Ep 8. Greenwich: Who Killed Martha Moxley?

In City Confidential season 2 episode 8, viewers are taken on a journey to the affluent community of Greenwich, Connecticut, where the brutal murder of 15-year-old Martha Moxley rocked the town to its core in 1975. The episode examines the complex and controversial case, which remained unsolved for over two decades, drawing on interviews with those close to Martha, as well as law enforcement officials and legal experts.

Martha lived in the prestigious Belle Haven neighborhood of Greenwich, where mansions lined the streets and the social scene was the envy of many. On the night of October 30, 1975, Martha had gone to her friend's house for a pre-Halloween get-together, where they played pranks and drank alcohol. Later that evening, she left to return home, but she never made it.

Her body was discovered the following day in her own backyard, bludgeoned to death with a golf club that belonged to one of her neighbors, Tommy Skakel. The Skakel family, who were also well-known residents of Belle Haven, became immediate suspects in the case, with Tommy's older brother Michael being the primary focus of the investigation.

The episode delves into the troubling history of the Skakel family, who were known for their erratic behavior and troubled past. Viewers learn about Michael's troubled childhood, which involved a stint at a school for troubled youths and a struggle with addiction. The episode explores the events leading up to the murder, including a Halloween party at the Skakel house that Michael attended that same night.

Despite a wealth of evidence against Michael, including circumstantial evidence and witness testimony, he was not charged with Martha's murder until over 20 years later. The episode raises important questions about the handling of the case, including the ways in which wealth and power may have influenced the investigation and prosecution.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a range of individuals whose lives were touched by the tragedy, including Martha's family members and friends, as well as those who were involved in the investigation. The episode paints a vivid portrait of a community shaken to its core by a senseless act of violence, and its aftermath.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a fascinating exploration of the intersection between privilege, power, and justice in America, and raises important questions about the ways in which our assumptions about who is capable of violence and who is deserving of justice may be misguided.