2021 The Tiger King Trial – Murder for Hire: the Prosecution of Joseph Maldonado-Passage

Tiger King was the number one rated show on Netflix drawing over 34 million viewers in its first 10 days.  However, the documentary reveals only part of the story.  In this interactive presentation attendees will learn the complete story of the trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage for two counts of Murder for Hire in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1958 (a) and several misdemeanor wildlife offenses.  We will examine the trial testimony and discuss the prosecution attempts to use other acts evidence to show other attempts to solicit a hit on Carole Baskin, their attempt to protect the identity of the undercover FBI agent, and their efforts to prevent the defense from introducing evidence that someone else had committed these offenses.  Attendees will review defense attempts to dismiss the indictment, prevent the joinder of misdemeanor offenses with the murder charge, and prevent the introduction of evidence.  We will discuss the strength of the government’s case, possible defenses such as entrapment, defense strategy at trial, and the issues raised on appeal.  The goal of this seminar is to learn various criminal rules, evidentiary rules, case law, defenses, and trial strategy while reviewing this fascinating trial.  

Agenda
00-1:30:  The investigation of Joe Maldonado-Passage and pretrial maneuvers to keep evidence out of the trial.
The Tiger King documentary examined the world of exotic animals and the inherent dangers in owning exotic animals.  We will discuss the investigation that lead to the indictment of the Joseph Maldonado-Passage, how this investigation came about, and the specific indictments in this case.  Further, we will analyze the preliminary motions that were filed in this case and discuss other acts evidence pursuant to Evid. R. 404 (B), motions to dismiss, duplicity of counts, motions to protect an undercover FBI agent, and the motion for separate trials.  Attendees will learn how motions in limine are used at trial and how to preserve these issues for appeal.  

Break 1:30-1:45

1:45-3:15:  The trial and conviction of Joe Maldonado-Passage
In order to understand this trial it is essential that we discuss who testified at trial and how the lawyers attempted to impeach these witnesses.  Attorneys will review the prosecution and the defense strategies at trial and discuss the crimes of Murder for Hire, Complicity, Conspiracy and Attempt.  We will examine the defense of entrapment and whether it would be applicable to this trial.  Attorneys will discuss whether motive is an element of crime of Murder for Hire and whether motive was important in this case.  Finally, attendees will review the evidence and attempt to develop a defense strategy that may have changed the results of this trial.