Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder
Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder
NBC News Studios
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.
Dateline Presents: An all-new season of ‘Dateline: Missing In America’
As a bonus for Dead Certain fans, we’re sharing the trailer for Season 5 of our award-winning podcast, Dateline: Missing In America, which returns with all-new episodes and compelling new cases. Correspondent Josh Mankiewicz reports on missing person cases brought to Dateline’s attention by our social media followers. Each of the 6 episodes centers on one individual’s disappearance, told through the voices of those left behind. Listen closely. You could be the key to solving a mystery. Details shared by loved ones and investigators may spark a memory that could help bring answers. Follow now to get each episode completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers receive ad-free listening and early access to episodes. swap.fm/l/miafdlw
Jul 27
2 min
Known Unknowns
Blood found in a Belle Haven home raises questions. A new potential suspect emerges. Amanda Knox speaks on wrongful convictions. Andrew shares parting thoughts.
Jan 20
1 hr 5 min
Martha Speaks
Could Martha Moxley’s diary entries contain clues about her murder? Plus, a revelation from Tommy Skakel and a new potential suspect.
Jan 13
1 hr
The Out of Towners
An unexpected figure emerges with a new theory and possible new suspects. RFK Jr. sees a breakthrough, but deeper scrutiny reveals cracks in the story.
Jan 6
1 hr 15 min
Family Ties
Skakel reconnects with his Kennedy cousins, but when scandal erupts, the reunion collapses. A memoir recorded for self-protection becomes a liability.
Dec 30, 2025
1 hr 12 min
The Joker
Michael Skakel’s defense attorney Mickey Sherman thought the case was a home run, but lost at trial. A hard look at his tactics and strategy raise red flags.
Dec 23, 2025
1 hr 4 min
About Those Confessions...
A deep dive into the State’s case and the witnesses it put on raises questions. Michael Skakel speaks about the trial verdict and its aftermath.
Dec 16, 2025
55 min
The Trial
Michael’s trial begins amidst a media frenzy. The state faces an uphill battle to convict him. Michael’s alibi is questioned.
Dec 9, 2025
56 min
Michael Speaks
Mark Fuhrman pens a book naming Michael Skakel as suspect. For the first time, Michael speaks publicly about his painful childhood and time at reform school.
Dec 2, 2025
1 hr 14 min
No Good Deed
An ill-conceived plan to clear the Skakel name goes awry. The Moxley case is thrust back in the spotlight. Suspicion falls on Michael Skakel for the first time.
Nov 25, 2025
58 min
Load more