In a chilling case from New Jersey, a house fire reveals a dark secret: a man was murdered before the flames. Delving into a love triangle, the conversation uncovers the motives behind the crime and the circumstantial evidence that led to a suspect's conviction. Andrea shares exclusive interviews, shedding light on the victim's friendships and his killer's perspective. The discussion also reveals the unexpected role of a quirky sweater in shaping public perception, while jury decisions highlight the unpredictable nature of justice.
The murder of Robert Cantor involved a complex love triangle, ultimately leading investigators to suspect Tony Tung due to jealousy.
Circumstantial evidence, including suspicious behavior from Tung, played a crucial role in his conviction despite the absence of direct proof.
Deep dives
Effective Sales Strategies with ShopPay
Shopify's ShopPay feature significantly enhances sales conversions, reportedly boosting them by up to 50%. The platform is designed to cater to the modern consumer's shopping habits, enabling businesses to effectively sell products wherever customers are browsing. Notably, many top brands such as Allbirds utilize Shopify's streamlined checkout process, showcasing its effectiveness in increasing sales. This adaptability is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses in a competitive environment.
The Complex Case of Robert Cantor
The investigation into Robert Cantor's death revealed it was a case of murder disguised as a house fire, as he was found shot in the head. Suspicion quickly surrounded Tony Tung, who had a jealous motive stemming from an extramarital affair involving Cantor's partner, Sophie. The police's inquiry highlighted peculiarities, such as Cantor being found near the door despite the fire, suggesting he attempted to escape. The nature of the evidence led investigators to believe jealousy and revenge were central themes in this tragic crime.
Circumstantial Evidence and Its Impact
Circumstantial evidence played a pivotal role in the case against Tony Tung, despite the lack of direct evidence linking him to the murder. His actions, such as wiping his hard drive before the police arrived, raised red flags among investigators. The difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence, due to the technological limitations in 2011, added complexity to the case. Nevertheless, the accumulation of circumstantial evidence was deemed sufficient to point towards Tung as the prime suspect in the murder of Cantor, suggesting that sometimes, the smallest details can form a substantial case.
Josh Mankiewicz catches up with Andrea Canning about her episode, “The Room Downstairs.” In March 2011, a suburban New Jersey home was suddenly engulfed in flames. When firefighters entered the basement, they found 59-year-old Robert Cantor dead on a bed. An autopsy revealed that he’d been fatally shot before the fire was set. Andrea and Josh talk about the love triangle that pointed investigators to their prime suspect and the circumstantial case that resulted in his conviction – twice. Plus, Andrea shares two podcast-exclusive interview clips, one from the victim’s best friend and the other from his killer.