I find it incredibly difficult to believe that Clementine Barnabet had anything to do with the axe murders she was accused of. From my perspective, the case against her is fraught with inconsistencies and questionable actions by law enforcement. Let me elaborate: Rapid Arrests and Questionable Investigation Practices When the murders began, the police made numerous arrests in quick succession. This pattern suggests that they were more focused on finding a convenient scapegoat rather than conducting a thorough investigation. In high-pressure situations, especially with such gruesome and high-profile crimes, law enforcement often seeks quick solutions to calm public panic. This can lead to hasty and flawed investigative practices, as evidenced by the rapid succession of arrests. Racism and Social Context in the 1910s Given the era and the location-Louisiana and Texas in the early 1910s-racial biases undoubtedly played a significant role in the investigation. Clementine Barnabet, a Black woman, would have been an easy target for a justice system steeped in racism. Historical records show that Black individuals were frequently scapegoated and convicted on flimsy or fabricated evidence during this period. This context makes it plausible that the apron, supposedly covered in blood and found at a crime scene, could have been planted by the police to frame her. The Convenient and Dubious Evidence The discovery of the apron is suspiciously convenient. For such a crucial piece of evidence to suddenly appear, linking Barnabet to the crimes, raises significant doubts. The chain of custody and forensic analysis of the apron were likely inadequate by today’s standards. Was there any definitive proof that the blood on the apron was from the victims? Could it have been analyzed properly at the time? Given the limited forensic capabilities of the early 20th century, it’s highly doubtful. Coerced Confessions and Mental Health Barnabet’s confession, which implicated her in 35 murders, should be viewed with skepticism. Coerced confessions were common, especially when police were under pressure to solve high-profile cases. Individuals with mental health conditions can be particularly vulnerable to coercion, leading them to confess to crimes they didn’t commit. Barnabet’s mental state and the conditions under which she confessed should have been scrutinized more rigorously. Alternatives to the Existing Evidence Multiple Perpetrators: The continuation of murders after Barnabet’s arrest suggests that there were other perpetrators involved. The existence of a cult, if real, would imply multiple members capable of committing these crimes. Copycat Killings: The sensational nature of the murders and Barnabet’s highly publicized confession could have inspired copycat killers. This would explain the continuation of the crimes after her arrest. Misinterpretation of Evidence: The blood on the apron, if it even existed, could have been misinterpreted or misattributed. Without modern forensic techniques, it’s impossible to confirm the origin and age of the blood. Racial Scapegoating: Historical examples abound of marginalized individuals being wrongfully accused and convicted. It’s entirely plausible that Barnabet was framed to quickly resolve the case. The case against Clementine Barnabet appears to be built on a shaky foundation of questionable evidence, coerced confessions, and a racially biased justice system. Given these factors, it’s far more believable that she was wrongfully convicted and that the true perpetrators either remained at large or were part of a larger, more complex network that the police failed to adequately investigate.
100% and thank YOU for having the intelligence to realized the OBVIOUS points that our narrators failed to see. She was a BLACK woman.. likely BEATEN, RAPED and coerced into "confession". These girls are clueless in so many areas. They say what she "seems" to be based on words likely not spoken by the accused. SMDH
Doesn’t sound like a hysterectomy exactly, I think they did a female Gen. circumcision. FGM was a common practice during the early 1900’s to “cure” “female hysteria”. In some countries it’s still a practice. It’s disgusting. I don’t think she was a murderer. I think she was mentally ill and someone used her as a scapegoat.
Couldn’t a lot of these murders be explained by the man from the train? You covered the viscilla case a while ago and quoted from Bill James book “The Man From the Train” when you did that episode, he discusses Clementine in that book. Just curious as to why you didn’t elude to that episode while doing this one?
Hey guys. I think it would be cool getting back into more of Fall River MA murders. Like the Freetown cult and all the killings of prostitutes and how they found a head in diman regional high schools football field bleachers ect.
