People Witnessing a Murder Do NOTHING - Kitty Genovese | ANATOMY OF MURDER #17
Summary
TLDRThe murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 shocked society, highlighting the chilling bystander effect. Despite being attacked in front of numerous witnesses, no one intervened, leading to the coining of 'Genovese syndrome.' The case, misreported by the media, sparked discussions on societal apathy. The attacker, Winston Moseley, was later captured and confessed to multiple crimes, including two other murders. His life sentence and eventual death in prison marked the end of a notorious criminal, yet the psychological impact of the case continues to be studied and debated.
Takeaways
- 😔 The murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 shocked society and led to the term 'Genovese syndrome', highlighting the bystander effect where witnesses fail to intervene during violent incidents.
- 🏡 Kitty Genovese was a young woman living in New York City, known for her maturity and optimism, who was tragically murdered near her home.
- 🔪 The attacker, Winston Moseley, was a previously law-abiding citizen with a family, who unexpectedly turned to a life of crime, including the brutal murder of Kitty.
- ⏱️ The attack on Kitty lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which time multiple witnesses heard her cries but did not intervene, reflecting the complex psychology of the bystander effect.
- 👥 Despite some reports suggesting up to thirty-eight witnesses, the police investigation identified around a dozen who saw or heard parts of the attack but did not help.
- 🚔 It took significant time for anyone to call the police, and Kitty was taken to the hospital too late, highlighting the tragic consequences of inaction.
- 🏢 The case sparked widespread debate and research into the bystander effect, showing that the more people present, the less likely any individual is to help.
- 🔍 Media reports may have exaggerated the number of witnesses and their inaction, but the core issue of societal response to violence in public remains a critical concern.
- 💔 The aftermath of the murder led to significant changes in how society views and responds to violence, prompting discussions on personal responsibility and community engagement.
- 🕯️ Kitty's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for inaction in the face of violence and the need for individuals to step forward, even when it seems safer to remain a bystander.
Q & A
What is the term coined due to the murder of Kitty Genovese?
-The term coined due to the murder of Kitty Genovese is 'Genovese syndrome,' also known as the 'bystander effect.'
What was Kitty Genovese's nickname?
-Kitty Genovese was known by the nickname 'Kitty.'
How did the murder of Kitty Genovese impact the perception of public violence?
-The murder of Kitty Genovese impacted the perception of public violence by highlighting the chilling reality that a person could be victimized in public with numerous witnesses and receive no help, leading to the study and recognition of the bystander effect.
What was the role of Kitty Genovese in her family?
-Kitty Genovese was the eldest of her siblings and took on many responsibilities, being known as mature, self-confident, and optimistic.
Why did Kitty Genovese's family move to Connecticut?
-Kitty Genovese's family moved to Connecticut because her mother had witnessed a murder and no longer felt safe living in the city.
What was the profession of Kitty Genovese at the time of her murder?
-At the time of her murder, Kitty Genovese was working as a manager at a bar in Queens.
Who was the perpetrator of Kitty Genovese's murder?
-The perpetrator of Kitty Genovese's murder was Winston Moseley.
How did Winston Moseley's initial attack on Kitty Genovese unfold?
-Winston Moseley initially attacked Kitty Genovese with a hunting knife while she was parked near her apartment, stabbing her twice in the back before fleeing when a neighbor shouted at him.
What was the bystander reaction during Kitty Genovese's attack?
-During Kitty Genovese's attack, despite her cries for help, no one intervened to help her. Some witnesses thought it was a lover's quarrel or were unsure how to react, leading to the phenomenon now known as the bystander effect.
What was the outcome of Winston Moseley's trial for Kitty Genovese's murder?
-Winston Moseley was found guilty of Kitty Genovese's murder and initially received a death sentence, which was later reduced to life in prison.
How did the media's portrayal of the Kitty Genovese case contribute to the bystander effect?
-The media's portrayal of the Kitty Genovese case, which initially reported that 38 people witnessed the attack without helping, contributed to the bystander effect by highlighting the perceived unwillingness of people to intervene in violent situations, even when others are present.
