A Police Interrogation in Delphi Murders. A Missing Texas Mom. And What's Next for the Menendez Brothers.
Dateline NBC
Deep Dive
Why did the jury get to hear Richard Allen's police interviews in the Delphi murders trial?
The jury needed to assess Allen's credibility and consistency in his statements, especially since he initially placed himself at the crime scene but later denied being there after the girls' deaths.
What evidence did the prosecution present against Richard Allen in the Delphi murders trial?
The prosecution claimed a bullet found near the girls' bodies matched Allen's gun, though the defense argued this was not true and that Allen was a victim of a flawed investigation.
How did Richard Allen's behavior change during his police interrogations?
Initially cooperative, Allen became increasingly agitated and defensive, eventually demanding to leave and mentioning his awareness of Dateline, suggesting he feared becoming a subject of such investigations.
Why was Brad Simpson arrested in the case of missing Texas mom Susann Simpson?
Brad was arrested on charges of family violence and unlawful restraint, stemming from a neighbor witnessing a physical altercation between him and Susann, and later faced federal weapons charges for an improperly registered firearm found in their home.
What evidence led to the arrest of James Valley Cotter, Brad Simpson's business partner, in the Susann Simpson case?
Police found a gun hidden in Cotter's home that matched one missing from the Simpson residence, and text messages indicated Brad had contacted Cotter about the weapon, leading to charges of tampering with evidence.
Why did Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon recommend a new sentence for the Menendez brothers?
Gascon cited the brothers' exceptional behavior in prison, including running support groups and beautification programs, and noted that most family members believe they were abused, suggesting a more lenient sentence based on changed cultural attitudes towards such cases.
What was the outcome of the trial for Savan Matthews, the Denver cardiologist accused of drugging and raping women he met through dating apps?
Matthews was sentenced to 158 years in prison for sexually assaulting eleven women, eight of whom he raped after drugging them, with several victims testifying about the lasting impact of his crimes.
What should someone do if they feel they are being followed?
Trust your instincts, change your route, and if necessary, make noise to draw attention and deter the potential threat. Predators often seek easy targets, so appearing unpredictable or difficult can discourage them.
What are some effective self-defense techniques for someone who feels threatened?
Focus on simple, effective strikes like kicking the shins, scratching the face, or targeting the groin. The goal is to create a distraction or opportunity to escape, not to engage in prolonged combat.
- Richard Allen initially talked to a park officer days after the girls were found.
- He claimed to be on the trail that day but didn't see the girls.
- Police discovered a bullet found next to the girl's bodies matched his gun.
- Allen was adamant in his interviews that he had nothing to do with the murder.
Shownotes Transcript