Episode 7

bonus
Published on:

27th May 2026

Justice For Baby Eli- Legal Dive- Bonus Mini Episode

In this bonus mini-episode of Chasing Evil, host Chris Godsick takes a deeper look into one of the most controversial aspects of the Anthony Ojeda case: New York’s 2020 bail reform laws and the classification of manslaughter in the second degree as a non-violent felony. Joined by Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline Murray, the conversation explores how sweeping reforms created unintended consequences for law enforcement, prosecutors, victims, and the courts.

The episode breaks down the legal concepts behind “depraved indifference,” the challenges prosecutors faced while awaiting toxicology evidence in the death of six-week-old Eli, and how Anthony Ojeda was initially charged before fleeing the country. The discussion also examines how bail reform has since evolved, the balance between criminal justice reform and public safety, and the extraordinary efforts by law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service to bring fugitives back to justice.

A candid, detailed conversation about law, accountability, and the difficult realities behind one of the most emotional cases featured on Chasing Evil.

Show Notes

  • Chris Godsick welcomes Albany County DA Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline Murray
  • The origins and intent behind New York’s 2020 bail reform laws
  • Why prosecutors and law enforcement believed the reforms initially went too far
  • How manslaughter in the second degree is classified under New York law
  • The difference between violent and non-violent felony classifications
  • The legal meaning of “depraved indifference” in New York homicide cases
  • Why Anthony Ojeda was initially charged with manslaughter in the second degree
  • The role toxicology evidence played in elevating the case
  • How prosecutors viewed duty of care in the death of six-week-old Eli
  • Why intent is such a critical factor in homicide prosecutions
  • Caroline Murray discusses the emotional impact of child homicide cases
  • The challenges prosecutors faced under the bail reform framework at the time
  • Ojeda’s flight to Mexico and the efforts to return him to the United States
  • How the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement built a successful fugitive apprehension model
  • Albany County’s continued efforts to locate and apprehend fugitives under the updated system
  • A discussion on balancing criminal justice reform with public safety concerns

Follow & Subscribe to Chasing Evil for more deep dives into major investigations, fugitive cases, and the realities of modern law enforcement.

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About the Podcast

Chasing Evil
A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.

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Chris Godsick

I have worked in the entertainment community for my whole career, and in all the jobs I’ve had, they all have one thing in common, the search for great stories and engaging characters. I started my career sorting mail at the William Morris Agency in LA, and with a lot of luck and perseverance, I eventually became a motion picture agent. I worked with some of the top talent in Hollywood and also met my future bride. After a few years I left to team up with my client, legendary director John Woo. We did some fun action films like “Broken Arrow” and “Face Off”. I then joined New Line Cinema as a Sr. Vice President of Production where I bought the future hit “Shazam," got yelled at by Sean Connery, and won a bet with Adam Sandler. I left three years later to produce “Take the Lead” starring Antonio Banderas. One day I was introduced to the extremely talented British writer and director Armando Iannucci and a year later we started work on what would become the comedy hit “Veep” for HBO. I was nominated for five Emmys for my work as an Executive Producer and was fortunate enough to win two statues. I was still on top of the world when I returned home after the celebrations and my wife reminded me that it was trash night and the cans needed to be taken out to the curb! I’ve developed projects in several different genres and now I’m diving into something new. I found what I was searching for… great stories and engaging characters…and now I’m hooked!!