Outlines
🔍 The Tragic Case of Kitty Genovese
This paragraph introduces the infamous murder case of Kitty Genovese, which shocked society and led to the term 'Genovese syndrome' or 'bystander effect'. Kitty, born in 1935 to an Italian family in New York City, was a mature and optimistic woman who became a victim of a brutal attack in 1964. Despite being witnessed by numerous people, no one intervened to help her, highlighting a chilling aspect of human behavior. The details of her life, her work as a bartender, and her relationship with Mary, a new love interest, are also mentioned. The paragraph sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the events surrounding her murder and the societal implications.
🚔 The Aftermath and Investigation of Kitty's Murder
This paragraph delves into the aftermath of Kitty Genovese's murder, detailing the lack of immediate response from bystanders and the subsequent police investigation. It discusses the delayed intervention by neighbors and the role of the media in shaping public perception of the incident. The attacker, Winston Moseley, is introduced, revealing his background, his confession, and the revelation of his other crimes. The paragraph also covers Moseley's trial, his death sentence, and his subsequent life in prison, including a failed escape and additional crimes. It provides a comprehensive account of the legal proceedings and the public's reaction to the case.
🧠 The Psychological Impact: The Bystander Effect
The final paragraph explores the psychological implications of the bystander effect, sparked by Kitty Genovese's case. It discusses how the incident has been studied extensively and how it reflects a significant flaw in human behavior. The paragraph also touches upon the debate surrounding the exact details of the night of Kitty's murder and the varying accounts of the number of witnesses. It concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding the bystander effect to prevent such tragedies in the future and an invitation for viewers to engage with more content on the topic.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bystander Effect
💡Kitty Genovese
💡Winston Moseley
💡Violence
💡Responsibility
💡Psychological Trauma
💡Criminal Justice System
💡Necrophilia
💡Prison Riot
💡Parole
💡Human Mind
Highlights
The murder of Kitty Genovese led to the identification of the 'Genovese syndrome' or 'bystander effect', highlighting societal apathy in the face of violence.
Kitty Genovese was a victim of a brutal attack witnessed by numerous people, yet no one intervened, reflecting a chilling aspect of human behavior.
Born in 1935 to an Italian family in New York City, Kitty was the eldest of five and known for her maturity and self-confidence.
After an annulled marriage, Kitty moved to Brooklyn and worked as a bartender, showing resilience and a drive for normalcy.
The attack on Kitty occurred in 1964 when she was returning home from work, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals even in familiar settings.
Winston Moseley, the assailant, was a previously law-abiding citizen with a family, which adds complexity to the understanding of violent crime.
Despite being stabbed and crying for help, Kitty received no immediate assistance from bystanders, exemplifying the bystander effect.
The case was misreported by some media, exaggerating the number of witnesses and their inaction, which has been a point of historical debate.
Kitty's murder and the subsequent trial of Winston Moseley brought attention to the need for community intervention in violent situations.
Winston Moseley's confession to additional crimes, including murder and sexual assault, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior.
The psychological impact of the case on society led to extensive research into the bystander effect and its implications for public safety.
The debate over the exact number of witnesses and their reactions continues, with some suggesting media exaggeration influenced public perception.
Winston Moseley's multiple attempts at parole and his lack of remorse underscored the ongoing threat he posed to society.
The bystander effect has significant implications for legal and ethical discussions on individual responsibility and collective action.
The case of Kitty Genovese remains a pivotal moment in the study of human psychology and the moral obligations of bystanders.
The story serves as a cautionary tale, urging society to reflect on its response to violence and the potential consequences of inaction.
