Summary of "The Binge Crimes: Lady Mafia" – Episode: Night Shift I 7. “You Only Get One Shot”
Podcast Title: The Binge Crimes: Lady Mafia
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment / Campside Media
Episode: Night Shift I 7. “You Only Get One Shot”
Release Date: October 14, 2024
Host: Jake Edelstein
Introduction
In the seventh episode of The Binge Crimes titled “You Only Get One Shot,” host Jake Edelstein delves into the harrowing case of Richard Williams, a nurse nicknamed the “Female Bernie Madoff” and the “Anna Delvey of the OC.” Michele McPhee, a veteran reporter, explores Williams's rise and dramatic fall as a master of deception within the murky world of fast money and shady dealings in Orange County.
The Case of Richard Williams
The narrative begins with the tragic deaths of patients at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Columbia, Missouri, in 1992. Over 40 individuals died under suspicious circumstances, raising suspicions about the lead nurse, Richard Williams.
Key Points:
- Initial Verdict: After six years, a US District Court ruled the VA hospital negligent in protecting patients, but the main suspect, Richard Williams, remained free. (Jake Edelstein, [01:18])
- Family’s Quest for Justice: Families like Kathy Robbins and David Havrem were determined to see Williams convicted, believing him to be the perpetrator behind the patient deaths. (Kathy Robbins, [01:54]; David Havrem, [01:59])
- Lack of Direct Evidence: The case lacked eyewitnesses and definitive forensic evidence, making prosecution challenging. (Jake Edelstein, [01:59])
Evidence Against Williams
Despite the absence of direct evidence, several factors implicated Williams:
Notable Points:
- Suspicious Patterns: Data showed a spike in patient deaths during Williams's shifts, and some patient records were mysteriously altered post-mortem. (Jake Edelstein, [03:02])
- Toxicology Reports: Initial toxicology tests were inconclusive, but new scientific advancements in 2001 allowed for retesting old tissue samples, revealing traces of the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. (Jake Edelstein, [05:46]; Kevin Crane, [03:06])
- Access to Drugs: Succinylocholine was readily available in the VA’s supply rooms, accessible to any staff member, including Williams. (Richard Williams, [07:38]; Jake Edelstein, [07:28])
Quotes:
“It takes less than 10 minutes for the body to metabolize succinylcholine after that. At that time, there would have been absolutely no way to detect it.”
— Jake Edelstein, [08:02]
Arrest and Indictment
With the new toxicology evidence, prosecutor Kevin Crane pursued charges against Williams.
Key Events:
- Arrest: In 2001, Richard Williams was arrested on ten counts of first-degree murder. (Jake Edelstein, [03:09])
- Court Proceedings: During the arraignment in July 2002, Williams appeared indifferent, denying any wrongdoing. (Jake Edelstein, [13:02]; Kathy Robbins, [13:28])
- Family Reaction: Families of victims attended the hearings, holding onto hope for justice despite the lack of solid evidence.
Quotes:
“Have him convicted. It's simple.”
— Kathy Robbins, [01:54]
“Have you heard Leonard Cohen's song called 'Everybody Knows'? The song goes 'Everybody knows the dice are loaded, everyone knows the captain lies, everybody knows so everybody knew.'”
— Kevin Crane, [27:04]
The Flawed Toxicology
The prosecution's case hinged on the presence of succinylcholine in the victims' systems. However, a critical flaw emerged when a lab technician discovered that succinylcholine was present in everyday items, rendering the toxicology evidence unreliable.
Key Issues:
- Ubiquity of Succinylocholine: Tests revealed that succinylcholine was found in common substances, including a steak from a supermarket, indicating that its presence was not definitive proof of foul play. (Jake Edelstein, [17:15])
- Inconclusive Results: Dr. Kevin Ballard admitted that the testing methods were flawed, leading to the invalidation of the evidence used to convict Williams. (Jake Edelstein, [18:09])
- Impact on the Case: Without credible toxicology evidence, the prosecution's case collapsed, forcing prosecutor Kevin Crane to drop the charges. (Jake Edelstein, [19:34]; Kevin Crane, [19:34])
Quotes:
“Everybody has succinylcholine in their body. It's a natural byproduct of our nervous system. So then there are tests that they had developed turned out to be not useful.”
