People Witnessing a Murder Do NOTHING - Kitty Genovese | ANATOMY OF MURDER #17

Summary

The 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

00:00

🔍 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.

05:01

🚔 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.

10:03

🧠 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.

Keywords

💡Bystander Effect

The Bystander Effect refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The assumption is that someone else will step in, or the responsibility to act is diffused among the group. In the video, the Bystander Effect is central to the narrative of Kitty Genovese's murder, where numerous witnesses did not intervene, reflecting a chilling societal issue.

💡Kitty Genovese

Kitty Genovese was a real person whose tragic murder in 1964 became a symbol of the Bystander Effect. The video script recounts her life, the circumstances of her death, and how her case led to the coining of the term 'Genovese Syndrome.' Her story is a poignant reminder of the potential for inaction in the face of violence.

💡Winston Moseley

Winston Moseley is depicted in the script as the perpetrator of the crime against Kitty Genovese. His actions and subsequent capture, trial, and life in prison are detailed, illustrating the human capacity for cruelty and the legal consequences of such actions. His character serves as a stark contrast to the victim, highlighting the impact of violent crime.

💡Violence

Violence is a recurring theme in the video, particularly in the context of Kitty Genovese's murder. The script describes the brutal nature of the attack and the societal response, or lack thereof. It underscores the video's exploration of the Bystander Effect and the impact of violence on both the individual and the community.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is a key concept in the video, as it relates to the actions, or inactions, of the bystanders during Kitty Genovese's attack. The script raises questions about personal accountability and societal expectations in emergency situations, challenging viewers to consider their own potential responses.

💡Psychological Trauma

Psychological Trauma is implied in the video through the recounting of the horrific events Kitty Genovese experienced. The script suggests the profound and lasting impact such an event can have on a victim, as well as the potential secondary trauma experienced by witnesses and the community.

💡Criminal Justice System

The Criminal Justice System is discussed in the context of Winston Moseley's capture, trial, and sentencing. The video uses his case to explore themes of justice, punishment, and the societal mechanisms designed to address and prevent crime.

💡Necrophilia

Necrophilia is mentioned in the script as a part of Winston Moseley's psychological profile. It adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of his character and actions, highlighting the extreme and disturbing nature of his crimes.

💡Prison Riot

The Attica prison riot is referenced in the script as an event Winston Moseley participated in, illustrating the ongoing cycle of violence and the challenges within the prison system. It serves as a backdrop to the broader discussion on crime and punishment.

💡Parole

Parole is a legal concept discussed in relation to Winston Moseley's attempts to be released from prison. The video uses this to explore themes of rehabilitation, remorse, and the public's perception of justice and safety.

💡Human Mind

The human mind and its complexities are central to the video's exploration of the Bystander Effect. The script delves into the psychological factors that influence decision-making in emergency situations, offering insights into why people may or may not act when witnessing a crime.

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

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