Transcripts
it was a murder case that changed the
way society looked at murder how could a
person be victim to violence violence
that is witnessed by around a dozen
people in no one attempted to help them
Katherine Genovese known by the nickname
kitty was one such victim and she paid
with her life her case led to the
coining of the phrase Genovese syndrome
otherwise known as the bystander effect
and it seems perhaps equally as
frightening to be killed in public as it
is to know that groups of people could
watch and there'd be no one willing to
help you
[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]
kitty was born in 1935 in New York City
to an Italian family and had four
siblings of which she was the eldest
she lived in Park Slope a prominently
Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn as the
oldest child she had a lot of
responsibilities which she took on
gracefully she was known to be
incredibly mature for her age very
self-confident and optimistic she was
the kind of girl destined to go far in
life or so her loved ones hoped Kitty
ended up finding love and getting
engaged as she graduated high school but
her family was moving away to
Connecticut ironically because her
mother had witnessed a murder
it didn't feel safe in the city anymore
to continue to prepare for marriage
Kitty remained behind in the city and
was married in 1954
however the love didn't last and the
marriage was soon annulled before the
end of that same year Kitty worked to
get her life back towards something more
normal after the separation and moved
into an apartment in Brooklyn she took
on a number of clerical jobs none of
which she enjoyed doing by the end of
the 1950s Kitty had taken a job as a
bartender she did well in this position
and moved up to manage FS eleventh-hour
bar in Queens she also had an apartment
in the Kew Gardens neighborhood of
Queens and had met a new love interest a
woman named Mary who kitty had met in
1963 Kitty shared her apartment with
Mary and things seemed to be looking up
unfortunately the relationship wouldn't
last even a year as a threat was looming
around the corner the same type of
violence Kitty's family moved to get
away from would find its way into
Kitty's life and snuff it out in the
form of a heartless predator Kitty had
just gotten out of work it was about
2:30 a.m. she gone into her car a red
Fiat and began heading home on her way
she stopped at one of the many traffic
lights that littered the area and it was
while she was stopped that she was
spotted by a man named Winston Moseley
it took Kitty 45 minutes to get home
that
morning she parked her car by the
railroad parking lot Kitty's apartment
door was located in an alleyway at the
rear of the building which was the
perfect place for an attacker to strike
she was parked about 100 feet away from
her apartment door when she noticed
Winston approaching her with a large
hunting knife firmly in hand fear and
panic overwhelmed her she began running
for the door as Winston chased her and
he quickly caught up and sent the blade
of his knife thrusting into her back two
times the blade shot deep into her body
and tore into her organs Kitty managed
to cry out for help saying oh my god he
stabbed me help me a number of witnesses
heard the cries and one neighbor shouted
at Winston saying let that girl alone
Winston now knowing he'd been seen ran
off into the night and Kitty struggled
slowly painfully to get to her apartment
door while blood flowed freely from her
wounds what happened next is considered
incredibly bizarre for a civilized
society
kitty made it to the door in a small
hallway at the end of the building only
to find it locked and she collapsed onto
the ground and lie there for ten minutes
without anyone coming to her aid but
eventually a man did enter the hallway
wearing a wide-brimmed hat which kept
his face hidden in the shadows much to
Kitty's horror it was Winston again he
had returned to finish what he'd started
witnesses watched him enter the alleyway
and heard Kitty's struggle as she tried
to defend herself from his vicious
stabbing he punctured her numerous times
with the blade and cut up her hands as
she tried desperately to fight him off
kitty was resilient and clung to life
even after the second vicious attack but
the horror wasn't over Winston tore open
Kitty's clothes and raped her there
covered in her blood he then stole $49
from her and vanished the attack took
around half an hour and not a single
person not a neighbor nor an officer
came to her rescue
eventually a neighbor did come to see
what was going on after the attack was
over without knowing if Winston had fled
already she approached Kitty as she was
taking her last breaths she held her in
her arms and tried to comfort her the
best she possibly could a few minutes
after the final attack another witness
called police who arrived within ten
minutes after the call was made kitty
was picked up by ambulance at 4:15 a.m.
