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Bryan Kohberger's, 'I like to drive at night' defense may seem weak to most. But he's not the only one who has offered an alibi that makes little to no sense. Here's a look at some of the other dumbest alibis in history. The "Twinkie Defense" (Dan White, 1978) Description: The 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk shook the nation. The man responsible, Dan White, was a former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member. At his trial, the defense attorney presented a unique argument suggesting that White's consumption of junk food, particularly Twinkies, was symptomatic of his severe depression. This was not to argue that the Twinkies caused his actions, but rather to highlight his compromised mental state. The media latched onto this defense aspect and dubbed it the "Twinkie defense," a name stuck in popular culture. While the defense itself might seem trivial or laughable, its implications were anything but. Using this argument of diminished capacity, White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of first-degree murder. The public's reaction was strong, leading to the White Night riots in San Francisco. The case and its outcome had a lasting impact on legal discussions about responsibility, mental health, and how they're addressed in the courtroom. The "Dog Ate My Homework" Defense (Andrew Zieleniewski, 1993) Description: Andrew Zieleniewski's defense during his murder trial in the UK was reminiscent of an oft-used childhood excuse: that his dog had consumed his homework, and he was at home during the crime's occurrence, trying to retrieve it. This alibi might seem almost humorous in its simplicity, but its utilization in a serious criminal trial underscores the lengths to which individuals might go to establish innocence. Despite the peculiar nature of the excuse, it didn't hold up in court. The jury dismissed his claim, and Zieleniewski was convicted. The case serves as a testament to the intricate and sometimes bizarre narratives defendants might weave to escape justice. The "Television Hypnosis" Alibi (Simon MacMillan, 1990s) Description: Simon MacMillan, accused of theft, presented one of the most unusual alibis: he claimed he was under the spell of a TV hypnosis show during his crime. While not a murder case, it remains noteworthy for its audacity. MacMillan's defense hinged on the idea that television could induce a state of suggestibility so profound that one could commit crimes without being aware. In a world where concerns about media's influence have always been rife, MacMillan's defense pushed the boundaries of these fears. However, courts, grounded in scientific reasoning, didn't give credence to this narrative, further reinforcing the necessity for evidence-based defenses. The "Sleepwalking Killer" (Kenneth Parks, 1987) Description: Kenneth Parks' case is remarkable in legal annals. Parks had a well-documented history of sleep disorders. One fateful night, he drove 20 kilometers to his in-laws' home, assaulted both, and killed his mother-in-law. He then drove to a police station, and confessed, but with a twist: he claimed he had done all of this while sleepwalking. Medical experts supported his claims, pointing to a rare form of sleep disorder. The jury faced a moral and legal dilemma: can someone be held responsible for actions committed in a state they have no control over or recall of? Ultimately, Parks was acquitted, leading to global discussions about sleep disorders, legal responsibility, and where the two intersect. The "Werewolf Defense" (Bill Ramsey, 1980s) Description: Bill Ramsey's claims were perhaps more fitting for a horror movie script than a courtroom. During the 1980s in the UK, after a series of violent incidents, Ramsey proclaimed that he occasionally transformed into a werewolf, losing control during these episodes. Sporadic and unpredictable violent outbursts backed his claims, but no concrete evidence supported the supernatural aspect of his assertions. In 1989, after much public attention and media coverage, Ramsey underwent an exorcism, believed by some to rid him of his "werewolf spirit." While his claims were never used as a formal defense in court, they added a chapter to the annals of bizarre explanations for violent behavior. Each of these cases not only underscores the complexities of the human psyche and the lengths individuals might go to distance themselves from their actions but also challenges legal systems worldwide to consider and adapt to ever-evolving narratives of responsibility. 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, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Bryan Kohberger's, 'I like to drive at night' defense may seem weak to most. But he's not the only one who has offered an alibi that makes little to no sense. Here's a look at some of the other dumbest alibis in history. The "Twinkie Defense" (Dan White, 1978) Description: The 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk shook the nation. The man responsible, Dan White, was a former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member. At his trial, the defense attorney presented a unique argument suggesting that White's consumption of junk food, particularly Twinkies, was symptomatic of his severe depression. This was not to argue that the Twinkies caused his actions but to highlight his compromised mental state. The media latched onto this defense aspect and dubbed it the "Twinkie defense," a name stuck in popular culture. While the defense might seem trivial or laughable, its implications were anything but. Using this argument of diminished capacity, White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of first-degree murder. The public reacted strongly, leading to the White Night riots in San Francisco. The case and its outcome had a lasting impact on legal discussions about responsibility, mental health, and how they're addressed in the courtroom. The "Dog Ate My Homework" Defense (Andrew Zieleniewski, 