Is There ANY Chance Kaitlin Armstrong Walks Free After Murder Trial?
Nov 07, 2023, 12:00 AM
Did Kaitlin Armstrong's flight signal guilt, or was it the act of a terrified innocent? This question casts a long shadow over the ongoing trial that has captured the public's attention with a narrative fit for a Hollywood thriller. In the latest episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski and former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani delve deep into the complexities surrounding Armstrong's case.
Armstrong stands accused of murdering a romantic rival, an act allegedly spurred by jealousy and betrayal. The prosecution's narrative is dramatic: After the murder, Armstrong reportedly fled the country, underwent cosmetic surgery, and adopted a new identity. As Rahmani put it, "People that are innocent, they don't flee the country, they don't get plastic surgery, they don't change their appearance."
The crux of the prosecution's case appears to lie in the ballistics evidence. Rahmani underscored its significance, noting that "the rounds at the scene...are connected to Armstrong's firearm." Critics often argue that ballistics is not an exact science, but Rahmani remains confident in its reliability. The prosecution, buoyed by evidence of Armstrong allegedly stalking her ex-boyfriend and hacking into his texts, seems to have a robust case pointing towards a lethal combination of motive, means, and opportunity.
Brueski's skepticism about Armstrong's defense is evident. He points out that her past does not suggest a capacity for such a crime: "There really is no past that she has of engaging, as far as we know, in any sort of nefarious behavior." Yet, the narrative of a sudden snap, followed by a calculated evasion of justice, challenges this notion.
The prosecution's portrayal of Armstrong's actions post-crime paints a picture of a guilty conscience. Fleeing to Costa Rica, changing her name, and altering her appearance seem to support their argument. Rahmani adds weight to this, arguing, "Normal people, they just don't engage in this type of behavior unless they're actually guilty."
The podcast also sheds light on the hurdles faced by Armstrong's defense team. With Rahmani's prosecutorial hat on, he suggests that a self-defense claim might be the only viable route, albeit a weak one. The prosecution's narrative is bolstered by Armstrong's continued attempts to escape, even when she was on the brink of trial.
Yet, Brueski does not shy away from exploring an alternate angle: Could Armstrong's flight have been the desperate act of someone who perceived themselves cornered by circumstances, albeit innocent? Rahmani concedes that such an argument could be made, but he remains unconvinced in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
The conversation touches upon the psychological aspects jurors may grapple with, acknowledging that crimes of passion are more relatable than random acts of violence. Rahmani notes, "when jurors are hearing cases, frankly, it's a lot easier to understand a case like this because you're a jealous person."
As the episode draws to a close, the gravity of Armstrong's situation is unmistakable. Her pre-trial attempt to flee does not play in her favor. In Rahmani's words, "every jurisdiction in this country has a jury instruction that says flight—that's consciousness of guilt."
The "Hidden Killers" discussion between Brueski and Rahmani leaves the audience with a gripping portrayal of a case that has all the elements of a tragic thriller. The evidence, the flight, the alleged transformation—all beg the question of guilt. But as the hosts ponder, is there more to this story than meets the eye?
As the trial of Kaitlin Armstrong proceeds, one cannot help but wonder: Is this the tale of a calculated killer, or could it be a narrative twisted by fear and misunderstanding? What happens when the lines between guilt and innocence are blurred not just by the accused, but by the very evidence that seeks to define them?
Armstrong stands accused of murdering a romantic rival, an act allegedly spurred by jealousy and betrayal. The prosecution's narrative is dramatic: After the murder, Armstrong reportedly fled the country, underwent cosmetic surgery, and adopted a new identity. As Rahmani put it, "People that are innocent, they don't flee the country, they don't get plastic surgery, they don't change their appearance."
The crux of the prosecution's case appears to lie in the ballistics evidence. Rahmani underscored its significance, noting that "the rounds at the scene...are connected to Armstrong's firearm." Critics often argue that ballistics is not an exact science, but Rahmani remains confident in its reliability. The prosecution, buoyed by evidence of Armstrong allegedly stalking her ex-boyfriend and hacking into his texts, seems to have a robust case pointing towards a lethal combination of motive, means, and opportunity.
Brueski's skepticism about Armstrong's defense is evident. He points out that her past does not suggest a capacity for such a crime: "There really is no past that she has of engaging, as far as we know, in any sort of nefarious behavior." Yet, the narrative of a sudden snap, followed by a calculated evasion of justice, challenges this notion.
The prosecution's portrayal of Armstrong's actions post-crime paints a picture of a guilty conscience. Fleeing to Costa Rica, changing her name, and altering her appearance seem to support their argument. Rahmani adds weight to this, arguing, "Normal people, they just don't engage in this type of behavior unless they're actually guilty."
The podcast also sheds light on the hurdles faced by Armstrong's defense team. With Rahmani's prosecutorial hat on, he suggests that a self-defense claim might be the only viable route, albeit a weak one. The prosecution's narrative is bolstered by Armstrong's continued attempts to escape, even when she was on the brink of trial.
Yet, Brueski does not shy away from exploring an alternate angle: Could Armstrong's flight have been the desperate act of someone who perceived themselves cornered by circumstances, albeit innocent? Rahmani concedes that such an argument could be made, but he remains unconvinced in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
The conversation touches upon the psychological aspects jurors may grapple with, acknowledging that crimes of passion are more relatable than random acts of violence. Rahmani notes, "when jurors are hearing cases, frankly, it's a lot easier to understand a case like this because you're a jealous person."
As the episode draws to a close, the gravity of Armstrong's situation is unmistakable. Her pre-trial attempt to flee does not play in her favor. In Rahmani's words, "every jurisdiction in this country has a jury instruction that says flight—that's consciousness of guilt."
The "Hidden Killers" discussion between Brueski and Rahmani leaves the audience with a gripping portrayal of a case that has all the elements of a tragic thriller. The evidence, the flight, the alleged transformation—all beg the question of guilt. But as the hosts ponder, is there more to this story than meets the eye?
As the trial of Kaitlin Armstrong proceeds, one cannot help but wonder: Is this the tale of a calculated killer, or could it be a narrative twisted by fear and misunderstanding? What happens when the lines between guilt and innocence are blurred not just by the accused, but by the very evidence that seeks to define them?
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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