Deep Dive
Why did Matt Murphy decide to become a prosecutor?
Matt Murphy stumbled into the role of a prosecutor. He started a sexual assault education program as an undergrad, which caught the eye of the FBI and a DA's office. He was recruited by the FBI and a woman named Kathy Harper from the DA's office. He decided to give the DA's office a try instead of pursuing a fancy PI firm that offered him a lucrative track.
What was the impact of working in the sexual assault unit on Matt Murphy's personal life?
Working in the sexual assault unit had a significant impact on Matt Murphy's personal life. His love life was in shambles due to the subject matter and the immersion in the worst aspects of human sexuality. The constant exposure to anti-pornography and the pathological side of male sexuality messed with his head and affected his relationships.
How did Matt Murphy's first experience at a crime scene go?
Matt Murphy's first experience at a crime scene was nerve-wracking. He was nervous and worried about throwing up, which is a common trope in movies. He walked into a domestic violence murder scene where a man had been shot multiple times. The detective, Byington, lifted the man's shoulder to show the bullet holes, and the man groaned, indicating he was still alive. This was a rite of passage for Murphy, and it was a surreal experience.
What is the vertical unit system in the DA's office, and how does it benefit the prosecutors?
The vertical unit system in the DA's office involves prosecutors being assigned to specific cities or areas, working closely with the detectives from the minute a murder happens until the case is resolved. This system allows prosecutors to bond with their detectives, creating a symbiotic relationship. It eliminates problems and ensures that the detectives are listening to the prosecutors, wanting to win cases together. This close collaboration helps in gathering evidence perfectly and slamming dunking cases.
How does Matt Murphy handle cases where there is a lack of evidence but he knows the person is guilty?
Matt Murphy handles cases where there is a lack of evidence but he knows the person is guilty by adhering to ethical obligations. He ensures the defense has everything and then beats them with it. He believes that if a prosecutor can't convince a jury without cheating, they shouldn't win the case. He respects the system and his reputation, and he trusts the gut over the paper version when it comes to jury selection.
What is Matt Murphy's view on the prevalence of sexual abuse and its impact on society?
Matt Murphy believes that sexual abuse is ubiquitous and that many people have experienced it. He mentions that in juries, almost every hand goes up when asked if they or someone close to them has been a victim of something similar. He thinks the public doesn't fully understand how prevalent it is and that there's a stigma that needs to be relaxed, especially for men.
How did Matt Murphy's experience with the Rodney Alcala case shape his understanding of serial killers?
Matt Murphy's experience with the Rodney Alcala case deepened his understanding of serial killers. He learned that many serial killers start out as sexual offenders and that their psychology often involves a sense of entitlement and arrogance. Alcala, for instance, was a charming, intelligent man who murdered numerous people. This case highlighted the complexity and predatory nature of serial killers.
What challenges did Matt Murphy face in the Skylar DeLeon case, and how was it resolved?
In the Skylar DeLeon case, Matt Murphy faced challenges such as convincing the jury of DeLeon's guilt despite a convincing story about buying the boat with cartel money. The case was resolved when a neighbor provided a license plate number of the truck used in the kidnapping, leading to the arrest of DeLeon. The case was further solidified when an anchor was found missing from the boat, indicating a potential murder method.
How does Matt Murphy reconcile the frustration of knowing someone is guilty but lacking evidence?
Matt Murphy reconciles the frustration of knowing someone is guilty but lacking evidence by adhering to ethical standards and ensuring justice is done. He believes that entertaining a doubt means dismissing the case ethically, even if it means letting a potentially guilty person go. He prioritizes the integrity of the system over getting convictions at any cost.
What does Matt Murphy think about the trend of serial killers and mass shooters?
Matt Murphy believes that the trend of serial killers and mass shooters is similar in that both are often driven by feelings of entitlement and power. He notes that many serial killers start as sexual offenders and that mass shooters are often outcasts who feel bullied and want to exact revenge. He sees a common thread of insecurity and a desire for control in both types of perpetrators.
- Serial killers often have sexual insecurities driving their actions.
- Many serial killers are underachievers with high intelligence and a sense of entitlement.
- Joseph D'Angelo, the Golden State Killer, had a micropenis.
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