"48 Hours"/People magazine

CBS's "48 Hours" ran their third hour on Marty last night. Those who follow the case closely will note how Detective James McCready's description of the crime scene as he found it that day conflicts with the case he and the prosecution put on at trial. In the program, McCready described finding Arlene's body as "...an eerie feeling because it always is an eerie feeling. It was dark...." At trial, the prosecution argued that it was light in her room long before McCready showed up, challenging Marty's assertion that he had not found Arlene's body right away because it was dark.

Last week A&E replayed the "American Justice" hour on Marty. The airing of the two programs has led to dozens of email messages to MartyTankleff.org. Here are some typical reactions:

"I just finished watching your story on American Justice.  It breaks my heart to see what you have had to go through because of the corrupt justice system of Suffolk County. I can't imagine how you have been coping all these years and how you must have felt during your trial.  No one seemed to care that you were a son who lost his parents in such a brutal way. It always amazes me how evil people can be.  I used to think police and, when I was a child, adults were always honest and looking out for my best interest. The realization when that rose colored world stops is quite a day.  You had it hit you very hard and quickly and my prayers go out to you. I know you will be free and the truth will prevail."

"i just watched american justice and was appalled at the apparent misconduct by the prosecution. Another case of tunnel vision. i just wanted to pass on my support and best wishes. the dude with the bagel shop looked guilty as hell and hopefully he'll rot in hell for what it appears he's done!"

"I am a 57 year old African American woman from Indiana. I saw Marty's story on American Justice and it made me cry. I have seen first hand what a corrupt criminal justice system can do if allowed. My prayers are with Marty and his defense team and I am confident that the judge will see that Marty was coerced into a confession and prosecuted on false evidence and will set him free. Marty is still a young man and has so much to give. I will continue to pray."

"Marty Tankleff is undoubtedly innocent and it is very sad that he still is in prison for a crime he didn't commit. I just want to say I have lost all confidence in our justice system here in America. If innocent people can be convicted by people who are randomly selected to decide the fate of a human being, than our justice system needs to be changed."

"My son and I were home this morning and were watching the case on American Justice. Talk about reasonable doubt in the trial. It sounded to us that the police decided early on that you were guilty and only entertained the evidence that would help them prove it. Many years ago I automatically assumed that a confession proved that someone was guilty, I have since learned that is not always the case. Being overtired, and bombarded for hours upon hours would make the most innocent believe they had done something during their fog. Best of luck to you in your quest for the truth and your freedom!"

"What is wrong with our judicial system in New York?? I feel that we are putting the wrong person in jail. Nobody seems to want to listen or convict the guilty parties, but to put an innocent 17 year old person with no other record, and no evidence of a crime in jail for 50 years, is wrong. Something is seriously WRONG!! What is happening to our judicial system? Is it really that easy to buy someone off?" (from a 58-year-old viewer in California)

"I believe your story. And this is difficult in today's society. With so much injustice, all over the world and corruption right under our noses....I'm sorry this has happened to you. Losing your parents at such a young age- that's a tragedy and an immense ordeal for any teenager to experience but then to be bullied into a confession and have years and years taken from you...its just not fair. Again, I'm at a loss for words...for the correct words I guess...I just hope this letter finds you and hopefully brings a smile to your face." (from Canada)

"I just saw the 48 hours episode and am frankly appalled at the ridiculousness of this case. It appears to me as though the true suspect has several people on his payroll despite his apparent "money troubles." At least the detective, anyway. Keep your chin up; justice will be served."

"many officers out there like this heartless person are still putting innocent people behind bars, or even worse, on death-row. it's so sad... i thought i had it bad when a cop gave me a "red-light" ticket for the light i did not get to yet... but this is just brutality to human rights/justice."

"Hi there. I have seen your story on different shows, and decided to make a donation. I hope this helps you bring justice to Marty, and to his parents, to help catch the real killer.  Good luck with your legal battle."

Spread the word: Marty t-shirts and buttons are available online here.

Comments

[bobby]

It wasn't his "false" confession that got him convicted. He testified at his trial and what he said didn't match the evidence. So the jury had no choice but to convict him. He's never getting out of prison.

[Sarah]

He will get out of prison because he is innocent, he was wrongfully convicted due to a corrupt police department, not because of his testimony. Are we talking about the same case? Why are you here reading this, [email protected], unless you too feel he is innocent?

[bobby]

No, he will never get out of prison and yes, we're talking about the same case. All he has is a bunch of low-life dirtbags contadicting each other and changing their stories. (Even the few people who are reliable, like the priest, are getting their information from low-life dirtbags.) Even if what they're saying were true all it would show is that other people were involved. It doesn't mean he's innocent.
Throwing enough shit up against the wall to see if some of it will stick is not going to get anybody a new trial. But I guess that is all he and his lawyers have.
Another reason I know he won't get out is that Jay Salpeter tried this exact same thing for Henry Chichester and he's still in prison and never getting out.
When Marty comes up for parole consideration he won't get it because he keeps denying his guilt.

[Ron Jackson]

I watched the story on 48 Hours and was completely disgusted and felt sick to my stomach after the show was over. This was a total rush to judgement by the lead detective. The use of lying to evoke a confession seems to me to be unjust. A 17 year old put under these circustances can easily be influenced in to thinking he might have done something while "blacked out" if officers are leading him in that direction. Also, Marty requested a lie detector test and the arrogant detective said one wasn't needed because he could tell that he was lying better than a lie detector. WHAT! How come the evidence doesn't point to Marty. Marty's mother showed signs that she fought her attacker yet marty had no marks other than that from is rhinoplasty. The weapons he said he used had no evidence on them. Also, the prosecution's main motive was money, yet Marty wasn't to inherit anything until the age of 25. The evidence surely points in other directions and certainly enough doubt to not only give Marty another trial, but also to free him. The district attorney's office has an obligation to make sure it has the right man behind bars.