second-degree murder
What broader issue does the Portia Rowland murder-for-hire case highlight in society?
The Portia Rowland case highlights how divorce and custody disputes can escalate to dangerous levels, sometimes even resulting in violence. As Chris Stewart notes, while this specific incident allegedly involves murder-for-hire, there are numerous cases where divorce proceedings lead to people getting hurt. The discussion points to a concerning pattern where family court matters become volatile and potentially deadly. The tragic outcome in this case—where Portia Rowland lost her life—serves as a sobering reminder of how domestic conflicts can turn fatal, underscoring the need for better safeguards and intervention in high-conflict family situations.
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Law&Crime Network
31:59 - 32:19
How was Robert Spore described by those who knew him?
Robert Spore was described as "a good man" by those close to him. According to the testimony shared in the clip, there was nothing in his character or behavior that would have suggested he would become the victim of such a violent crime. Those who knew him expressed shock and disbelief that he was targeted in this "heinous crime," indicating he was well-regarded and not someone who appeared to have enemies or was involved in activities that would put him at risk. His murder was described as particularly unexpected and tragic because of his good nature.
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Law&Crime Network
00:00 - 00:11
What happened to Wendy after the shooting incident and how did her family respond?
Unfortunately, Wendy took her own life approximately one year after the shooting. Following this tragedy, her daughter Adrienne spoke to the media, stating that her family places blame on the shooter not only for the initial attack but for Wendy's death as well. Surveillance footage released by the Plaster County Sheriff's office captured video from outside the home showing a masked man moving up the Spores' driveway on the day of the incident. This evidence appears to be central to the investigation of the attack that ultimately led to these tragic consequences.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)Law&Crime Network
02:05 - 02:23
What federal charges were brought against Matthew Farwell in connection to Sandra Burchmore's death?
Matthew Farwell, a former Massachusetts police officer, was indicted by a grand jury last year on federal charges related to the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra Burchmore. Specifically, he was charged with killing a witness or victim. According to the indictment, Farwell is accused of killing Sandra Burchmore "with malice aforethought, willfully, deliberately, maliciously and with premeditation." Federal investigators have determined that Sandra was murdered, and they believe Farwell was responsible for her death, pointing to a premeditated act rather than an accidental death.
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Law&Crime Network
06:31 - 06:53
What are the allegations against Matthew Farwell?
Matthew Farwell is accused of a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior toward Sandra Birchmore, allegedly beginning when she was only 13 years old. According to the allegations, he groomed her from this young age and engaged in sexual relations with her while she was underage. The accusations escalate to claim that after getting Sandra pregnant, Farwell murdered her and attempted to stage her death as a suicide. The case has advanced to federal court, where evidence including text messages has revealed the manipulative nature of their relationship and raised serious concerns about potential involvement of law enforcement in the situation.
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Law&Crime Network
00:11 - 00:27
What happened in the case of Alicia Jackson Skaggs and who was responsible for her death?
Alicia Jackson Skaggs, a 20-year-old woman with an active stalking complaint against her ex-boyfriend DeAndre McLilly, was fatally shot on March 29, 2022. McLilly and his mother, Wendy Weatherford, followed Alicia and her boyfriend to a Golden Corral restaurant in Flint Township, Michigan, where McLilly fired multiple shots at their car, hitting Alicia in the head. The mother and son had chased the victims through several streets before cornering them in the restaurant parking lot. Despite Alicia's boyfriend's attempts to escape and his firing shots in self-defense, Alicia was critically wounded. She was rushed to the hospital but died from her injuries two days later. McLilly and Weatherford were found guilty and now face life imprisonment for their roles in this deadly stalking and domestic violence case.
Watch clip answer (02:45m)
Law&Crime Network
00:20 - 03:06