American Justice Season 1997 Episode 9 Great Train Robbery

In the ninth episode of the 1997 season of American Justice, titled "Great Train Robbery," the show examines the infamous robbery of a train in West Concord, Massachusetts in December of 1995. The robbery was one of the largest heists in U.S. history, with the perpetrators making off with over $2.6 million in cash, checks, and money orders.

The episode begins by detailing the events of the robbery itself. On the evening of December 31st, a gang of six men wearing ski masks and brandishing weapons boarded an Amtrak train bound for Miami from Boston. The robbers quickly overpowered the train's crew and made their way to the baggage car, where they forced the Amtrak employees to open a safe containing the cash and checks.

The robbers then fled the train with their loot, using snowmobiles to escape into the rural Massachusetts countryside. The theft was quickly dubbed the "Great Train Robbery" by the media, and it captured the attention of the public and law enforcement alike.

The American Justice episode goes on to detail the investigation into the robbery, which was one of the largest in the history of the Massachusetts State Police. The authorities quickly determined that the robbers had inside knowledge of the train's schedule and layout, leading them to suspect that the crime was an inside job.

The show interviews several key figures involved in the investigation, including the lead detective and a former Amtrak employee who was suspected of involvement in the robbery. The episode also features footage from the trial of several of the robbers, as well as interviews with their families and loved ones.

Throughout the episode, American Justice explores the motivations and psychology of the robbers, seeking to understand why they would risk so much to commit such a bold crime. The episode raises questions about the nature of crime and the lengths to which some people will go to get rich quick.

Ultimately, "Great Train Robbery" is a compelling episode of American Justice that offers a fascinating look at one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history. Through interviews with key players in the investigation and trial, as well as insights into the minds of the robbers themselves, the episode offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on this unforgettable crime.