Ep 5. The Island Murder

In American Experience season 30 episode 5, titled "The Island Murder," viewers are taken back to the summer of 1936 and to the remote island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The episode tells the story of the shocking murder of Josephine Congdon, a wealthy and respected member of Nantucket's elite community, and the investigation that followed.

The episode begins with a picturesque view of Nantucket, an idyllic island community known for its natural beauty and preppy charm. Viewers are then introduced to Josephine Congdon, a wealthy widow who had recently moved into a sprawling estate with her daughter and granddaughter. Josephine was well-known and respected on the island, and her sudden and brutal murder on the night of August 19th, 1936, shocked the community to its core.

The investigation into Josephine's murder was led by a local detective named Charlie Coffin, who quickly realized the crime scene was unlike anything he had ever seen. Josephine's body was found in her bed, her skull fractured and her face mutilated. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, suggesting that the killer may have been someone Josephine knew and trusted.

As Coffin and his team set about interviewing Josephine's friends and family, they began to uncover a web of secrets and lies that had been simmering just below the surface of Nantucket society. There were rumors of infidelity, jealousy, and financial troubles, and many of Josephine's loved ones seemed to have something to hide.

In addition to these personal motives, the investigation was complicated by the fact that it was taking place in an era without the forensic technology that is available today. There were no DNA tests or fingerprinting techniques, no surveillance cameras or cell phone records. Coffin and his team had to rely on old-fashioned detective work and a lot of legwork to gather evidence and track down leads.

Despite these challenges, the investigation eventually led to a stunning conclusion that would rock the Nantucket community to its core. "The Island Murder" tells this gripping tale with a mix of archival footage, interviews with historians and experts, and dramatic reenactments that bring the past to life.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of American justice, as well as a compelling exploration of the dark side of human nature. Viewers will not be disappointed by this absorbing and thought-provoking installment of American Experience.