— Kevin Crane, [17:48]
Dropped Charges and Williams’s Release
With the toxicology evidence discredited, the prosecution had no choice but to dismiss the charges against Williams.
Key Developments:
- Official Dropping of Charges: On August 6, 2003, Kevin Crane announced that the state was dropping all ten first-degree murder charges against Williams. (Jake Edelstein, [20:08])
- Williams’s Release: The following day, Richard Williams was released from Boone County Jail, resuming his life despite the lingering suspicions. (Jake Edelstein, [21:06])
- Family’s Despair: Victims' families felt betrayed and left without closure, as Williams walked free despite their unwavering belief in his guilt. (Kathy Robbins, [22:39]; Jake Edelstein, [22:49])
Quotes:
“I know my innocence and I hope one day they will see my innocence.”
— Richard Williams, [21:25]
Aftermath and Williams’s Life Post-Release
The episode explores the repercussions of the case on Richard Williams and the systemic failures that allowed him to remain free.
Highlights:
- Legal Battles: Williams sued the National Medical Services Lab and Dr. Kevin Ballard for damages but lost the case in 2005. (Jake Edelstein, [19:34])
- Career Struggles: Post-release, Williams faced numerous challenges, including bankruptcy and difficulty finding stable employment. He eventually pursued a career as a mortician. (Jake Edelstein, [27:21])
- Ongoing Uncertainty: Despite dropping charges, the case remains open with no statute of limitations on homicide, leaving the possibility for future investigations. (Jake Edelstein, [40:27])
Quotes:
“To do something like this you gotta have nerves of steel because given the nature of double jeopardy, you only get one shot. You miss and it's over.”
— Jake Edelstein, [40:27]
Attempts to Reach Williams
Efforts to contact Richard Williams for his perspective were unsuccessful, highlighting the elusive nature of the accused.
Key Points:
- Limited Public Interaction: Williams participated in only one television interview in 1992 and has remained largely out of the public eye since his release. (Jake Edelstein, [29:50]; Don Catlett, [30:08])
- Rejected Interview Requests: When Jake Edelstein attempted to reach out, Williams declined any further communication. (Jake Edelstein, [35:14])
Quotes:
“I didn't become a nurse to nurse the kill or to determine when someone would die. I have never had anything like this happen. This has been my ego.”
— Richard Williams, [32:16]
Conclusion
The episode underscores the complexities and flaws within the criminal justice system, illustrating how institutional failures and flawed evidence can allow a potentially dangerous individual to evade conviction. The story of Richard Williams serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of reliable forensic evidence and the lasting impact of wrongful accusations on both the accused and the victims' families.
Final Thoughts:
- Systemic Failures: The case of Richard Williams was a product of bureaucratic negligence, flawed forensic practices, and prosecutorial challenges. (Jake Edelstein, [27:21])
- Unresolved Justice: With no statute of limitations on homicide, there remains hope for justice, but significant barriers make it unlikely. (Jake Edelstein, [40:27])
Closing Quote:
“If Richard Williams was guilty, he wasn't now free from sheer luck alone. It was a combination of incompetence and a series of institutional failures that seemed to shield him.”
— Jake Edelstein, [27:21]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Kathy Robbins on Justice:
“Have him convicted. It's simple.”
— Kathy Robbins, [01:54] -
Kevin Crane on Pleading: “I was seeking death, and I mean, nobody seeks death anymore, But I mean, 10 victims is what I charge.” — Kevin Crane, [12:48]
-
Richard Williams on Innocence: “I know my innocence and I hope one day they will see my innocence.”
— Richard Williams, [21:25] -
Jake Edelstein Reflecting on the System: “If Richard Williams was guilty, he wasn't now free from sheer luck alone. It was a combination of incompetence and a series of institutional failures that seemed to shield him.” — Jake Edelstein, [27:21]
Additional Information
The Binge Crimes is produced by Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment. For more true crime stories, subscribe to The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com.