Why does a shockingly low bar for "good enough" parenting put vulnerable children at risk?

On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott expose deeply flawed assumptions within the child welfare system.  They discuss how outdated studies perpetuate the belief that biological parents are always best, even in horrific circumstances.

Shavaun brings up the question of accountability, saying "There is little to no accountability for judges that continue to make these poor decisions over and over..." They examine how underfunding and understaffing of protective agencies severely limits the safety net for children.

The conversation also highlights the dangerous misperception among the public that the system prioritizes child safety, when the reality is very different.

Closing Question: What concrete changes, starting with better agency funding, can be made to finally put the needs and safety of vulnerable children first?

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

What happens when the system designed to protect children utterly fails them?

On this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott dissect the tragic case of Harmony Montgomery.  The five-year-old girl's murder at the hands of her father, Adam Montgomery, has exposed shocking flaws in the child welfare system.

Shavaun shares insights from the heartbreaking official report, noting "Harmony's individual needs, wellbeing, and safety were not prioritized..."  They discuss how repeated attempts to reunify Harmony with her unfit parents tragically led to her death.

The conversation then shifts to another case where children were horrifically abused: Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrandt.  Shavaun analyzes Ruby's sentencing speech, calling it a "coached response" designed to impress the parole board.  They debate whether parole boards can see through such calculated presentations.

Closing Question: Could Jodi Hildebrandt, upon her release, pose a further threat to vulnerable people if allowed to exploit unregulated businesses?

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The disturbing case of Adam Montgomery has centered on one question: how did so many people ignore the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect?  In this episode of "Hidden Killers", Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke explore the complacency of Montgomery's inner circle. Friends and family members seemed all too willing to accept the excuse that Harmony was living safely with her birth mother, conveniently absolving them of any responsibility.

Dreeke suggests a fascinating motivation: self-preservation. Knowing Montgomery's violent nature, could those around him have clung to the lie of Harmony's safety as a way to avoid confrontation and protect themselves?  Could they have believed their own rationalizations?

But will the prosecution's case hold up? Montgomery's chilling lack of remorse, combined with the less-than-credible witnesses, raises a key concern: could this conviction be overturned?  Dreeke examines the defense's potential avenues for appeal, including possible claims of ineffective counsel. Did Montgomery's decision to remain silent in court and his lack of cooperation with his lawyers harm his own defense?

This thought-provoking discussion highlights the complex interplay of guilt, fear, and enablement within the tragic case of Harmony Montgomery.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In this compelling episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski welcomes special guest Bob Motta, a seasoned defense attorney and host of the podcast "Defense Diaries," to delve into the heart-wrenching case of Adam Montgomery and the murder of his five-year-old daughter, Harmony Montgomery. This episode offers a unique blend of legal insight and emotional depth as Brueski and Motta explore the complexities of the case and the verdict that has captivated the nation.

Motta, bringing his expertise as a defense attorney, shares his initial reaction to the case, highlighting his disbelief and dismay at the actions of Adam Montgomery. Despite his professional commitment to the presumption of innocence, Motta admits an immediate aversion to Montgomery upon learning of the abuse inflicted on Harmony. The episode delves into the defense's strategy of shifting blame to Kayla Montgomery, Adam's wife, and how this approach aimed to introduce reasonable doubt regarding who was responsible for Harmony's death.

The discussion also covers the emotional impact of the trial, especially on parents, and how the jury's deliberation process led to the guilty verdict. Motta and Brueski critically analyze the defense's strategy, pondering whether a different approach, such as admitting guilt while highlighting Montgomery's opioid addiction and rage issues, could have altered the outcome. They conclude that the defense faced an uphill battle due to the heinous nature of the crime and the compelling testimony of Kayla Montgomery and other witnesses.

Listeners will gain insight into the legal strategies employed in high-profile cases, the emotional toll on those involved, and the broader implications for the justice system. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in criminal law, the dynamics of trial cases, and the tragic consequences of familial abuse and addiction.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In this episode of "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski and former defense attorney Lori Hellis analyze the Adam Montgomery murder trial. Despite the guilty verdict, many felt the trial exposed serious flaws in how the system addresses cases where domestic abuse and addiction collide.

Lori offers insight, saying that those involved "live in a reality where people do things...that we would find really abhorrent...it makes sense in drug world."  They discuss whether Kayla Montgomery, though complicit in Harmony's horrific treatment, was also a victim of Adam's control.

