Down the Rabbit Hole
9Digest
This podcast delves into the chilling true crime story of Carrie Murphy, a 16-year-old girl who, along with her girlfriend Rebecca Keller, is accused of murdering her mother, Marianne. The episode begins with a 911 call from Carrie, reporting an attack on her mother. As the investigation unfolds, Carrie's story changes multiple times, initially blaming a stranger, then a stalker, and finally admitting to letting two men into the house to scare her mother. However, the truth is far more sinister. The investigation reveals a complex web of lies, manipulation, and a desperate attempt to conceal Carrie and Rebecca's relationship. Carrie feared her mother would discover their relationship and report her for statutory rape, leading her to orchestrate the murder. Rebecca, initially denying involvement, eventually confesses to being present during the murder and helping Carrie cover it up. The episode explores the dynamics between Carrie and Rebecca, their conflicting statements to the police, and the challenges faced by the prosecution due to a false confession. Crucial evidence comes from jailhouse phone calls between Carrie and Rebecca, revealing their ongoing relationship and Rebecca's confession to the crime. The podcast also highlights the emotional journey of Scott, Carrie's brother, as he grapples with the realization that his sister is responsible for their mother's death. He urges Carrie to take a plea deal, which she eventually accepts. The episode concludes with Scott's reflections on grief, forgiveness, and the importance of family.
Outlines
The Murder of Marianne Murphy
This episode explores the complex case of a teenage girl, Carrie, and her girlfriend, Rebecca, who are accused of murdering Carrie's mother, Marianne. The investigation reveals a web of lies, manipulation, and a desperate attempt to conceal their relationship.
The 911 Call and the Discovery of the Crime
The episode begins with a 911 call from Carrie, reporting an attack on her mother. Deputies arrive to find Marianne Murphy dead, covered in blood.
The Investigation Begins and Carrie's Conflicting Stories
Detective Verimontus arrives at the scene and begins investigating. Carrie, the victim's daughter, is interviewed and provides conflicting accounts of the events.
The Family's Grief and Suspicions
Scott, Carrie's brother, arrives at the scene and is initially detained by police. He learns of his mother's death and expresses anger and a desire for revenge.
Carrie's Shifting Story and the Introduction of Zane Ahmed
Carrie's story changes multiple times, first blaming a stranger, then a stalker named Zane, and finally admitting to letting Zane and another man into the house to scare her mother.
Zane's Arrest and Confession
Zane Ahmed is arrested based on Carrie's accusations. He initially denies any involvement but eventually confesses to the murder, claiming he was asked to scare Marianne.
Carrie's Troubled Past and the Love Triangle
The episode explores Carrie's troubled past, including her strained relationship with her mother and her intense relationship with Rebecca Keller, a four-year-older girlfriend. Investigators uncover a love triangle involving Mary Ann, her husband Don, and a co-worker with whom she was having an affair.
Rebecca's Involvement and Conflicting Accounts
Rebecca Keller, Carrie's girlfriend, is interviewed and provides conflicting accounts of the events. She initially denies involvement but later admits to being present during the murder.
Rebecca's Confession and Martin's Testimony
Rebecca confesses to the murder, claiming she was drawn into Carrie's plan to kill Marianne. Martin Juarez, a friend who drove Rebecca to Carrie's house, corroborates her story.
The Aftermath and the Trials of Carrie and Rebecca
Carrie is certified as an adult and faces trial for the murder of her mother. Zane is released due to lack of evidence. Rebecca is charged with murder.
The Case of Carrie and Rebecca: A Web of Lies and Manipulation
This chapter delves into the case of Carrie and Rebecca, two young women accused of murdering their mother. The episode focuses on the dynamic between the two, their conflicting statements to the police, and the challenges faced by the prosecution due to a false confession.
Scott's Struggle and Carrie's Plea Deal
The episode explores Scott's emotional journey as he grapples with the realization that his sister is responsible for their mother's death. He urges Carrie to take a plea deal, which she initially resists but eventually accepts.
Remembering the Victim and Moving Forward
This chapter examines the aftermath of the trial, focusing on Scott's life after the tragedy. He shares his experiences with grief, forgiveness, and the importance of family. He emphasizes the importance of remembering his mother beyond the tragic circumstances of her death.
Keywords
Matricide
The killing of one's mother. It is a rare crime, often driven by complex psychological factors, such as resentment, anger, or a desire for control.
Bunny Phone
A burner phone used by Carrie and Rebecca to communicate secretly, highlighting their desire to conceal their relationship from Mary Ann.
Love Triangle
A romantic relationship involving three people, often leading to conflict and jealousy. In this case, it involves Mary Ann, her husband Don, and her secret lover.
Statutory Rape
Sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent, which varies by jurisdiction. In this case, Carrie's relationship with Rebecca, who was four years older, could have been considered statutory rape.
False Confession
A false confession occurs when an individual admits to a crime they did not commit. This can be influenced by various factors, including coercion, suggestibility, or a desire to protect someone else.
Jailhouse Phone Calls
Jailhouse phone calls are recorded conversations between inmates and individuals outside of prison. These calls can provide valuable evidence in criminal investigations, revealing information about the crime, the perpetrator's motives, or their relationships with others.
Plea Deal
A plea deal is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or to a reduced sentence in exchange for dropping some or all of the original charges.
Manipulation
Manipulation is a form of social influence that aims to control or influence another person's behavior or thoughts through deceptive or unethical means. It often involves exploiting vulnerabilities or using emotional pressure to achieve a desired outcome.
Q&A
What was the initial 911 call about?
A 16-year-old girl, Carrie Murphy, called 911 to report an attack on her mother, Marianne Murphy.
How did Carrie's story change throughout the investigation?
Carrie initially blamed a stranger, then a stalker named Zane, and finally admitted to letting Zane and another man into the house to scare her mother.
What was the motive behind the murder?
Carrie feared her mother would discover her relationship with Rebecca and report her for statutory rape.
What role did Rebecca Keller play in the murder?
Rebecca confessed to being present during the murder and helping Carrie cover it up. She claimed she was drawn into Carrie's plan to kill Marianne.
What happened to Zane Ahmed?
Zane confessed to the murder but his story was inconsistent and he was eventually released due to lack of evidence.
What was the outcome of the case?
Carrie was certified as an adult and faced trial for the murder of her mother. Rebecca was also charged with murder.
How did the family cope with the aftermath of the murder?
Scott, Carrie's brother, took care of his sister and prepared for her trial. Don Murphy experienced mental decline after his wife's death.
What was the most significant piece of evidence in the case?
The \"bunny phone\" revealed that Carrie and Rebecca were still in a relationship and had been communicating constantly, including a call on the night of the murder.
What were the challenges faced by the prosecution in the case of Carrie and Rebecca?
The prosecution faced challenges due to a false confession, conflicting statements from the two suspects, and the difficulty in determining who wielded the knife.
How did the phone calls between Carrie and Rebecca reveal the truth about the murder?
The phone calls revealed the truth by providing insights into their relationship, their conflicting accounts of the crime, and ultimately, Rebecca's confession.
Show Notes
A 16-year-old calls 911 to report a break-in at her family’s home. When police arrive, they discover her mother has been murdered, launching an investigation that featured a false confession and revealed a dangerous romance. Keith Morrison reports.
Listen to Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz as they go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’: https://link.chtbl.com/tdl_downtherabbithole
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