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In 2003, 91-year-old Nelli Hocutt—known as the matriarch of her Bronx neighborhood—was found brutally murdered in her home. The investigation went cold for years, until a shocking tip revealed a twisted tale of betrayal, robbery, and a chilling confession from Sparkle Daniel, one of Nelli’s killers. Convicted, released on a technicality, and retried again, Sparkle’s trial became a courtroom saga that left Nelli’s family demanding justice.

In this episode, we break down the gruesome details of the crime, the trial that stunned New York, and the disturbing question: Was justice ever truly served? 

Partial Source Material:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/appeals-court-overturns-womans-conviction-in-brutal-murder-of-bronx-grandmother/

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/appeals-court-overturns-womans-conviction-in-brutal-murder-of-bronx-grandmother/

https://www.bronxda.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/pr/2018/25-Sparkle%20daniel%20Sentenced%20for%20murder.pdf

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/21/nyregion/21arrest.html

https://casetext.com/brief/8c3b9862-the-people-appellantvsparkle-daniel-respondent-brief

https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ny-supreme-court-appellate-division/1683081.html

https://nypost.com/2010/12/23/hocutt-familys-victim-impact-statement/