The Assassination of Derwin Brown - 699
Summary
This episode details the 2000 murder of DeKalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, who was assassinated after winning an election against corrupt incumbent Sidney Dorsey. Investigator J. Tom Morgan and GBI Agent Fred Mays uncover a conspiracy where Dorsey ordered the hit to protect his department's extensive corruption, including double-dipping on salaries and sexual abuse. The case breaks when a deputy involved in the plot agrees to a plea deal, leading to the recovery of the murder weapon and the arrest of the remaining conspirators.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction
Case background: DeKalb County election and corruption allegations
Investigation into Sheriff Dorsey's private security scheme
Evidence of double-dipping and election results
Further scandals: inmate oversight and runoff election loss
Uncovering falsified records and sexual harassment allegations
The murder of Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown
Initial investigation and the Cuffey shootout
Grand jury preparation and Cuffey's plea deal
Cuffey's interview reveals Dorsey's involvement
The plot to kill Brown: weapons and planning
The night of the murder and the missing gun
Interrogating co-conspirators and recovering the weapon
Arrests, RICO charges, and trial preparation
First trial: Walker and Ramsey acquitted
Retrial strategy and jury selection in Albany
Prosecution evidence and witness testimonies
Closing arguments and the verdict
Sentencing, appeals, and the fate of the shooters
Conclusion and final thoughts
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