Description:

Exploring one of Connecticut's most infamous true crime cases, this episode delves deep into the chilling story of Todd Rizzo, aka "The Sledgehammer Killer." Discover how an 18-year-old former Marine lured a 13-year-old boy to his death "just to see what it felt like," and unravel the complex web of psychological, social, and legal issues raised by the case. With court records, expert testimony, appeals, and local news insight, we examine the factors that shaped both Rizzo’s life and the outcome of his trial, including major debates about the death penalty, childhood trauma, and criminal justice reform in Connecticut. Perfect for fans of true crime, legal analysis, and stories that challenge your views on guilt, mitigation, and punishment.

Sources:

Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 16197. Decided: October 14, 2003. 

Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 17527. Decided: November 29, 2011.

Sledgehammer Killer Wants Off Death Row. By Bob Connors for NBCConnecticut.com. October 22, 2010. 

Connecticut court bars execution of 11 death row inmates. By Pat Eaton-Robb for The Associated Press. August 13, 2015. https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/courts/2015/08/13/connecticut-court-bars-execution-11/33682632007/.

Death row inmate resentenced to life in prison. By Unknown Author for TheAssociatedPress.com. May 9, 2018. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/death-row-inmate-resentenced-to-life-in-prison-2/. 

Connecticut Supreme Court upholds death penalty, sentence of convicted murderer Todd Rizzo. November 21, 2011. https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/11/connecticut_supreme_court_upho.html. 

On Death Row: Todd Rizzo. BY SCANMAN1722 for CT LocalPolitics.com. May 17, 2009. https://ctlocalpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/on-death-row-todd-rizzo/. 

Mothers say convicted killer was once a trusted baby sitter. Unknown Author. May 29, 2005. https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r/rizzo-todd.htm.