Learn about the Atlantic City Serial Killer / Eastbound Strangler #truecrime with criminal trial attorney Jim Leonard. He sits with South Jersey Criminal Defense attorney and former prosecutor, Louis Casadia.
Jim recounts his involvement in the tragic discovery of four murdered women in Atlantic City.
Leonard shares insights into the complexities of the case, including the initial investigation, witness testimonies, and the emergence of a new suspect known as the 'River Man.'
He reflects on the challenges faced in the legal process and the ongoing efforts to solve the case nearly two decades later.
The conversation delves into the complexities of a murder investigation involving multiple victims, exploring themes of misleading confessions, the discovery of bodies, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the impact of technology on modern investigations.
The speakers reflect on the victims' stories, the marginalization they faced, and the ongoing efforts to solve the case, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims and their families.
takeaways
Jim Leonard has been practicing criminal law for over 23 years.
The case involved the discovery of four murdered women in Atlantic City.
Leonard believed his client was innocent based on initial impressions.
Witness testimonies played a crucial role in shaping the investigation.
The 'River Man' emerged as a potential suspect in the case.
Leonard's client was never formally charged with any crime.
The prosecutor's office had a divided opinion on the case.
Leonard held a press conference to clear his client's name.
The case remains unsolved nearly 20 years later.
There is ongoing interest from law enforcement to solve the case. Confessions can often be misleading and require thorough investigation.
The discovery of bodies can reveal critical information about the timeline of events.
Circumstantial evidence plays a significant role in murder investigations.
DNA evidence can be compromised, affecting the investigation's outcome.
Victims' backgrounds and lifestyles can influence public perception and investigation focus.
Modern technology significantly aids in solving crimes compared to past methods.
The passage of time complicates cold cases, making it harder to gather evidence.
Law enforcement's approach to marginalized victims can impact case resolution.
Ongoing investigations require collaboration between defense attorneys and law enforcement.
There is hope for justice, but it requires persistent effort and advancements in technology.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Case and the Guests
02:09 The Discovery of the Bodies
05:58 Initial Client Meeting and Impressions
09:57 Developing the Suspect Profile
11:51 Witness Testimonies and Their Impact
20:01 The River Man and New Leads
30:03 Prosecutor's Office Response and Ongoing Investigation
35:14 Confessions and Misleading Leads
37:24 The Discovery of the Bodies
39:21 Circumstances of the Murders
41:10 The Investigation's Challenges
43:29 The Victims' Stories
46:01 Marginalization of Victims
48:22 Investigative Techniques and Technology
52:02 The Role of Technology in Modern Investigations
56:24 The Future of the Investigation
01:01:14 Reflections on the Case