cold-blooded killer or FRAMED? Was Alice Crimmins really guilty?
Murder, Mystery & Makeup
Key Insights
Why was Alice Crimmins initially suspected of murdering her children?
Alice was seen as a victim of trial by innuendo, persecuted for her defiant anger and social life rather than solving the murder of her children. The detectives focused on her appearance and lifestyle, which they found unfavorable.
How did Edmund Crimmins react to his wife's social life?
Edmund was enraged by Alice's social life and installed wiretaps on her phone and in her bedroom to listen in on her conversations with other men.
What evidence did the detectives find in Alice's apartment that they used against her?
The detectives found empty liquor bottles, birth control pills, brassieres, and an address book filled with contact information for numerous men in Alice's bedroom. They also noted her heavily made-up appearance and stylish outfit.
Why did the detectives focus so heavily on Alice Crimmins during the investigation?
Detective Peering disliked Alice the moment he saw her and believed she was a 'cold bitch.' His personal bias influenced the focus of the investigation, leading him to ignore other potential suspects and evidence.
What was the content of the anonymous letter that the detectives received, and how did they respond to it?
The letter described a man and woman walking down the street with a bundle and a child, suggesting they were involved in the children's disappearance. The detectives used this letter to track down Sophie Iremirski, whose testimony they believed would incriminate Alice.
How did the public and media portrayal of Alice Crimmins impact her trial?
The media branded Alice as a 'sexpot' and 'a misbehaving wife,' focusing on her love life and appearance rather than the evidence. This portrayal caused moral outrage and influenced public opinion against her, making it difficult for her to receive a fair trial.
What was the outcome of Alice Crimmins' trials, and how did the legal system respond to her appeals?
Alice was found guilty of first-degree murder and manslaughter. Her convictions were later reversed and reinstated multiple times, leading to her release on parole. The courts eventually ruled that she could appeal no more, leaving her labeled as a child killer despite the lack of concrete evidence.
Chapters
- Detective work was criticized as laughable and unreliable.
- Unanswered questions about other suspects like Edmund.
- Lack of investigation into the owner of a fingerprint found at the scene.
- Alice Crimmins and her husband tried to stay out of the public eye after the deaths of their children.
Shownotes Transcript