A Crime to Remember Season 3 Episode 7 Damsel on Death Row

In A Crime to Remember season 3 episode 7 titled "Damsel on Death Row," viewers are taken back to 1952 when Caroline Young, a wealthy socialite, was found murdered in her home in St. Louis, Missouri. The case quickly became a media sensation, partly due to the fact that her husband, Dr. Laurence S. Young, was immediately suspected of the crime.

The episode begins with a recreation of Caroline's murder scene, complete with blood spatters and overturned furniture. Viewers then hear newsreel footage of Laurence's arrest, followed by interviews with journalists who covered the case at the time. They describe how the Youngs were a high-profile couple, known for their glamorous parties and luxurious lifestyle. However, they also suggest that Caroline may have been leading a double life, as rumors swirled about her affairs with other men.

As the investigation progressed, the evidence against Laurence began to mount. His car had been spotted near the crime scene, and he had scratches on his cheek and blood on his shirt when he was arrested. The prosecution argued that Laurence had killed his wife in a fit of jealous rage after discovering her infidelities.

However, the defense team had a different theory. They suggested that Caroline's murder was actually part of a larger conspiracy, involving a group of businessmen who were angry at Laurence for his outspoken political beliefs. In their view, Caroline had been killed in order to frame Laurence and discredit him.

Viewers see archival footage of the trial, including tense cross-examinations and dramatic testimony. The defense team also presents evidence that casts doubt on the prosecution's case, such as blood stains that don't match Laurence's blood type. Through these scenes, viewers get a sense of the heated emotions and high stakes that surrounded the trial.

Ultimately, Laurence is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. As the episode draws to a close, we see Laurence being led to his execution by hanging. The episode ends with a quote from his final statement: "I am innocent of this charge. I am being put to death for an act that I did not commit. May God have mercy on those who have condemned me."

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a mix of reenactments, archival footage, and interviews with historians, criminologists, and family members. Some of these experts offer their own interpretations of the case, while others simply provide historical context. The result is a rich and detailed exploration of a sensational murder case that captivated the nation.