Ep 2. Darlie Routier: The Trial

The Last Defense season 1 episode 2 revolves around the trial of Darlie Routier, a mother of three who was accused and found guilty of stabbing two of her children to death in their home in 1996. The episode delves into the trial that lasted almost a year and the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

The episode starts with a reenactment of the crime scene and the events leading up to the trial. The prosecution painted Darlie as a manipulative and selfish mother who killed her children for financial gain. The defense, on the other hand, argued that Darlie was innocent and that the evidence presented was circumstantial and did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she committed the crime.

The trial was highly publicized, and the episode features interviews with journalists who covered it at the time. It also features interviews with members of the prosecution team, including the lead prosecutor, Greg Davis, who presents the case against Darlie. Davis argues that Darlie's motive for killing her children was financial gain. He points to the fact that Darlie had taken out life insurance policies on her children just weeks before the murder.

The defense team, led by renowned lawyer and civil rights activist Richard "Racehorse" Haynes, presented evidence that they claimed proved Darlie's innocence. They argued that the bloodstains found on Darlie's shirt were not consistent with someone who had stabbed two children and then walked around. They also presented evidence that someone had broken into the Routier home shortly before the murders and could have been the real killer.

The episode features footage from the trial, including the emotional testimony of Darlie's husband, Darin Routier. Darin testified that he had been sleeping upstairs at the time of the murders and had woken up to find Darlie holding one of their children who was bleeding profusely.

The episode also features interviews with Darlie's family and friends, who maintain her innocence and believe that she was wrongly convicted. They describe her as a loving mother who would never harm her children.

The trial lasted for almost a year, and at the end of it, Darlie was found guilty and sentenced to death. The episode ends with a discussion of the controversy surrounding the case and the ongoing efforts to clear Darlie's name.

Overall, The Last Defense season 1 episode 2 is a compelling and emotional look at the trial of Darlie Routier. It presents both sides of the case and raises important questions about the legal system and the death penalty. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime and justice.