I find it incredibly difficult to believe that Clementine Barnabet had anything to do with the axe murders she was accused of. From my perspective, the case against her is fraught with inconsistencies and questionable actions by law enforcement. Let me elaborate:
Rapid Arrests and Questionable Investigation Practices
When the murders began, the police made numerous arrests in quick succession. This pattern suggests that they were more focused on finding a convenient scapegoat rather than conducting a thorough investigation. In high-pressure situations, especially with such gruesome and high-profile crimes, law enforcement often seeks quick solutions to calm public panic. This can lead to hasty and flawed investigative practices, as evidenced by the rapid succession of arrests.
Racism and Social Context in the 1910s
Given the era and the location-Louisiana and Texas in the early 1910s-racial biases undoubtedly played a significant role in the investigation. Clementine Barnabet, a Black woman, would have been an easy target for a justice system steeped in racism. Historical records show that Black individuals were frequently scapegoated and convicted on flimsy or fabricated evidence during this period. This context makes it plausible that the apron, supposedly covered in blood and found at a crime scene, could have been planted by the police to frame her.
The Convenient and Dubious Evidence
The discovery of the apron is suspiciously convenient. For such a crucial piece of evidence to suddenly appear, linking Barnabet to the crimes, raises significant doubts. The chain of custody and forensic analysis of the apron were likely inadequate by today’s standards. Was there any definitive proof that the blood on the apron was from the victims? Could it have been analyzed properly at the time? Given the limited forensic capabilities of the early 20th century, it’s highly doubtful.
Coerced Confessions and Mental Health
Barnabet’s confession, which implicated her in 35 murders, should be viewed with skepticism. Coerced confessions were common, especially when police were under pressure to solve high-profile cases. Individuals with mental health conditions can be particularly vulnerable to coercion, leading them to confess to crimes they didn’t commit. Barnabet’s mental state and the conditions under which she confessed should have been scrutinized more rigorously.
Alternatives to the Existing Evidence
Multiple Perpetrators: The continuation of murders after Barnabet’s arrest suggests that there were other perpetrators involved. The existence of a cult, if real, would imply multiple members capable of committing these crimes.
Copycat Killings: The sensational nature of the murders and Barnabet’s highly publicized confession could have inspired copycat killers. This would explain the continuation of the crimes after her arrest.
Misinterpretation of Evidence: The blood on the apron, if it even existed, could have been misinterpreted or misattributed. Without modern forensic techniques, it’s impossible to confirm the origin and age of the blood.
Racial Scapegoating: Historical examples abound of marginalized individuals being wrongfully accused and convicted. It’s entirely plausible that Barnabet was framed to quickly resolve the case.
The case against Clementine Barnabet appears to be built on a shaky foundation of questionable evidence, coerced confessions, and a racially biased justice system. Given these factors, it’s far more believable that she was wrongfully convicted and that the true perpetrators either remained at large or were part of a larger, more complex network that the police failed to adequately investigate.
Good work ladies. Love the podcast. Keep them coming!
100% and thank YOU for having the intelligence to realized the OBVIOUS points that our narrators failed to see. She was a BLACK woman.. likely BEATEN, RAPED and coerced into "confession". These girls are clueless in so many areas. They say what she "seems" to be based on words likely not spoken by the accused. SMDH
Doesn’t sound like a hysterectomy exactly, I think they did a female Gen. circumcision. FGM was a common practice during the early 1900’s to “cure” “female hysteria”. In some countries it’s still a practice. It’s disgusting. I don’t think she was a murderer. I think she was mentally ill and someone used her as a scapegoat.
Agreed
Ahhhhhh!!!!!
Came here to say the same thing about FGM
Can you do the Elizabeth Short aka Black Dahlia case? It would be super awesome if you could❤
Couldn’t a lot of these murders be explained by the man from the train? You covered the viscilla case a while ago and quoted from Bill James book “The Man From the Train” when you did that episode, he discusses Clementine in that book. Just curious as to why you didn’t elude to that episode while doing this one?
Hey guys. I think it would be cool getting back into more of Fall River MA murders. Like the Freetown cult and all the killings of prostitutes and how they found a head in diman regional high schools football field bleachers ect.
Hey,you covered it befor.episode 9..axaman of new orlen...why Again?😒