Murder or Self-Defense - The Mashek Case - Ep. 105 Titelbild

Murder or Self-Defense - The Mashek Case - Ep. 105

Murder or Self-Defense - The Mashek Case - Ep. 105

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 Murder or Self-Defense? The Mashek Case - EP. 105 In a case defined by disturbing surveillance footage, power imbalance, and a single fatal shot, the line between victim and perpetrator is anything but clear. In this episode of The Escape Pod, we examine the tragic and legally complex case of Richard “Dickey” Mashek and Kelly Ann Croyle—a case that forced prosecutors, experts, and the public to confront a difficult question: When does self-defense begin in situations of prolonged terror and domestic violence? Captured almost entirely on video, the Mashek case offers a rare, unfiltered look at how sustained abuse, threats, and psychological captivity can escalate into a deadly moment—one that the justice system ultimately ruled was not murder, but survival. Episode Highlights The September 2014 events in Box Elder, South Dakota Hours of surveillance footage documenting escalating abuse Power dynamics, age disparity, and coercive control Graphic threats, physical assaults, and use of deadly weapons The moment the fatal shot was fired—and what came after The prosecutor’s ethical dilemma Expert analysis from leading forensic psychiatrists Why charges were ultimately dropped How this case challenges traditional definitions of “imminent threat” Trigger Warning This episode contains discussions of: Domestic violence Psychological torture and coercive control Threats of homicide Firearm-related death Listener discretion is strongly advised. Notable Quote “This was one of those cases where the evidence didn’t give us easy answers—only harder questions about fear, control, and survival.” — Lara Roetzel Guest Perspective This episode features insight from Lara Roetzel, who served as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney at the time of the case, offering a rare prosecutor’s perspective on one of South Dakota’s most legally complex self-defense determinations. Resources & References   Attorneys, Experts Say Woman Was Forced to Shoot Boyfriend  Video Clears SD Woman of Boyfriend's Murder  Bond Set at $500K for Woman Charged with Murder  Box Elder Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Murder  Prosecutors in Box Elder Killing Add Video to Evidence    Key Questions We Explore What does “imminent danger” mean in cases of prolonged terror? How should the legal system evaluate self-defense when abuse is sustained, not momentary? Would this case have unfolded differently without video evidence? How do prosecutors balance legal standards with trauma-informed realities? Why This Case Matters The Mashek case challenges long-held assumptions about self-defense law—particularly in domestic violence situations where escape is threatened, violence is constant, and fear never subsides. It raises critical questions about how justice systems define danger, how trauma impacts decision-making, and how evidence can both clarify and complicate the truth. __________________________________________________________   Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.    https://www.escapepod.live    Do you have a story that you want to share with EscapePod? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?   General mail: justbecause@escapepod.live   Submit listener stories: escapeartist@escapepod.live    On Social Media   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EscapePod.traumedy   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape_pod_podcast/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Escape_Pod_podcast/videos    Subscribe and listen now- https://linktr.ee/escapepod57701 
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