1993) Description: Andrew Zieleniewski's defense during his murder trial in the UK was reminiscent of an oft-used childhood excuse: that his dog had consumed his homework, and he was at home during the crime's occurrence, trying to retrieve it. This alibi might seem almost humorous in its simplicity, but its utilization in a serious criminal trial underscores the lengths to which individuals might go to establish innocence. Despite the peculiar nature of the excuse, it didn't hold up in court. The jury dismissed his claim, and Zieleniewski was convicted. The case serves as a testament to the intricate and sometimes bizarre narratives defendants might weave to escape justice. The "Television Hypnosis" Alibi (Simon MacMillan, 1990s) Description: Simon MacMillan, accused of theft, presented one of the most unusual alibis: he claimed he was under the spell of a TV hypnosis show during his crime. While not a murder case, it remains noteworthy for its audacity. MacMillan's defense hinged on the idea that television could induce a state of suggestibility so profound that one could commit crimes without being aware. In a world where concerns about media's influence have always been rife, MacMillan's defense pushed the boundaries of these fears. However, courts, grounded in scientific reasoning, didn't give credence to this narrative, further reinforcing the necessity for evidence-based defenses. The "Sleepwalking Killer" (Kenneth Parks, 1987) Description: Kenneth Parks' case is remarkable in legal annals. Parks had a well-documented history of sleep disorders. One fateful night, he drove 20 kilometers to his in-laws' home, assaulted both, and killed his mother-in-law. He then drove to a police station, and confessed, but with a twist: he claimed he had done all of this while sleepwalking. Medical experts supported his claims, pointing to a rare form of sleep disorder. The jury faced a moral and legal dilemma: can someone be held responsible for actions committed in a state they have no control over or recall of? Ultimately, Parks was acquitted, leading to global discussions about sleep disorders, legal responsibility, and where the two intersect. The "Werewolf Defense" (Bill Ramsey, 1980s) Description: Bill Ramsey's claims were perhaps more fitting for a horror movie script than a courtroom. During the 1980s in the UK, after a series of violent incidents, Ramsey proclaimed that he occasionally transformed into a werewolf, losing control during these episodes. Sporadic and unpredictable violent outbursts backed his claims, but no concrete evidence supported the supernatural aspect of his assertions. In 1989, after much public attention and media coverage, Ramsey underwent an exorcism, believed by some to rid him of his "werewolf spirit." While his claims were never used as a formal defense in court, they added a chapter to the annals of bizarre explanations for violent behavior. Each of these cases not only underscores the complexities of the human psyche and the lengths individuals might go to distance themselves from their actions but also challenges legal systems worldwide to consider and adapt to ever-evolving narratives of responsibility. 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, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Bryan Kohberger's, 'I like to drive at night' defense may seem weak to most. But he's not the only one who has offered an alibi that makes little to no sense. Here's a look at some of the other dumbest alibis in history. The "Twinkie Defense" (Dan White, 1978) Description: The 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk shook the nation. The man responsible, Dan White, was a former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member. At his trial, the defense attorney presented a unique argument suggesting that White's consumption of junk food, particularly Twinkies, was symptomatic of his severe depression. This was not to argue that the Twinkies caused his actions, but rather to highlight his compromised mental state. The media latched onto this defense aspect and dubbed it the "Twinkie defense," a name stuck in popular culture. While the defense itself might seem trivial or laughable, its implications were anything but. Using this argument of diminished capacity, White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of first-degree murder. The public's reaction was strong, leading to the White Night riots in San Francisco. The case and its outcome had a lasting impact on legal discussions about responsibility, mental health, and how they're addressed in the courtroom. The "Dog Ate My Homework" Defense (Andrew Zieleniewski, 1993) Description: Andrew Zieleniewski's defense during his murder trial in the UK was reminiscent of an oft-used childhood excuse: that his dog had consumed his homework, and he was at home during the crime's occurrence, trying to retrieve it. This alibi might seem almost humorous in its simplicity, but its utilization in a serious criminal trial underscores the lengths to which individuals might go to establish innocence. Despite the peculiar nature of the excuse, it didn't hold up in court. The jury dismissed his claim, and Zieleniewski was convicted. The case serves as a testament to the intricate and sometimes bizarre narratives defendants might weave to escape justice. The "Television Hypnosis" Alibi (Simon MacMillan, 1990s) Description: Simon MacMillan, accused of theft, presented one of the most unusual alibis: he claimed he was under the spell of a TV hypnosis show during his crime. While not a murder case, it remains noteworthy for its audacity. MacMillan's defense hinged on the idea that television could induce a state of suggestibility so profound that one could commit crimes without being aware. In a world where concerns about media's influence have always been rife, MacMillan's defense pushed the boundaries of these fears. However, courts, grounded in scientific reasoning, didn't give credence to this narrative, further reinforcing the necessity for evidence-based defenses. The "Sleepwalking Killer" (Kenneth Parks, 1987) Description: Kenneth Parks' case is remarkable in legal annals. Parks had a well-documented history of sleep disorders. One fateful night, he drove 20 kilometers to his in-laws' home, assaulted both, and killed his mother-in-law. He then drove to a police station, and confessed, but with a twist: he claimed he had done all of this while sleepwalking. Medical experts supported his claims, pointing to a rare form of sleep disorder. The jury faced a moral and legal dilemma: can someone be held responsible for actions committed in a state they have no control over or recall of? Ultimately, Parks was acquitted, leading to global discussions about sleep disorders, legal responsibility, and where the two intersect. The "Werewolf Defense" (Bill Ramsey, 1980s) Description: Bill Ramsey's claims were perhaps more fitting for a horror movie script than a courtroom. During the 1980s in the UK, after a series of violent incidents, Ramsey proclaimed that he occasionally transformed into a werewolf, losing control during these episodes. Sporadic and unpredictable violent outbursts backed his claims, but no concrete evidence supported the supernatural aspect of his assertions. In 1989, after much public attention and media coverage, Ramsey underwent an exorcism, believed by some to rid him of his "werewolf spirit." While his claims were never used as a formal defense in court, they added a chapter to the annals of bizarre explanations for violent behavior. Each of these cases not only underscores the complexities of the human psyche and the lengths individuals might go to distance themselves from their actions but also challenges legal systems worldwide to consider and adapt to ever-evolving narratives of responsibility. 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, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Frank Falzon investigated more than 300 murder cases during his 22-year career as a San Francisco homicide inspector using the radio call sign 5-Henry-7. The number 5 designated the Inspectors Bureau, Henry stood in for Homicide, and Falzon was inspector number 7. Working with San Francisco Chronicle reporter Duffy Jennings, Falzon's new memoir highlights his high-profile cases and the backstory of how his youth, his father's death at a young age, and his early years as a patrolman shaped his career. The Summer of Love and the heyday of the Haight-Ashbury flower power scene in the late 1960s mutated over the next two decades into a city under siege by serial killers, radical underground extremists, antiestablishment groups, gangs, and drug wars. Falzon investigated the Zebra murders of random white victims by extremist Black Muslims, Chol Soo Lee and the Chinatown gang murder, and the execution-style killing of prison reformer Popeye Jackson. Falzon was the lead inspector in the November 1978 assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in City Hall by former city supervisor and former cop Dan White, whom Falzon had known since they were children. And in 1985 Falzon and his partner were the first to identify Richard Ramirez as the Night Stalker serial killer, resulting in his capture within 48 hours. Ramirez had murdered, raped, tortured, and terrorized dozens of people in Southern California and San Francisco for months. Join Inspector Falzon and Duffy Jennings to discover the real detective work that went on behind the scenes back then ― and which has been reflected in so many articles, books and movies since then. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Frank Falzon is a highly decorated and accomplished police inspector who investigated more than 300 murders and other cases during his 28-year career with the San Francisco Police Department, 22 of them in the homicide detail.He played a key role in breaking the notorious Night Stalker case, investigated his childhood friend and former fellow cop for the murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, participated in the Zodiac, Zebra, and Juan Corona serial murder investigations, and other high-profile cases.His book, San Francisco Homicide Inspector 5-Henry-7, focuses on some of the cases Falzon worked on including the Night Stalker and Zodiac Killer.Website frankfalzon.comBook San Francisco Homicide Inspector 5-Henry-7 See less
Miss Áffrika is a 34-year-old Queen from Colombia that moved to Europe to work as a full time Drag Queen. Now part of the Drag Taste ensemble, Miss Áffrika has found her home. https://www.dragtaste.com/ May 22 is Harvey Milk Day What is Harvey Milk Day? Harvey Milk Day is a day to commemerate an extraordinary leader whose courageous work to end discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in the 1970s set the stage for many of the civil rights advances we see today. Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk was an activist, organizer, and the first openly gay man elected to public office in the country as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the late 1970s. Harvey Milk came out and started organizing against discrimination of gay and lesbian business owners in the Castro District of San Francisco, and against the Briggs Initiative (this was an initiative on the California state ballot in 1978 that would have banned gays and lesbians from working in California schools). Milk was responsible for passing gay rights ordinances for the city of San Francisco and served eleven months in office before he was assassinated on November 27, 1978, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. We celebrate Harvey Milk Day on his birthday, May 22. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support
On November 27, 1978, a shocking story unfolded in San Francisco: Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were shot and killed at City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White. This episode features an unedited "aircheck" of KCBS Radio coverage beginning shortly after 11 a.m., featuring field reports from Jim Hamblin and Barbara Taylor.
