Martha Moxley murder case
Michael Skakel, cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., filed a lawsuit on May 6, 2026, against a former Greenwich police detective and the town in Greenwich, Connecticut, alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations in the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley. As of May 6, 2026: Skakel, whose 2002 conviction for Moxley's murder was overturned in 2018 and the charges dropped in 2020, claims Detective Stephen Carroll fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses. This lawsuit follows Skakel's breaking of his silence in January 2026, alleging "bold-faced lies" and "missing evidence" in the decades-long investigation, specifically mentioning swabs from Moxley's groin area that were allegedly never introduced at trial. A new 12-part podcast, "Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder," re-examines the case, with host Andrew Goldman stating it includes previously unreported evidence and will share new leads on June 24, 2026.
Timeline
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May 2026 — 2 developments
Michael Skakel sues Greenwich detective and town over Martha Moxley murder case
Michael Skakel has filed a lawsuit against a former Greenwich police detective and the town, alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations. The suit claims Detective Stephen Carroll fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses during the original investigation into the 1975 murder.
Martha Moxley Murder Case: Podcast Creator to Share New Leads and Interviews
Andrew Goldman, creator of the podcast "Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder," will host an event on June 24th to share new leads and previously unheard interviews concerning the 1975 murder. Goldman stated the podcast includes previously unreported evidence.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel maintains innocence in new podcast re-examining Martha Moxley murder
A new 12-part podcast, "Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder," re-examines the 1975 case, featuring interviews with Michael Skakel, who maintains his innocence. Host Andrew Goldman states the podcast includes previously unreported evidence, such as early police reports of blood found elsewhere in the Belle Haven community. Skakel asserts he was a 'fall guy' and his attorney points to potential withheld evidence.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Podcast and discussions re-examine 1975 Martha Moxley murder, raising questions about overlooked individuals and missing evidence
A new podcast and recent discussions are re-examining the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley, with some theories suggesting overlooked individuals like the Skakel household's handyman, Franz Wittine, could be involved. Questions have also been raised about missing evidence, specifically swabs taken from Moxley's groin area that were not initially presented at trial and were thought lost but have now resurfaced.
February 2026 — 1 developments
New Podcast Re-examines Martha Moxley Cold Case
A new podcast titled "Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder" has been released, which re-examines the nearly five-decade-old cold case. The podcast delves into the 1975 bludgeoning death of 15-year-old Martha Moxley in Greenwich, Connecticut.
January 2026 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel alleges 'bold-faced lies' and 'missing evidence' in Martha Moxley murder case
Michael Skakel, cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has broken his silence on the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley, alleging "bold-faced lies" and "missing evidence" in the decades-long investigation. Speaking in a new podcast, Skakel specifically mentioned swabs from Moxley's groin area that were allegedly never introduced at trial and later found to be missing. He had previously been convicted of the murder, served 11 years, but his conviction was overturned in 2018 and the state declined to retry him in 2020.
November 2025 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel's Lawyers Identify New Suspect in Martha Moxley Murder
Lawyers for Michael Skakel have identified a new potential suspect in the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley. Evidence, including hairs found on Moxley's body, is being linked to an individual with a history of similar crimes. Skakel's defense team is investigating this new lead.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel sues lead investigator, Greenwich over withheld evidence in Moxley murder
Michael Skakel, who was convicted and later had his conviction overturned in the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley, has filed a lawsuit against the lead police investigator and the town of Greenwich, Connecticut. The lawsuit alleges that the investigator withheld key evidence. Skakel served 11 years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2018 and the murder charge was dropped in 2020.
October 2020 — 1 developments
Connecticut will not retry Michael Skakel for Martha Moxley's murder
The State of Connecticut announces it will not retry Michael Skakel for Martha Moxley's murder, effectively closing the criminal case against him.
