Relisten to The Girlfriends S1, Ep 5: The Best Job a Lawyer Could Have
The Girlfriends: Our Lost Sister
Deep Dive
Why did Bob move to Minot, North Dakota?
Bob moved to Minot, North Dakota to take a lucrative job at a hospital and start a new life with his new fiancée, Janet.
What was the cause of Gail's death according to her death certificate?
The cause of Gail's death was listed as 'undetermined,' with 'torso with homicide' written and circled underneath.
How did the community in Minot, North Dakota perceive Bob?
The community in Minot, North Dakota saw Bob as a highly skilled doctor and a valued member of both the medical and Jewish communities. He was known for his multilingual abilities and his homemade bagels.
What was the reaction of the Manhattan DA's cold case unit to Gail's case?
The Manhattan DA's cold case unit, led by Daniel Bibb and Stephen Sirocco, agreed to review Gail's case after being convinced by Andy Rosenzweig that Bob was likely responsible for her death.
What significant change in the justice system helped Gail's case gain attention in the late 90s?
The passing of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which allocated $1.6 billion towards investigating and prosecuting violent crimes against women, helped shift attitudes and improve the handling of domestic violence cases.
How did Bob's behavior as a doctor in Minot, North Dakota differ from his public persona?
While Bob was highly regarded as a doctor, some patients and colleagues described him as unpredictable and overly judgmental, with a tendency to become angry quickly.
What was the Tarasov letter in Gail's case?
The Tarasov letter was written by Bob's psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Stone, warning Gail that she was in danger and should leave the house, indicating concerns about Bob's behavior.
Why was Gail's case initially difficult to prosecute in the 1980s?
In the 1980s, domestic violence was not taken as seriously as it is today, and there were no dedicated domestic violence units within the police or DA's office to follow up on complaints like Gail's.
What was the significance of the tiger attack case in Minot, North Dakota?
Bob gained local fame in Minot for performing emergency surgery on a young boy who was attacked by a tiger at the North Dakota State Fair, showcasing his medical skills.
How did the Manhattan DA's cold case unit approach Gail's case?
The cold case unit, led by Dan and Steve, started by reviewing all past files, contacting key witnesses, and traveling extensively to gather new evidence, focusing on the changing attitudes towards domestic violence.
- Bob moved to Minot, North Dakota after a breakup and subsequent engagement.
- He was well-regarded by many in Minot, known for his language skills and bagel baking.
- His marriage to Janet seemed happy, but some accounts reveal his unpredictable anger.
Shownotes Transcript