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Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder — True Crime
Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder

The night before Halloween 1975, 15-year-old Martha Moxley was found bludgeoned to death outside her family’s home in the tony Greenwich, Connecticut, enclave of Belle Haven. The local police, used to dealing more with traffic stops than a high-profile murder, grappled with a lack of forensic evidence – or a motive. They had their suspects of course. The creepy neighbor. The eldest teenage son of the Skakel family next door. The Skakel children’s burly tutor. But without concrete evidence or a confession, the case stalled out. For decades, it remained unsolved and it seemed like no one would ever be charged with her killing. But then, a series of improbable events involving, among others, Dominick Dunne, William Kennedy Smith, and Mark Fuhrman, compounded to deliver the public a new suspect – 39-year-old Michael Skakel, who’d been 15, like Martha, at the time of the crime. The arrest made national headlines – and not just because Michael Skakel was an accused killer. He was also a cousin of the Kennedys. Skakel’s 2002 high-profile murder trial was a media feeding frenzy. Reporters wondered – would this rich, privileged son of a scion get away with it? Despite flimsy evidence and witnesses with questionable backgrounds, a jury convicted Michael. For many, it felt like a fitting end to the Moxley case. Finally, justice was served. Sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, Michael Skakel, who’d always proclaimed his innocence, fought for his freedom. In 2018, his conviction was overturned – and prosecutors declined to re-prosecute. Innocent in the eyes of the law, Michael remains guilty in the eyes of many. Where does the truth lie? Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder, is an immersive, fresh take on this infamous case. The series is hosted by veteran journalist Andrew Goldman, hired a decade ago by Skakel’s cousin RFK Jr. to research a book about the case. But after the book was published, Goldman found he couldn’t let it go. New episodes every Tuesday through January 20, 2026.

Copyright: © 2025 NBCUniversal Media LLC, all rights reserved

Latest Episodes:

Introducing: Before & After with Lester Holt Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Hey Dead Certain fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Before & After with Lester Holt, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline.

Before & After with Lester Holt is a deeply personal interview series about moments that divide a life into before and after. In each conversation, Lester sits down with someone whose life was transformed in an instant by an unexpected twist of fate. The episodes explore what it takes to endure the unimaginable, rebuild a life, and find meaning and purpose in the aftermath.

If you like what you hear, just search Before & After with Lester Holt to listen to the first episode now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free. swap.fm/l/bapfd

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Known Unknowns Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In the series finale, the story of the mysterious blood found outside the crime scene is at long last revealed. An additional Sutton report enters the picture, focused on someone unexpected. Long overlooked, another member of the Skakel household staff comes under scrutiny. Amanda Knox weighs in on her experience of being wrongfully convicted of murder. Andrew shares final revelations and reflections about the case.

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Martha Speaks Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Martha’s diary sheds light on her complicated relationships with the boys in her orbit. Could hints about her killer’s identity be hidden amidst its pages? Were investigators too quick to dismiss her boyfriend as a potential suspect? A stunning admission from Tommy Skakel during his Sutton interviews is revealed.

Our final episode drops on Tuesday, January 20th.

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The Out of Towners Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

After decades of silence, an unexpected figure steps forward from the shadows, bringing with him a totally new theory of the crime – and pointing the finger at two possible suspects. Michael Skakel's cousin, Bobby Kennedy Jr., believes this could be the key to solving Martha Moxley’s killing. But upon deeper examination, cracks appear. Is this a breakthrough, a misdirection, or something else entirely?

Episode 11 drops on Tuesday, January 13. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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Family Ties Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

After decades of estrangement, Michael Skakel reconnects with some of his Kennedy cousins, rebuilding ties and working for the family. But when a scandal erupts, Skakel finds himself caught in the crossfire and the fallout is swift. His attempt at self-protection - a tell-all memoir - would later become ammunition at the trial - complicating an already fraught chapter of his story.

Episode 10 drops on Tuesday, January 6. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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The Joker Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Hired by Michael Skakel to defend him against murder charges, defense attorney Mickey Sherman is a smooth talker with a love of the media spotlight. But after Michael is found guilty, a post-mortem of the defense strategy reveals that Sherman may have made some serious missteps. Will the appellate court agree? Members of Michael's original defense team weigh in with their thoughts on the case.

Episode 9 drops on Tuesday, December 30. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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About Those Confessions... Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Michael Skakel’s trial verdict is returned. The witnesses called by the State were a pivotal part of the otherwise largely circumstantial case against Michael. But a careful examination of their testimony and motivations raises questions. Michael speaks about the alleged confessions and shares more revealing anecdotes about his upbringing, the Elan School, and the Moxley case.

Episode 8 drops on Tuesday, December 23. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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The Trial Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Amidst a media blitz, the trial of Michael Skakel for Martha Moxley’s murder begins. The State’s case rests mainly on the testimony of three confession witnesses and circumstantial evidence. But with no forensic proof, the prosecution faces an uphill battle. As the jury heads into deliberations, States Attorney Jonathan Benedict’s dramatic closing may be the deciding factor in whether Michael Skakel walks free or goes to prison.

Episode 7 drops on Tuesday, December 16. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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Michael Speaks Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Disgraced LAPD detective-turned-author Mark Fuhrman publishes a book calling for Michael Skakel’s arrest for the murder of Martha Moxley. The State of Connecticut opens a grand jury investigation into the case. In the present day, Michael publicly speaks for the first time about his painful childhood and traumatic years at the controversial Elan School.

Episode 6 drops on Tuesday, December 9. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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No Good Deed Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

As the police continue to pursue Ken Littleton, Skakel family lawyer Tom Sheridan hires private investigators to take a fresh look at the Moxley case, in hopes of clearing the Skakel name once and for all. Intended to be confidential, the report prepared by Sutton Associates soon finds its way into the papers - and the hands of celebrity crime journalist Dominick Dunne. Its bombshell contents turn the spotlight back towards the Skakel family – and for the first time, Michael finds himself under suspicion.

Episode 5 drops on Tuesday, December 2. New episodes every Tuesday, through January 20, 2026.

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