Ep 12. A Murder in Greenwich: The Martha Moxley Case

In American Justice season 1999 episode 12, titled "A Murder in Greenwich: The Martha Moxley Case," viewers are taken through a gripping investigation into the brutal murder of 15-year-old Martha Moxley, who was found dead in her yard in the affluent town of Greenwich, Connecticut in 1975.

The episode explores the events leading up to Martha's murder, with interviews and testimonies from friends, family members, and investigators who were involved in the case. Martha was last seen alive at a nearby Halloween party, which was attended by several teens from the area, including two brothers named Michael and Thomas Skakel, nephews of Ethel Kennedy.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the Skakel brothers are prime suspects in Martha's murder. The episode presents compelling evidence that implicates the brothers, including forensic evidence from the crime scene and testimony from witnesses who say they saw the Skakel brothers acting suspiciously on the night of the murder.

However, despite the evidence against them, the Skakel brothers are not immediately charged with the crime. The episode delves into the political and social dynamics at play in Greenwich at the time, with some speculating that the Skakel family's wealth and social standing may have influenced the investigation.

The episode also explores the impact that Martha's murder had on the Greenwich community, as well as her family and friends. Martha's mother, Dorthy, is interviewed extensively throughout the episode and provides poignant insights into her grief and efforts to seek justice for her daughter.

As the investigation continues, new evidence comes to light that eventually leads to Michael Skakel being charged with Martha's murder in 2000, over 25 years after the crime was committed. The episode concludes with a discussion of Skakel's trial and imprisonment, as well as the ongoing efforts by Martha's family and supporters to keep her memory alive and seek justice for her senseless death.

Overall, "A Murder in Greenwich: The Martha Moxley Case" is a compelling and emotional episode that takes viewers on a journey through one of the most notorious crimes in Connecticut history. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the episode presents a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of the case, shedding light on the human toll of violent crime and the often-frustrating quest for justice.