At the trial for the murder of Lincoln Lewis,  Roxanne was called to the stand.  Her testimony allowed the jury to hear of the events prior to Lincoln’s murder, events we described in our earlier episodes.  The jury also saw specific text messages sent between Bert and Roxanne that displayed Bert’s jealousy, control, and manipulation. 

Dana spoke to a member of the jury and he gave his perspective on the whole experience. At this time he wishes to remain anonymous.   Listen to Roxy describe from her perspective the experience of testifying against Lincoln’s murderer.

This episode summarizes the first day of the Bert Franklin trial.  Bert Franklin was charged with first-degree murder and solicitation for murder.  A big thank you to Kimberly Moore for being a part of this episode, as well as Victoria Richard for going over aspects of her testimony.  

In this episode Dana opens with telling us how Bert Franklin behaved in the beginning stages of the relationship with Roxy.  He was overly generous and charming.  As the relationship went on he was jealous and controlling.  Roxy breaks down some other alarming things Bert did in their relationship.  As she looks back she sees now how sick he was, at the time he seemed more pathetic than dangerous.  Men will use any tactic to manipulate you, even appearing pathetic and needy.  

After Bert Franklin murdered Roxanne's 18 month old son, he was awaiting trial in Oklahoma County Jail.  Bert Franklin mentions to his cellmate on multiple occasions he wants Roxanne, his ex girlfriend murdered.  Bert's cellmate is Anthony Bruce.  Both Bert Franklin and Anthony Bruce are members of a gang called Kings and sit on the high council.    

Anthony Bruce gets in touch with Inspector Gordan. He informs Inspector Gordan of Bert's desire to have Roxanne killed.  Carefully and skillfully, the plan is made to sell Bert Franklin a cell phone with internet access and a recording device.  Bert Franklin is hesitant but the day before his trial is to begin, he makes the call that would seal his fate.  Bert calls "Weso" and executes the murder for hire.  

During this time Bert calls his wife, Shavonne.  She pleads with him to get on his hands and knees and pray.  She asks him to behave, to trust God, to not worry.  She reminds him how his little girls are praying every single day for him.  Bert cries to her about his fears with the trial and how bad he will be perceived.  His wife comforts him and gives him words of strength that fall on deaf ears.  Bert sends his wife a text to wire money to an inmate as a final "leap of faith".  He uses words that inspire Shavonne's unwavering faith to manipulate her to send money.  Not only does Bert now involve his wife in this plot without her knowledge, but he uses her hard earned money to do it. 

Roxanne gives insight as to what was going on with her during this solicitation for murder.  She let's us know what she was told, and what she was not told during this time Bert Franklin attempted to have a fellow gang member murder her the day before Bert Franklin's trial was set to begin.  

In this episode Domingo Canizarez testifies in the murder for hire plot by Bert Franklin.  It is evident the self proclaimed "Master Manipulator" was master manipulated.  The preliminary hearing was said to be one of the most unusual days in court.  In this part of the hearing we hear Darren Gordan testify to how he constructed this plan and Weso or Canizarez played the part perfectly.  Gayland Geiger, prosecutor, and Scott Adams, Bert's defense attorney question Inspector Gordan.  

• Gayland Geiger, prosecutor- read by Nicholas D'Angelo
• Scott Adams, defense attorney- read by Billy Martin from Blurred Line Media. 
• Judge Mark C. McCormick- read by Roxanne Randall
• Inspector Darren Gordan- read by Dana D'Angelo
• Domingo Canizarez- read by Nicholas Giancana 

Hear testimonies continue and more witnesses testify to Bert Franklin's last minute plans.  As the trial date was a few days away Bert makes a call that would add an additional life sentence to his conviction.  Bert Franklin joined a jailhous gang called the "Kings" and manipulated his family and friends to give him thousands of dollars.  He did paid off other inmates so he could reach the high counsel ranking. Upon reaching this ranking, Bert believed he would be able to order a hit on Roxanne.  Check out Bert Franklin's prison tattoo on our Patreon site, as well as a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript.  

Bert's Prison Tattoo

In this episode Inspector Darren Gordan is cross examined by Scott Adams in the murder for hire plot by Bert Franklin.  It is evident the self proclaimed "Master Manipulator" was master manipulated.  The preliminary hearing was said to be one of the most unusual days in court.  In this part of the hearing we hear Darren Gordan testify to how he constructed this plan.  Gayland Geiger, prosecutor, and Scott Adams, Bert's defense attorney question Inspector Gordan.  

• Gayland Geiger, prosecutor- read by Nicholas D'Angelo
• Scott Adams, defense attorney- read by Billy Martin from Blurred Line Media. 
• Judge Mark C. McCormick- read by Roxanne Randall
• Inspector Darren Gordan- read by Dana D'Angelo
• Domingo Canizarez- read by Nicholas Giancana

As the trial date was a few days away Bert makes a call that would add an additional life sentence to his conviction.  Bert Franklin joined a jailhous gang called the "Kings" and manipulated his family and friends to give him thousands of dollars.  He did paid off other inmates so he could reach the high counsel ranking. Upon reaching this ranking, Bert believed he would be able to order a hit on Roxanne.  Check out Bert Franklin's prison tattoo on our Patreon site, as well as a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript.  

Bert's Prison Tattoo

In this episode Inspector Darren Gordan testifies in the murder for hire plot by Bert Franklin.  It is evident the self proclaimed "Master Manipulator" was master manipulated.  The preliminary hearing was said to be one of the most unusual days in court.  In this part of the hearing we hear Darren Gordan testify to how he constructed this plan.  Gayland Geiger, prosecutor, and Scott Adams, Bert's defense attorney question Inspector Gordan.  

• Gayland Geiger, prosecutor- read by Nicholas D'Angelo
• Scott Adams, defense attorney- read by Billy Martin from Blurred Line Media. 
• Judge Mark C. McCormick- read by Roxanne Randall
• Inspector Darren Gordan- read by Dana D'Angelo

Be sure to check out part 2 of the preliminary hearing where the testimonies continue and more witnesses testify to Bert Franklin's last minute plans.  As the trial date was a few days away Bert makes a call that would add an additional life sentence to his conviction.  Bert Franklin joined a jailhous gang called the "Kings" and manipulated his family and friends to give him thousands of dollars.  He did paid off other inmates so he could reach the high counsel ranking. Upon reaching this ranking, Bert believed he would be able to order a hit on Roxanne.  Check out Bert Franklin's prison tattoo on our Patreon site, as well as a copy of the preliminary hearing transcript.  

Bert's Prison Tattoo

I sneak peek into our show!

In this episode we read a text message from Bert Franklin's mother.  She is writing to Bert's wife but includes or copies Bert.  Bert forwards this message to Roxy.  In this text message Bert's mother gives us insight to exactly what was going on in their household at this time.  

A huge thank you to Jennifer W. for sponsoring this episode.  Your generous donation allows us to continue to tell Lincoln's story.  

Please become a patron on our website to see behind the scenes content and Bert's first and only interview with Detective Motley.  

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