Ep 2. Darlie Routier

On Death Row season 2 episode 2 delves into the case of Darlie Routier, a mother who has been convicted of killing two of her own children.

The episode starts by introducing the viewers to the crime scene at Routier's home in Rowlett, Texas. On June 6, 1996, Routier called the police claiming that an intruder had broken into her home and stabbed her and her two sons, Devon and Damon. However, upon arrival, the police found the bloodied bodies of the two children and a critically injured Routier.

The episode then goes on to explore the prosecution's case against Routier, which largely relied on the presence of Routier's fingerprints on a kitchen knife found at the crime scene. Additionally, the prosecution argued that Routier's injuries were self-inflicted in an attempt to deflect suspicion from herself.

The defense, on the other hand, claimed that the crime was committed by an intruder who had snuck into the house through a screen door that Routier had left open. They also argued that Routier's injuries were genuine and that she had fought off the intruder in an attempt to protect her children.

The episode features interviews with Routier, her family members, and legal experts who discuss the evidence presented in the case. The defense attorneys point out that there were several inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, such as the fact that none of the house's windows were broken despite Routier's claim that the intruder had entered through one.

Furthermore, the defense argued that Routier's prints on the knife could have been left there innocently, as she had regularly used it to cut food in the past. They also pointed out that Routier's blood was found all over the crime scene, including on items that the prosecution claimed were part of her plan to stage the crime.

Ultimately, the jury found Routier guilty of capital murder and sentenced her to death. However, the episode leaves viewers with an unresolved sense of doubt and the question of whether justice was truly served in this case.

On Death Row season 2 episode 2 provides a detailed and chilling account of a high-profile murder case that has been debated and scrutinized for over two decades. It sheds light on the complexities of the American justice system and forces us to confront difficult questions around capital punishment and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.