Alissa Turney, an Arizona teen who went missing in 2001, is the focus of this episode. The hosts discuss the shocking moment that left a courtroom stunned 20 years later. They explore the suspicious behavior of Alissa's father, allegations of sexual assault, and questionable notes. The attorney's perspective on the main suspect and his alleged plans for a mass casualty event are also discussed.
The podcast explores the shock and disappointment faced by the victim's family when the prosecution's case was dismissed in the middle of the trial without the defense presenting any witnesses, highlighting the rarity of a directed verdict of acquittal.
The episode raises questions about the role of evidence in prosecuting homicide cases, emphasizing the difficulty of pursuing a case without concrete proof, even when there is a lack of body or direct evidence linking the alleged killer.
Deep dives
The Unusual Acquittal
This podcast episode discusses the rare case of a directed verdict of acquittal, where the prosecution's case was dismissed in the middle of the trial without the defense presenting any witnesses. This is an extremely uncommon occurrence, and the episode explores the shock and disappointment faced by the victim's family when they believed they finally had a chance for justice, only for it all to fall apart.
Lack of Evidence
The podcast delves into the lack of evidence in the case of Alyssa's disappearance. Despite the absence of her body and concrete evidence implicating the alleged killer, the prosecution pursued the case, ultimately leading to a directed acquittal. The episode raises questions about the role of evidence, highlighting the difficulty of prosecuting homicide cases without substantial proof.
The Troubling Control
The podcast uncovers the controlling behavior exhibited by Alyssa's father, Mike Turney, toward his family. From surveillance cameras hidden in the house to oppressive contracts between family members, the episode paints a picture of a controlling and volatile household environment. The discussion delves into the impact of coercive control on the dynamics of the family, shedding light on the potential reasons behind Alyssa's desire to leave and the strained relationships within the family.
Josh Mankiewicz talks with Andrea about her latest episode, “The Day Alissa Disappeared” which looks at the case of Alissa Turney, the Arizona teen who vanished from her Paradise Valley home in May 2001. Andrea tells Josh about the dramatic moment, more than 20 years later, that left a courtroom stunned. The two share what they’ve learned over the years from talking with the families of the missing.