Digest

This episode of New York Homicide delves into the murder of Mama Edna, a cherished figure in the East Flatbush community. The episode begins with the discovery of her body by her granddaughter, Brianna, who initially believes her grandmother is sleeping. The police arrive and quickly determine that Edna's death was not accidental, but they keep this information from the family to avoid raising suspicion. The investigation focuses on Fredrick, Edna's husband, who was home at the time of the murder but claims he didn't hear anything. The police find a book open to a page titled "How to Get Rid of a Witch" in Fredrick's room, along with a piece of paper with Edna's name on it and a burnt candle, suggesting a possible attempt to use witchcraft against her. However, the police ultimately rule out Fredrick as a suspect due to lack of physical evidence. The investigation then turns to the discovery of an illegal gambling ring in the basement of Edna's house, adding a new layer of complexity to the case. The episode concludes with the police focusing their attention on Tamisha, Edna's close friend, who was the last person known to have seen her alive. Tamisha's unusual behavior after the murder, including her sudden disappearance and refusal to speak to the police, raises further suspicion. The police track Tamisha down to her mother's house in New Jersey, where they find her in a distressed state. Tamisha confesses to the murder, claiming that she was possessed by a spirit after Mama Edna tried to remove a curse placed on her by another woman. The police, however, are skeptical of her story and believe that the murder was likely connected to the illegal gambling ring or her boyfriend. Despite Tamisha's confession, the boyfriend is not charged with any crime, and Tamisha ultimately pleads guilty to manslaughter, receiving a 17-year prison sentence. The episode leaves the audience with a sense of unease, as the true motive behind the murder remains unclear.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Drag Bingo Dates

This Chapter introduces the episode and announces the upcoming dates for the drag Bingo events on the Patreon platform. The hosts, Julie and Benzumali, share their excitement for the events and encourage listeners to join the Patreon for exclusive content and benefits.

00:00:11

The Murder of Mama Edna

This Chapter dives into the investigation of Mama Edna's murder. The episode follows the events leading up to the discovery of her body, the arrival of first responders, and the initial focus on her estranged husband, Fredrick. The chapter also introduces the key players in the investigation, including Brianna, Edna's granddaughter, and Detective Nelson.

00:02:57

Mama Edna's Life and Voodoo

This Chapter explores Mama Edna's life and her connection to the Haitian community in East Flatbush. The episode highlights her role as a pillar of the neighborhood, a maternal figure to many, and a practitioner of voodoo. The hosts discuss the misconceptions surrounding voodoo and its significance in the community.

00:37:05

The Illegal Gambling Ring

This Chapter focuses on the discovery of an illegal gambling ring in the basement of Mama Edna's house. The police investigate the gambling operation but find no evidence of a robbery or connection to the murder. The chapter also introduces Tamisha, Edna's close friend, who was the last person known to have seen her alive.

00:40:19

Tamisha's Suspicious Behavior

This Chapter highlights Tamisha's unusual behavior after the murder, including her sudden disappearance and refusal to speak to the police. The police consider her a potential suspect due to her close relationship with Edna and her lack of cooperation with the investigation.

00:41:10

Tamisha's Confession and Arrest

This Chapter details Tamisha's confession to the murder of Mama Edna. Tamisha claims that she was possessed by a spirit after Mama Edna tried to remove a curse placed on her by another woman. The police, however, are skeptical of her story and believe that the murder was likely connected to the illegal gambling ring or her boyfriend. Despite Tamisha's confession, the boyfriend is not charged with any crime, and Tamisha ultimately pleads guilty to manslaughter, receiving a 17-year prison sentence.

00:57:16

Episode Wrap-Up and Patreon Promotion

This Chapter concludes the episode and promotes the hosts' Patreon platform, highlighting the exclusive content and benefits available to subscribers, including monthly drag bingo events, ad-free versions of episodes, and other perks.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main focus of this episode of New York Homicide?

  This episode investigates the murder of Mama Edna, a beloved matriarch in the East Flatbush community, and explores the potential involvement of her estranged husband, Fredrick, and the discovery of an illegal gambling ring in her basement, ultimately leading to the arrest of Tamisha, Mama Edna's close friend, who confessed to the murder but claimed it was due to a spiritual possession.

• What evidence suggests that Fredrick may have been involved in Mama Edna's murder?

  The police find a book open to a page titled "How to Get Rid of a Witch" in Fredrick's room, along with a piece of paper with Edna's name on it and a burnt candle, suggesting a possible attempt to use witchcraft against her.

• Why did the police ultimately rule out Fredrick as a suspect?

  The police found no physical evidence linking Fredrick to the murder, and forensic testing showed he never touched the murder weapon or any other evidence at the crime scene.

• What is the significance of the illegal gambling ring discovered in Mama Edna's basement?

  The discovery of the gambling ring adds a new layer of complexity to the case and raises questions about Mama Edna's involvement in illegal activities. It also suggests a potential motive for her murder, such as a robbery gone wrong or a message being sent.

• Why is Tamisha considered a potential suspect in Mama Edna's murder?

  Tamisha was the last person known to have seen Edna alive, and her unusual behavior after the murder, including her sudden disappearance and refusal to speak to the police, raises suspicion. The police believe she may have information about the murder and could be involved.

• What is the significance of voodoo in this episode?

  Voodoo is presented as a legitimate religion practiced by many in the Haitian community, and its role in the murder investigation is explored. The episode highlights the misconceptions surrounding voodoo and its significance in the community.

• What is the overall tone of the episode?

  The episode is both intriguing and suspenseful, as it explores the complexities of the murder investigation and the potential involvement of various suspects. The hosts provide a detailed and engaging account of the events, drawing on interviews with family members, friends, and the police.

• What is Tamisha's explanation for the murder?

  Tamisha claims that she was possessed by a spirit after Mama Edna tried to remove a curse placed on her by another woman. She says that the spirit overwhelmed her and caused her to strangle Mama Edna.

• Why are the hosts skeptical of Tamisha's story?

  The hosts believe that Tamisha's story about spiritual possession is fabricated and that the murder was likely connected to the illegal gambling ring or her boyfriend. They point out inconsistencies in her story and the lack of evidence to support her claims.

• What is the outcome of the case?

  Tamisha pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives a 17-year prison sentence. The boyfriend is not charged with any crime.

Show Notes