Relisten to The Girlfriends S1, Ep 8: The Girlfriends Vs Bierenbaum
The Girlfriends: Our Lost Sister
Deep Dive
Why did the defense argue that Gail was not a victim but a woman with many problems?
The defense portrayed Gail as a needy, once suicidal, and greedy woman motivated by money to shift the blame and suggest she was responsible for her own disappearance, a tactic known as victim-blaming.
Why did the prosecution bring up the Tarasov letter during the trial?
The Tarasov letter, written by Dr. Stone, warned Gail that Bob might kill her. The prosecution used this to show Gail's concerns about Bob's potential violence, even though the letter itself was not admitted as physical evidence.
Why did the prosecution reenact the flight theory with sand and rice bags?
The prosecution reenacted the flight theory to demonstrate how Bob could have flown a plane and pushed a body out, addressing the defense's argument that it was impossible. They used an exact model of the plane and an NYPD helicopter to show the jury the feasibility of their theory.
Why did the defense's star witness, Joel Davis, undermine his own testimony?
Joel Davis, the defense's star witness, became inconsistent and confused under cross-examination, changing his descriptions of the woman he saw and mixing up details. This led to his testimony being discredited, significantly weakening the defense's case.
Why did Judge Crocker Snyder consider Bob's charity work when sentencing him?
Judge Crocker Snyder considered Bob's charity work in Mexico, where he treated children with cleft palates, as a mitigating factor. She believed it showed some good in his character, even though it did not detract from the severity of his crime.
Why did the jury find Bob Bierenbaum guilty of second-degree murder?
The jury found Bob Bierenbaum guilty after considering the extensive circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution, including his controlling and violent behavior, his inconsistent stories, and the discredited testimony of the defense's star witness, Joel Davis.
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