Matty - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I listened to the entire series in two days. The strength of Matty’s parents, their tenacity, and love shine through. The interviews were poignant and compassionate. The depth of what they went through was so well-conveyed. I’m truly sorry for Matty’s family but have such a deep admiration for them.

I’m impressed by the process of an inquest after an acquittal for murder and body recovery. I don’t think we have this in the US, possibly because we have the option of a civil trial? Not certain. But it was really interesting how after all the bumbling by the original cops and the way the trial was conducted they were able to find this masterful way to use the inquest and give immunity for forced testimony of the acquitted in order to gain leverage for another deal so that the victim could be brought home and the lost is found. No, not great. But it seems to me that if he had been convicted and done his time he would have continued to deny guilt and the victim’s body would never have been found. Some questions would never have been answered. I think that there is something about this that speaks to how if there is any way to skip the punitive aspect simply to find a way to real action and truth for the victim, the loved ones, that would better serve us all? We do see this sort of thing happening in serial killer cases, deals made just to get answers and find the lost. There seems like there could be a better, more humane, and less continuously traumatic way to get your loved ones back if only you are able to let go of the seeming catharsis of revenge and infliction of pain that has the bigger impact of potentially turning us into the monsters or falling into revenge fantasies. Especially here in the United States where we execute so many people who ended up mentally unsound, no longer dangerous, or worst, simply innocent.

It’s hard to say I enjoyed it, but it was of course very well done. My heart goes out to this family, Matty was clearly so loved. He deserved so much better. I’m glad to know about him!