American Justice Season 2001 Episode 2 Mother on Death Row

In episode 2 of the 2001 season of American Justice, titled "Mother on Death Row," the focus is on the case of Darlie Routier. In 1996, Routier was convicted of the murder of her 5-year-old son Damon and sentenced to death. The case was highly publicized at the time and continues to be a source of controversy.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the crime. On the night of June 6, 1996, Routier called 911 to report that her home had been broken into and that her two sons had been stabbed. Damon died from his injuries, while the other son survived. However, suspicions soon arose about Routier's involvement in the crime. Despite her claims of innocence, she was arrested and charged with capital murder.

The episode then delves into the trial and the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution argued that Routier staged the break-in and the attack on her sons in order to cover up a deepening financial crisis and to seek attention. They presented evidence of a bloody knife found in a nearby alleyway, which they claimed was the murder weapon. They also pointed to Routier's behavior after the attack, which they deemed as suspicious, including her lack of emotion and concern for her dying son.

The defense presented a different theory of the crime. They argued that the break-in was real and that the intruder was responsible for the attack on the children. They maintained that the bloody knife found in the alleyway was not the murder weapon and that other evidence had been mishandled or misinterpreted. They also pointed to Routier's injuries as evidence of her struggle with the intruder and argued that her behavior after the attack was due to shock and trauma.

As the episode moves forward, it explores the aftermath of the trial. Routier was convicted and sentenced to death, but she continues to maintain her innocence. The episode highlights the ongoing efforts of her family and supporters to appeal the conviction and to argue for her release. It also raises questions about the reliability of the evidence in the case and the fairness of the trial.

Overall, "Mother on Death Row" provides a detailed look at a high-profile case that has captured the attention of the public for over two decades. Through interviews with key players in the case and a careful examination of the evidence, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of the complex issues at stake. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the criminal justice system and the controversies surrounding it.