and died before she reached the hospital
her body was buried in a family grave in
Connecticut in the town her family had
moved to in order to escape the kind of
violence that claimed Kitty's life while
some sources claimed upwards of thirty
eight people had witnessed some part of
the attack police investigation found
around a dozen people who had witnessed
at least part of the attack and didn't
think to help because they believed it
was perhaps a lover's quarrel and it was
best not to get involved among other
reasons like thinking they were possibly
both drunk it had become known that a
lot of news sources had reported
erroneously on Kitty's murder and had
over exaggerated the incident to make
the onlookers look even more unwilling
to help than they actually were still
the case made headlines for how long it
took for any person to actually act in
order to help Kitty Winston Moseley
wasn't captured for six days and it was
possibly only because he was caught
burglarizing a house he had no prior
criminal record and was married with
three children while in custody he
confessed to Kitty's murder police
wondered why he would just suddenly
throw himself into a life of murder and
crime especially when he had a family he
said he just wanted to kill a woman they
were easier and didn't fight back he
claimed he quietly got out of bed the
night of Kitty's murder careful not to
wake his sleeping wife by his side
creeping out of the house and getting to
his car at around 2:30 a.m. he went out
cruising for a victim that's when he
encountered Kitty
Winston was rather chatty with police
openly admitting that he had murdered
and sexually assaulted two other women
and had committed 30 to 40 burglaries
and an undetermined number of rapes
he was a very disturbed individual to
say the least and a psychiatric
evaluation suggested that Winston was
also a necrophile
a person who has a sexual attraction to
dead bodies
Winston attempted to plead not guilty by
reason of insanity but the jury wasn't
buying it
they took seven hours to deliberate and
found Winston guilty
four days later at his sentencing
Winston received a death sentence for
kitty's murder alone Winston was
expressionless as the sentencing was
read to the courtroom which erupted
partially into applause and cheering the
judge was against capital punishment but
this didn't stop him from agreeing with
the sentencing he told the court that he
didn't believe in capital punishment but
when he sees a monster like Winston
Moseley he wouldn't hesitate to pull the
switch himself but Winston wasn't given
an opportunity to argue his medical
insanity during the sentencing hearing
and he had only been determined to be
legally sane in the trial because of
this his death sentence was reduced to
life in prison but Winston wasn't
finished living his deplorable lifestyle
and he wasn't going to let prison stop
him so quickly in 1968 Winston injured
himself purposely and had to be
transported to a hospital in Buffalo New
York for minor surgery he used the ride
back to prison as his opportunity to
escape and did so by striking the
officer who was transporting him and
taking his weapon before fleeing to a
vacant house owned by Matthew Kellog ax
and his wife he remained in the house
undetected for three days before the
couple dropped in to check on the house
only to find Winston there he bound and
gagged Matthew and raped his wife he
then fled the house took their car and
was gone he found another home that he
quickly broke into occupied by a mother
and daughter he held them hostage for
two hours and then released them
thankfully this time for whatever reason
aside from being scared the two women
were entirely unharmed he turned himself
in to police
a short time later and was given another
two additional 15-year sentences with
his life sentence
Winston went on to participate in the
Attica prison riot one of the most
noteworthy prison riots in history were
a number of prison officers and other
along with inmates were killed and in
1984 shockingly enough Winston was up
for parole during his hearing he tried
to get the parole board to accept a
different perspective on criminals a
more warped perspective
he said that prisoners like himself were
victims also because the victim only had
to deal with the crime being committed
for perhaps an hour or even only a
minute but the person who committed the
crime had to pay for the rest of their
lives he went on to claim that he never
intended to kill kitty and that
sometimes people just died during
muggings as if he shouldn't be blamed
for something that was so out of his
control the parole board saw through his
remorseless absurdity and denied him in
fact they denied him a total of 18 times
Winston didn't live to try for 19 he
died in prison on March 28th 2016 at 81
years old and is known to be one of the
longest-serving inmates in the new york
state prison system since the murder the
bystander effect has been studied at
great length with some researchers
determining that the more people
witnessing a violent event the less
likelihood the victim is going to get
help as people feel less willing when
more eyes are on them and the more
people who aren't helping the less
likely anyone else will want to jump in
to help though what exactly happened
that night is unknown whether people did
ignore Kitty's cries or the news
reported falsely and it wasn't nearly as
heartless as it was made out to be the
bystander effect and the case of kitty
Genovese are still often talked about by
psychology professors to take a glimpse
into a startling flaw of the human mind
Kitty's case is one of much debate as is
the bystander effect as a whole we must
only hope that we aren't caught in a
situation where we put the bystander
effect theory to the
that's all for this episode be sure to
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next and I'll see you next time
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