On The Case With Paula Zahn Season 3 Episode 2 Gallaudet Murders

In season 3, episode 2 of On The Case With Paula Zahn, titled "Gallaudet Murders," Paula Zahn delves into the mysterious murders of two young women at Gallaudet University, a renowned college for the deaf in Washington, D.C.

The episode begins by introducing us to the victims, freshmen students, Erica Green and Dorothy "Dottie" Pryor. On the night of September 10th, 2000, the two friends were brutally beaten and stabbed to death in their dormitory room. Their bodies were discovered the following morning by a friend who had come to visit.

The police were baffled by the murders, as there was no sign of forced entry and no obvious motive. However, they quickly identified a suspect, Joseph Mesa Jr., an 18-year-old Gallaudet student who had been seen with the victims on the night of the murders. Mesa was arrested and charged with two counts of murder.

From there, Zahn takes us on a deep dive into the investigation, including interviews with police detectives, prosecutors, and even friends of the victims. We learn that Mesa was a troubled youth who had a history of violent behavior and had been expelled from several schools before coming to Gallaudet. He was also known to have a crush on one of the victims, which could have been a motive for the murders.

Zahn also explores the unique challenges that the police faced in investigating a case involving deaf victims and suspects. They had to use sign language interpreters and rely heavily on interviews with witnesses who were also deaf or hard of hearing. This unique aspect of the case added an additional layer of complexity to an already complicated investigation.

As the trial begins, Zahn takes us inside the courtroom, giving us a front-row seat to the proceedings. We hear from the prosecution, who present a compelling case against Mesa, and the defense, who argue that there is no direct evidence linking Mesa to the murders.

Throughout the episode, Zahn provides expert analysis of the evidence and the trial, helping to unravel the complex web of facts and theories surrounding the case. She asks the tough questions and provides insights into the minds of the investigators and the jurors who heard the case.

In the end, the episode concludes with the verdict and the aftermath of the trial. We learn that Mesa was convicted of both murders and is currently serving two life sentences in prison.

Overall, "Gallaudet Murders" is a gripping episode of On The Case With Paula Zahn that explores a fascinating and tragic case involving the murders of two young women. Through expert interviews and analysis, Zahn helps viewers understand the complexities of the case and provides insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system.