Ep 1. Darlie Routier: The Crime

In the premiere episode of The Last Defense, viewers are introduced to the case of Darlie Routier, a Texas mother who was convicted of murdering her two young sons in 1997. The episode features interviews with Routier herself, her family members, legal experts, and journalists who covered the case.

The episode begins with a haunting 911 call made by Routier on the night of the murders. She and her family had been hosting a sleepover for her young sons and their friends when an intruder broke into their home and attacked them. Routier's two sons, Devon and Damon, were both found with multiple stab wounds and died from their injuries. Routier herself was also injured in the attack.

However, as investigators began to look into the case, they began to focus their suspicions on Routier herself. They noted inconsistencies in her story and behavior, including her apparent lack of emotion in the aftermath of the murders. After a trial that lasted over a year, Routier was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

The episode delves into the evidence presented at the trial, including forensic analysis of bloodstains found in the Routier home. It also examines some of the factors that may have influenced the jury's decision, including the prosecution's portrayal of Routier as a shallow, materialistic woman who cared more about her appearance than her children.

Despite the guilty verdict, many people continue to believe in Routier's innocence. The episode introduces several key figures in the fight to clear her name, including a private investigator hired by Routier's defense team who has unearthed new evidence in the case.

Throughout the episode, viewers are asked to consider the possibility that Routier was wrongly convicted. Was she truly responsible for the murders of her two young sons, or was she the victim of a flawed legal system? The show sets the stage for a deep dive into one of the most troubling and controversial cases in recent memory.