Crime Story Editor

In Part 55, Judge Mader explains the complexities of electoral politics within the judiciary and the implications for defendants, attorneys, and judges. May 19 The “sleep-driving” defendant who crashed his Ferrari evading the police returned this morning for sentencing. The prosecutor finally produced the arrest report from Bakersfield where the defendant was on felony probation. The defendant had been apprehended in a Mercedes which was suspected of having been used in several robberies. He had a gun, as well as meth, cocaine, and ecstasy in amounts for sale. This was different, once more, from his attorney’s description of the Bakersfield case...

Links to all of CRIME STORY’S coverage of the Robert Durst trial are here. This episode looks at the prosecution's presentation of strange events in South Salem around the time of Kathie Durst's disappearance. We also present our first in a series of deep dives into Robert Durst's life, much of which is presented in Durst's own words as read by actor David Kelsey. Host Kary Antholis discusses the week's developments with co-host Brittany Bookbinder and Charles V. Bagli, who is covering the trial for The New York Times and CrimeStory.com. You can listen now by clicking on your preferred platform below. Apple...

You can find links to all of CRIME STORY’S coverage of the Robert Durst trial here. This bonus episode focuses on the most emotional testimony in the Durst trial to date — Mella Kaufman, Susan Berman's surrogate daughter. Charles V. Bagli, who is covering the trial for The New York Times and CrimeStory.com, also joins to offer the latest news about Robert Durst's mysterious medical incident.

In Part 54 of Inside the Robe, Judge Mader describes how a judge might weigh the circumstances of a crime which may carry a mandatory sentence under three strike provisions. She also explores how mentorship for new judges can help build confidence and develop their understanding of their responsibilities under the law. May 17 Yesterday, I described sentencing the “dog whisperer” to twenty-five years to life for his third strike. A few months ago, I also sentenced someone to life imprisonment for a Third Strike offense. These sentences are rare, and they stick out. The earlier defendant was convicted after a...

In Part 53 of Inside the Robe, Judge Mader expresses concern about the influence of the so-called "CSI" effect and the demand for DNA evidence by jurors. She reflects on the intent behind three strikes sentencing, and she answers the classic question, "What do judges wear under their robes?" May 11 Jurors watch too much CSI, a dramatic television series highlighting forensics. Even in simple jury trials, they want unnecessary and exotic hair and fiber tests, DNA, and fingerprint evidence. In the trial just concluded, two police officers testified they saw a gun butt sticking out of the defendant’s pants. The...

You can find links to all of CRIME STORY’S coverage of the Robert Durst trial here. This special breaking news edition of Jury Duty discusses the mysterious 'medical incident' today that kept Robert Durst out of the courtroom and landed him in a prison hospital. Host Kary Antholis speaks with Charles V. Bagli, who is covering the Durst trial for the New York Times and CrimeStory.com, about the situation.