359: The Manhattan Well Murder w/ Gavin Whitehead
Most Notorious! A True Crime History Podcast
Deep Dive
Why was the Manhattan Well murder case significant in American history?
It became the first fully recorded homicide trial in history, setting a precedent for future legal proceedings.
What was the theme of the new season of The Art of Crime podcast?
The theme was 'crimes of old New York,' focusing on historical crimes that could only have happened in the Big Apple.
How did New York City look in 1799 compared to today?
In 1799, New York City was vastly different, with average buildings between two and three stories high, and more visible nature like pastures and lakes.
Who were the key residents of the Quaker boarding house at 208 Greenwich Street?
The key residents included Elias Ring, his wife Catherine, their four children, Catherine's sister Hope Sands, and Elma Sands, a cousin of Hope and Catherine. Boarders included Levi Weeks, a carpenter, his apprentice William Anderson, and Richard Croucher, a cloth merchant.
What role did yellow fever play in the events leading up to the Manhattan Well murder?
Yellow fever caused many New Yorkers to flee the city, including Catherine Ring and her family, leaving behind a tense atmosphere and contributing to the scandal of furtive copulation at the boarding house.
How did the discovery of Elma Sands' body impact the public?
The discovery of Elma Sands' body in the Manhattan Well led to public outrage and intense interest, culminating in the body being displayed in public for two days, drawing thousands of onlookers.
Who were the defense attorneys for Levi Weeks during his trial?
Levi Weeks' defense team included Brockholz Livingston, Aaron Burr, and Alexander Hamilton, making it one of the most star-studded legal teams in American history.
What was the defense's strategy to prove Levi Weeks' innocence?
The defense established a strong alibi for Levi, proving he was with his brother Ezra Weeks from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on the night of Elma's disappearance, making it impossible for him to have committed the murder.
Who were the primary suspects in Elma Sands' murder, besides Levi Weeks?
The primary suspects included Richard Croucher, a cloth merchant with a criminal record, and Elias Ring, the head of the boarding house who was having an affair with Elma.
How did the publication of the trial proceedings impact the literary world?
The trial proceedings were published in full, becoming the first fully recorded transcript of a homicide trial, setting a trend for future crime writing and newspaper coverage of sensational trials.
- The body of a young woman was found in a well in Lower Manhattan.
- The trial involved two Founding Fathers as defense attorneys.
- New York in 1799 was vastly different from the modern metropolis.
Shownotes Transcript