Slim Turkey: The Unsolved Homicide of Richard Aderson

This week, Mr. Slim Turkey and I delve into the socio-psychological phenomenon known as "diffusion of responsibility." The phenomenon is often used to explain the BYSTANDER EFFECT, where in the midst of a large crowd, a person is less likely to receive aid and assistance in the event of an emergency.   The bystander effect may have even influenced motorists passing Richard Aderson and his killer on the side of I-84 on the evening of February 5, 1997.  With each driver relieved of the pressure to respond, thinking, "Someone else has probably called for help," they possibly drove by the homicide and never looked back.     This podcast may contain information that some may find disturbing.   Thanks to:   “Turkey Time” by Monk Turner is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0   "Our Hearts Have Been Misplaced In A Secret Location” by Uniform Motion under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US   And to:   Lickerman, Alex. "The Diffusion of Responsibility: Why assigning responsibility to groups doesn't work." Psychology Today, 14 June 2010, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201006/the-diffusion-responsibility.

This week I'm joined by Dr. Shiloh Catanese, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist from Los Angeles AND host of the L.A. Not So Confidential podcast. Dr. Shiloh and I discuss the Richard Aderson case in depth, in which she lends both her expertise and opinions on the case.   Was this truly a case of road rage? Could Richard have possibly known his killer? What role might guilt play in finally unmasking the killer? How can keeping secrets be harmful to one's  emotional and psychological health? Find out as we broach these questions and more.     Have a question? Call us at 917-410-5528 or email us at [email protected].   This podcast may contain information that some may find disturbing.   Thanks to:   “Doctor's In” by Son Little under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0   and a very special thank you for the recording and editing to:   Justin Wilder Neese of Wilder Studios & Production

In this episode, Mr. Slim Turkey and I respond to the many questions, comments and interesting theories we’ve received relating to Richard Aderson’s homicide and subsequent investigation.   Have a question? Call us at 917-410-5528 or email us at [email protected].   This podcast may contain information that some may find disturbing.   Thanks to:   “And the Rest Will Go On Forever” by Underground River under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

With the passage of time comes changes in the dynamics in the way people think and in their personal relationships. They still may be reluctant to walk into a police station or to call the police BUT in some cases, "all it takes is for an investigator to take the initiative and knock on their door."   The main thrust of this episode is to communicate that a COLD CASE doesn't mean it's a DEAD CASE. There is ALWAYS hope and each one of us can do his or her part in helping to solve Richard's case.   This podcast may contain information that some may find disturbing.   Thanks to:   “My Wee Tribe” by Tickle licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0   “Turkey Time” by Monk Turner is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0   Walton, R.H. (2017). Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press   And a very special THANK YOU to Cake & Tommy for allowing us to use (one of my favorite songs): “Sheep Go To Heaven" by Cake from Prolonging the Magic     ... And to better understand the science behind the advances in DNA fingerprinting, check out this GREAT video, How does DNA fingerprinting work? produced by NakedScientists

After 22 years without a viable suspect, has the Richard Aderson case gone cold? Unfortunately, it’s one of a growing number to have met with such a hopeless conclusion. Despite the advances in technology, such as omnipresent surveillance and DNA research, homicide clearance rates have steadily declined in the U.S. over the last half-century. In this first of a two-part series, we’ll examine the factors that have contributed to the increasing numbers of unsolved cases across the country.   And in the conclusion of our examination of cold cases, we’ll discuss how homicide investigators have begun to effectively employ TIME to their advantage in resolving cases that were long considered unsolvable.    This podcast may contain information that some may find disturbing.   Thanks to:   “The Rising” by Aakash Gandhi licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0   “Run Until Your Wings Grow” by Late Night Feeler is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0    And a very special THANK YOU to Cold War Kids & Mike for allowing us to use: “Sermons" by Cold War Kids from Behave Yourself