Who Wins When BTK Investigators & DA Are At Odds?
Oct 16, 2023, 03:00 PM
Oklahoma authorities are deeply engrossed in a gripping mystery, probing the depths of a murder case from 1976. They're questioning if the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) is the perpetrator. However, the undercurrents of this investigation are far from just uncovering evidence. Personal feuds, contrasting opinions, and potential attempts at publicity are casting a shadow on the search for justice. But amidst all this, how is the evidence itself being treated?
Tony Brueski from the "Hidden Killers" podcast recently invited Scott Roder, a Forensic Evidence Expert from the Evidence Room, to weigh in on the ongoing investigation headed by Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden. Despite the anticipation surrounding the evidence, especially after some recent discoveries on a property in Park City, Kansas, the spotlight seems to be moving elsewhere.
Scott Roder expressed that even after so many years, "there will still be articles that could have important forensic relevance that could tie the manner and nature of a crime to an individual." From tooth chips to hair samples, or even a bloodied glove, numerous clues can be overlooked initially. Yet, the very fact that some new findings are making their way to TV screens before they're completely investigated is concerning.
The divide between the Sheriff and the District Attorney, Mike Fisher, is evident. The two seem to have clashing visions on how the investigation should proceed, further complicated by perceived media stunts like Sheriff Eddie Virden's appearance on Ashley Banfield's NewsNation program. In that appearance, Eddie handled what he claimed were pantyhose, evidence unearthed from the Park City property, in a way that made seasoned forensic experts like Roder cringe.
"They're literally saying that the other tactic of this investigation, this interviewing of the relatives of other deceased family members is causing pain and suffering on the survivors," says Roder. Whether it's a genuine hunt for the truth or just jostling for the next headline, the intentions of some involved are getting blurry.
Brueski also touched upon the unusual request by the Sheriff's department to allow a reality TV crew to follow them around. Such requests, combined with the public handling of evidence, seem to deviate from the solemnity and respect that should accompany such a case. "You gotta be careful because these people, and when I say these people, I mean like entertainment people, can kind of co-opt and really play to your ego," warned Roder.
Beyond the optics and public appearances, the real concern lies in the fact that the people at the helm of this investigation are public servants, entrusted with the duty of uncovering the truth and delivering justice. When they're at loggerheads, the faith in the system gets eroded. Families of the victims, already carrying the weight of loss, now face the additional burden of watching authorities clash.
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this investigation, the question that looms large is: When egos and personal ambitions come into play, can justice truly prevail?
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Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Tony Brueski from the "Hidden Killers" podcast recently invited Scott Roder, a Forensic Evidence Expert from the Evidence Room, to weigh in on the ongoing investigation headed by Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden. Despite the anticipation surrounding the evidence, especially after some recent discoveries on a property in Park City, Kansas, the spotlight seems to be moving elsewhere.
Scott Roder expressed that even after so many years, "there will still be articles that could have important forensic relevance that could tie the manner and nature of a crime to an individual." From tooth chips to hair samples, or even a bloodied glove, numerous clues can be overlooked initially. Yet, the very fact that some new findings are making their way to TV screens before they're completely investigated is concerning.
The divide between the Sheriff and the District Attorney, Mike Fisher, is evident. The two seem to have clashing visions on how the investigation should proceed, further complicated by perceived media stunts like Sheriff Eddie Virden's appearance on Ashley Banfield's NewsNation program. In that appearance, Eddie handled what he claimed were pantyhose, evidence unearthed from the Park City property, in a way that made seasoned forensic experts like Roder cringe.
"They're literally saying that the other tactic of this investigation, this interviewing of the relatives of other deceased family members is causing pain and suffering on the survivors," says Roder. Whether it's a genuine hunt for the truth or just jostling for the next headline, the intentions of some involved are getting blurry.
Brueski also touched upon the unusual request by the Sheriff's department to allow a reality TV crew to follow them around. Such requests, combined with the public handling of evidence, seem to deviate from the solemnity and respect that should accompany such a case. "You gotta be careful because these people, and when I say these people, I mean like entertainment people, can kind of co-opt and really play to your ego," warned Roder.
Beyond the optics and public appearances, the real concern lies in the fact that the people at the helm of this investigation are public servants, entrusted with the duty of uncovering the truth and delivering justice. When they're at loggerheads, the faith in the system gets eroded. Families of the victims, already carrying the weight of loss, now face the additional burden of watching authorities clash.
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this investigation, the question that looms large is: When egos and personal ambitions come into play, can justice truly prevail?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com