May 2018 — 1 developments
Connecticut Supreme Court overturns Skakel's conviction due to ineffective legal representation
The Connecticut Supreme Court reverses its previous decision and overturns Skakel's conviction, ruling that his right to a fair trial was compromised by ineffective legal representation.
December 2016 — 1 developments
Connecticut Supreme Court reinstates Skakel's murder conviction
A divided Connecticut Supreme Court reinstates Skakel's murder conviction, rejecting the lower court's ruling on inadequate representation.
July 2016 — 1 developments
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publishes book advocating cousin Michael Skakel's innocence
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Skakel's cousin, publishes the book "Framed: Why Michael Skakel Spent Over a Decade in Prison for a Murder He Didn't Commit," advocating for Skakel's innocence.
November 2013 — 1 developments
Skakel released from prison after posting $1.2 million bail
Skakel posts $1.2 million bail and is released from prison after serving 11 years.
October 2013 — 1 developments
Connecticut Judge Grants Michael Skakel New Trial Due to Inadequate Legal Representation
A Connecticut judge grants Michael Skakel a new trial, ruling that his original trial attorney provided inadequate representation.
October 2012 — 1 developments
Skakel denied parole by state board, eligible for reconsideration in five years
Skakel is denied parole by a state parole board, which tells him he could be considered for release again in five years.
November 2006 — 1 developments
U.S. Supreme Court declines to review Skakel's conviction, rejects appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to review Skakel's conviction, rejecting his appeal.
August 2003 — 1 developments
Tony Bryant tells Skakel's attorneys two friends confessed to murder, prompting new trial request
Tony Bryant, a former classmate of Michael Skakel, tells Skakel's attorneys that two friends confessed to the murder, prompting a request for a new trial.
August 2002 — 1 developments
Skakel sentenced to 20 years to life for Moxley's murder
Skakel is sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for Moxley's murder.
June 2002 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel convicted of Martha Moxley's murder
Michael Skakel is convicted of the murder of Martha Moxley.
May 2002 — 1 developments
Michael Skakel's Murder Trial Begins in Norwalk
Michael Skakel's murder trial begins in Norwalk, Connecticut.
January 2001 — 1 developments
Judge Rules Michael Skakel to be Tried as Adult
A judge rules that Michael Skakel should be tried as an adult, allowing for a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
January 2000 — 2 developments
Michael Skakel charged with Martha Moxley's murder as juvenile
Michael Skakel surrenders to police and is charged with Martha Moxley's murder as a juvenile, based on evidence found by the grand jury.
Arrest Warrant Issued for Michael Skakel
An arrest warrant is issued for Michael Skakel.
December 1999 — 1 developments
Grand Jury Concludes Investigation After Hearing Testimony From Over 40 Witnesses
The grand jury investigation concludes after hearing testimony from more than 40 witnesses.
August 1998 — 1 developments
Kenneth Littleton compelled to testify before grand jury under immunity
Former Skakel family live-in tutor Kenneth Littleton, an early suspect, is compelled to testify before the grand jury under immunity.
June 1998 — 1 developments
Prosecutors Announce One-Judge Grand Jury to Investigate Murder
Prosecutors announce that a one-judge grand jury will investigate the murder.
January 1995 — 1 developments
Leaked Report Reveals Michael Skakel Admitted Masturbating Outside Victim's Room Night of Murder
A leaked report from a private investigation ordered by Michael Skakel's father points to Michael Skakel, revealing his admission of masturbating in a tree outside Moxley's room on the night of the murder.
August 1991 — 1 developments
State's Attorney Donald Browne announces reinvestigation of cold case
State's Attorney Donald Browne announces a reinvestigation of the cold case, following a Greenwich Time story based on numerous interviews and police documents.
October 1975 — 2 developments
Martha Moxley's body discovered in family backyard
Martha Moxley's body is discovered under a tree in her family's backyard.
Martha Moxley bludgeoned to death with golf club in Greenwich
Martha Moxley, 15, is bludgeoned to death with a golf club in Greenwich, Connecticut, after a night out with friends.