Ep 3. The Man with the Rabbit's Foot

The episode titled "The Man with the Rabbit's Foot" is the third episode of the crime documentary series "Killer in Question," which explores complex criminal cases where the guilt of the accused is not certain. In this episode, the focus is on the case of a man named Colin Stewart who was convicted of murder.

The episode begins with the brutal murder of a young woman named Rachel Bannon in 1999. She was found dead in her apartment, and the evidence at the crime scene pointed towards a man named Colin Stewart. Colin was known to be a friend of Rachel's, and he was the last person to see her alive. The police soon arrested him, and he was charged with the murder of Rachel Bannon.

As the investigation progressed, the prosecution presented several pieces of evidence against Colin. The most damning evidence was a rabbit's foot keychain that was found at the crime scene which was later determined to belong to Colin. Additionally, Colin had a history of violence, which included assaulting his ex-partner and threatening a former employer. The prosecution argued that this history of violence, along with the evidence found at the crime scene, proved that Colin was guilty of the murder.

However, Colin maintained his innocence throughout the trial and even after his conviction. In the years that followed, several inconsistencies and discrepancies were discovered in the prosecution's case against Colin. The defense argued that the rabbit's foot keychain could have been planted at the crime scene, and that the other evidence was circumstantial at best. The defense also pointed out that no forensic evidence tied Colin to the murder.

The episode also explores the psychological aspects of the case. We learn that Colin had a difficult upbringing, and that he was diagnosed with a personality disorder. The defense argued that this disorder, combined with a history of drug use, made Colin vulnerable to coercion and manipulation by the police.

Ultimately, the episode leaves the question of Colin's guilt or innocence open-ended. While the prosecution presented a compelling case against Colin, there are still several unanswered questions and inconsistencies that have led some to doubt his guilt. The episode ends with interviews from Colin's supporters, including his sister and former partner, who all maintain his innocence.

Overall, "The Man with the Rabbit's Foot" is a gripping exploration of a complex criminal case. It raises important questions about the role of circumstantial evidence, personal history, and psychological factors in determining guilt or innocence. Fans of true crime documentaries will find this episode to be both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.