Supervisor Dan White murders San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. His defense would claim "diminished capacity" to keep him from being sentenced to death. The media dubbed this "The Twinkie Defense". But, what really caused Dan White to become a double murderer? From L to R: Supervisor Harvey Milk, Mayor George Moscone, Dan White Several resources were used in the research for this episode including: John Geluardi, SF Weekly, "Dan White's motive more about betrayal than homophobia," Jan 30, 2008. Carol Pogash, SFGate.com, "Myth of the 'Twinkie Defense', Nov 23, 2003.
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus had its first performance at a candlelight vigil on the night of Harvey Milk's assassination in 1978. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay candidate elected to major office in the U.S In 1977, Supervisor Milk had sponsored a landmark gay civil rights bill. San Francisco Mayor George Moscone signed that bill into law with a lavender pen given to him by Milk. Nearly 40 years later, The Lavender Pen remains a symbol of the fight for equality for all. It's also the name of a recent tour by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus through several southern US states which have harsh anti-LGBTQ legislation. On this episode of Relate, the story of an inspiring tour and the quest for equality.
As the first black female TV journalist in the West, Belva Davis helped to change the face and focus of TV news. Davis shared her story at California State University, Monterey Bay’s World Theater Sept. 27, as the first featured lecture of the 2011-12 President’s Speaker Series. Her talk was be based on her recently published memoir, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism.” In the book, she recounts her struggle to break into broadcast journalism at a time when stories of particular importance to African Americans and women rarely made mainstream newscasts, when a San Francisco station manager dismissed her from a job interview by explaining that he wasn’t “hiring any Negresses." But Davis, a young single mother struggling to raise two small children, refused to be deterred – the fact that a racist mob pummeled her with insults and trash at the 1964 Republican National Convention only made her more determined to persevere. And ultimately she did, rising to become one of the most respected and trusted local journalists in the country. In a career spanning half a century, Davis has reported many explosive stories, including the Berkeley student protests, the birth of the Black Panthers, the Peoples Temple cult that ended in the mass suicides at Jonestown, the assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, the onset of the AIDS epidemic, and from Africa, the terrorist attacks that first put Osama bin Laden on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. During her career, she brought stories of black Americans out of the shadows and into the light of day. And along the way, she encountered cultural icons including Malcolm X, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Nancy Reagan, Huey Newton, Muhammad Ali, Alex Haley, Fidel Castro, Dianne Feinstein and Condoleezza Rice. It has been an amazing odyssey for Davis, who was born to a 15-year-old Louisiana laundress during the Great Depression. Raised in the crowded projects of Oakland, confronted by racism and abuse, Davis achieved a career beyond her imagination. She has won eight local Emmys and a number of Lifetime Achievement awards – including honors from the International Women’s Media Foundation, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Northern California chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. Davis continues to host a weekly news roundtable and special reports at KQED, the San Francisco-based PBS station.
As the first black female TV journalist in the West, Belva Davis helped to change the face and focus of TV news. Davis shared her story at California State University, Monterey Bay’s World Theater Sept. 27, as the first featured lecture of the 2011-12 President’s Speaker Series. Her talk was be based on her recently published memoir, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism.” In the book, she recounts her struggle to break into broadcast journalism at a time when stories of particular importance to African Americans and women rarely made mainstream newscasts, when a San Francisco station manager dismissed her from a job interview by explaining that he wasn’t “hiring any Negresses." But Davis, a young single mother struggling to raise two small children, refused to be deterred – the fact that a racist mob pummeled her with insults and trash at the 1964 Republican National Convention only made her more determined to persevere. And ultimately she did, rising to become one of the most respected and trusted local journalists in the country. In a career spanning half a century, Davis has reported many explosive stories, including the Berkeley student protests, the birth of the Black Panthers, the Peoples Temple cult that ended in the mass suicides at Jonestown, the assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, the onset of the AIDS epidemic, and from Africa, the terrorist attacks that first put Osama bin Laden on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. During her career, she brought stories of black Americans out of the shadows and into the light of day. And along the way, she encountered cultural icons including Malcolm X, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Nancy Reagan, Huey Newton, Muhammad Ali, Alex Haley, Fidel Castro, Dianne Feinstein and Condoleezza Rice. It has been an amazing odyssey for Davis, who was born to a 15-year-old Louisiana laundress during the Great Depression. Raised in the crowded projects of Oakland, confronted by racism and abuse, Davis achieved a career beyond her imagination. She has won eight local Emmys and a number of Lifetime Achievement awards – including honors from the International Women’s Media Foundation, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Northern California chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. Davis continues to host a weekly news roundtable and special reports at KQED, the San Francisco-based PBS station.