The conversation also examines the judge's controversial decision to allow Adam to be absent during his own trial. Lori suggests it may have been "a calculation...to deny him that opportunity" to disrupt proceedings.

Closing Question:  Was making a deal with Kayla a necessary compromise to bring some measure of justice for Harmony, or does it leave a lingering sense of unease?

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Was justice served in the Harmony Montgomery case?  Or does her tragic death expose deeper failures?

The disturbing case of Harmony Montgomery, the five-year-old girl beaten to death by her father, Adam Montgomery, has finally reached a verdict – guilty of murder.  But was justice truly done?  On this episode of Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski welcomes special guest Jennifer Coffindaffer (retired FBI Special Agent) to discuss the trial and the complex emotions surrounding the outcome.

"I wasn't surprised… this case is going to be so difficult for the jurors. They'll carry this with them forever," Coffindaffer emphasizes, offering insight into the lasting impact of the heart-wrenching trial.

Adam Montgomery's chilling actions after killing his daughter leave many chilled.  But the case also brought scrutiny to the role Kayla Montgomery, Adam's ex-wife, played in Harmony's ongoing abuse.  Did Kayla get off too easy with a plea deal in exchange for her damning testimony?

“They needed an eyewitness...they needed her," Coffindaffer contends. "I was okay with her getting away with all she did.

Beyond the trial, a troubling pattern emerges: the systemic failures of social services that allowed Harmony to fall through the cracks. How many more children suffer a similar fate due to underfunding and a broken child welfare system?

"What about our children?" Coffindaffer passionately asks. "Child protection services should have more money than all of these other ridiculous programs."

**Will the devastating loss of Harmony Montgomery finally lead to real change?   Or will her name fade into a long list of forgotten victims?  Join us for this deeply unsettling episode of Hidden Killers. **

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This episode of Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski dives deep into the chilling case of Adam Montgomery, accused of murdering his young daughter, Harmony. Joining Tony for analysis is former Felony Prosecutor and attorney Eric Faddis.

Did the defense make a mistake by resting their case without presenting witnesses?

Eric expresses surprise at the lack of defense witnesses, highlighting how it could negatively impact the jury's perception of Adam's innocence. His absence from the trial further fuels their doubts.

Kayla Montgomery: A crucial but questionable witness.

While acknowledging Kayla's credibility issues, Eric emphasizes the importance of her testimony. Corroborated by experts, it adds weight to the prosecution's case.

Adam's incriminating statements: The worst defense?

Eric highlights Adam's own statements as potentially the most damning evidence. Phrases like "I effed up" and obstructing the search for Harmony paint a picture of guilt.

Defense's emotional appeal vs. Adam's alleged rage.

Contrasting the defense's portrayal of a loving father with Adam's alleged hatred towards Harmony, Eric suggests the truth lies somewhere in between. However, Adam's lack of self-defense and overall behavior make him a suspect.

Emotions, biases, and the search for truth.

Eric acknowledges the emotional nature of the case and potential biases against Adam. However, he emphasizes the weight of evidence, including Adam's own words and actions, in shaping the jury's verdict.

This episode offers a gripping analysis of the Adam Montgomery case, raising key questions and exploring the complexities of evidence and truth in a child's death.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Can a case built on questionable witnesses and a lack of physical evidence still convict a killer?  In the trial of Adam Montgomery, accused of murdering his daughter Harmony, the prosecution rests their case, leaving listeners to ponder the weight of emotional testimony. Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke joins host Tony Brueski to analyze the prosecution's strategy, built largely on witnesses with checkered pasts and histories of addiction.

Did the prosecution effectively paint a picture of Adam Montgomery as a brutal, unrepentant man? Dreeke delves into Montgomery's behavior, including his courtroom antics and his alleged history of violence. His refusal to testify raises questions – did it help or hurt his case in the jury's eyes?

The most compelling testimony may have come from Montgomery's ex-wife, Kayla, a troubled woman with her own legal woes.  She spoke of horrific abuse at Montgomery's hands, yet also allegedly watched as he beat their daughter. How do we understand a mother caught in such a devastating cycle of violence?

With no murder weapon and no body recovered, the prosecution relies heavily on the emotional impact of Harmony's story.  Was it enough to overcome the questionable credibility of some witnesses?  And if Adam Montgomery is guilty, what kind of justice is possible in this heartbreaking case?

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience. 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    

 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    

 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience. 

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj

The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com