Digest

This episode of "Dateline True Crime Weekly" delves into several compelling cases. The Corey Richens murder trial is a central focus, detailing testimony from her former housekeeper, Carmen Lobber, regarding the purchase of fentanyl, and the defense's attempts to discredit her. Robert Crozier's testimony and subsequent recantation add complexity to the prosecution's case. The podcast also explores the Scott Spivey roadside shooting, including a civil hearing on the "Stand Your Ground" law and a judge's ruling that allows a wrongful death suit. Updates are provided on the Rashan Jones murder trial in Miami, the Dale Warner trial in Michigan, and the sentencing of Dan Seraphini in California. Finally, retired Police Chief Ken Wallentine offers expert analysis on the procedures and best practices for photo line-ups to prevent mistaken eyewitness identification.

Outlines

00:00:00

True Crime Cases and Legal Proceedings

This episode covers multiple true crime stories, including the ongoing Corey Richens murder trial where a housekeeper's testimony about purchasing fentanyl is scrutinized, and the Scott Spivey shooting case, which involves a civil hearing on the "Stand Your Ground" law and a judge's ruling allowing a wrongful death suit. Updates on the Rashan Jones mistrial in Miami, the Dale Warner trial, and Dan Seraphini's sentencing are also provided.

00:28:58

Expert Insights on Photo Line-ups

Retired Police Chief Ken Wallentine explains the evolution and best practices of photo line-ups, emphasizing blind administration and other techniques to minimize witness bias and prevent mistaken identifications, a significant factor in wrongful convictions.

Keywords

Q&A

• Who is Corey Richens and what is she accused of?

  Corey Richens is a woman accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richens, in March 2022. Prosecutors allege she did it to collect on his life insurance and start a new life with her lover. She has pleaded not guilty.

• Why is Carmen Lobber a key witness in the Corey Richens trial?

  Carmen Lobber, Corey Richens' former housekeeper, is a key witness because she testified to purchasing the fentanyl that prosecutors claim killed Eric Richens. She did so under an immunity agreement with prosecutors.

• What is the significance of the "Stand Your Ground" law in the Scott Spivey case?

  The "Stand Your Ground" law was cited by the attorney general to decline criminal charges against Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams, who shot Scott Spivey. However, a civil judge's ruling questioned its applicability, allowing a wrongful death suit.

• What led to the mistrial in the Rashan Jones murder case?

  The jury in the Rashan Jones murder case was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, reporting they were deadlocked. After repeated attempts, the judge declared a mistrial, and prosecutors announced they would retry the case.

• What are the best practices for conducting a photo line-up according to Ken Wallentine?

  Best practices include using at least six photos (one suspect, five fillers), informing the witness the perpetrator may not be present, assuring them the investigation will continue regardless of identification, and using a blind administrator who doesn't know the suspect's identity.

• How has the process of police line-ups evolved over the years?

  Early methods involved live line-ups. Photo line-ups became popular in the late 1950s/60s with limited training. Scientific understanding of memory in the 80s/90s shifted focus to reconstructive memory, and recent decades have seen courts and legislatures drive best practices.

Show Notes