Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR's investigative correspondent, dives into the tensions between police and progressive prosecutors. She reveals the story of a St. Louis detective who refused to testify in a murder case, raising critical questions about police accountability. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by progressive legal strategies amidst ongoing calls for reform. Pfeiffer also emphasizes the vital role of journalism in amplifying diverse voices and exploring the impact of these conflicts on public safety and the integrity of the judicial system.
Detective Roger Murphy's refusal to testify in murder cases due to his exclusion from progressive prosecutor Kim Gardner's list resulted in dropped charges or plea deals.
Murphy's opposition to Gardner's progressive approach to criminal justice highlights the impact of political views on the criminal justice system and the need for reform.
Deep dives
Detective Murphy's refusal to testify
St. Louis detective Roger Murphy has refused to testify in at least nine murder cases where he was the lead detective. Despite believing that the accused was guilty, Murphy's refusal to testify resulted in dropped charges or plea deals. Murphy's decision stems from being placed on an exclusion list by St. Louis' progressive prosecutor, Kim Gardner. Murphy opposes Gardner's policies, which he views as soft on crime, and feels his integrity is being questioned. He believes that the criminal justice system needs an overhaul.
Murphy's reasons for refusing to testify
Murphy's objections to testifying stem from his placement on the exclusion list by prosecutor Gardner. The list includes officers with credibility issues and prevents them from obtaining search warrants or pursuing cases. Murphy feels wronged by being placed on the list due to his conservative views and criticisms of the political system. He strongly disagrees with Gardner's progressive approach to criminal justice and fears defense attorneys would use his presence on the exclusion list to discredit his testimony.
Impact of Murphy's refusal
Murphy's refusal to testify has had consequences on ongoing cases. While some convictions were secured without his testimony, others resulted in plea deals or dropped charges. Murphy apologizes to the families who didn't get justice due to his decision but remains staunchly opposed to the progressive criminal justice system. He sees himself as standing up against the system and believes that prosecutors like Gardner are the biggest problem with policing and society.
In different places throughout the country, police are pushing back against the policies of progressive prosecutors.
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer tells the story of one such struggle in St. Louis where a detective wouldn't testify in a case. That refusal may have helped a man charged with murder walk free.