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The original was posted on /r/unresolvedmysteries by /u/2cultures on 2024-01-03 14:51:37+00:00.
After being arrested for the 1975 murder of his neighbor Martha Moxley in the early 2000's, Michael Skakel spent 11 years in prison. However, on appeal, his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court of Connecticut in 2018, on the grounds that his defense lawyer failed to present evidence of an alibi (that he was watching a movie with friends at the time of the murder). The state prosecutor declined to retry him in 2020.
Coming from a wealthy and well-connected family, Michael Skakel has had the benefit of good legal representation in his appeal (though not, apparently, in the initial trial). You wonder how many other people without the resources he has are currently languishing in prison after trials that were less than fair. Of course, you could look at Michael's case and say he got away with murder. The overturn of his conviction was narrow (a 4-3 opinion on the supreme court), and in their dissent some of the justices dismissed his alibi, saying that even if it was true, the exact time of death of Martha Moxley was not established with certainty and could have taken place any time over the course of that night.
Michael Skakel seems to point the finger at his brother Tommy for the murder, based on Tommy being allegedly romantically involved with Martha. Sadly, it does not look like Martha Moxley's family will see justice for her death. I don't know much about this case, so I'm happy to read any information or opinions you all may have about this tragic crime.