilt. Through detailed storytelling and expert insights, Stephanie Soo provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of this tragic case.
Notable Quotes
- "How could Michelle see all of this happening to her daughter when she's not even home at the time that this happens?" — Interviewer ([09:02])
- "I did nothing. I didn't even know that Victoria was lit on fire in the apartment." — Fabian ([19:51])
- "She confessed due to her people-pleasing pushover personality traits and the fact that she has a lower than normal IQ." — Michelle’s Attorney ([49:36])
- "Ms. Victoria Martens died as a result of manual strangulation. The manner of her death is best classified as homicide." — Autopsy Report ([40:57])
- "I should have stopped it." — Michelle ([25:06])
This episode serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the complexities involved in uncovering the truth behind heinous crimes. Rotten Mango continues to shed light on the darkest corners of true crime, offering listeners both horror and critical analysis.