Temujin Kensu and the real story of Scott Macklem's murder

[WholeTruth101]

There has been an extraordinary amount of debate and misinformation posted about this man's guilt or innocence. He's convicted of killing Scott Macklem. I'll post some basic information and a good breakdown of his actual trial based on trial manuscripts. Some other information has come to light over the years.


In view of the material below, what are your thoughts on the outcome of this trial?

Was justice served?


Temujin Kensu (born Fredrick Thomas Freeman, May 23, 1963)[1][a] is an American man who was convicted of first degree murder in 1987 for the shooting of Scott Macklem in Port Huron and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The prosecution case was based mainly on the testimony of Macklem's fiancée, who alleged that Freeman had raped her on their first date in May 1986, and a jailhouse informant said he had heard a confession. The defense case was simply that Freeman could not have committed the crime as there were multiple witnesses who placed him over 400 miles (640 km) from the scene. However, the prosecution suggested that Freeman could have traveled there using a chartered aircraft. In prison, he converted to Buddhism and changed his name to Temujin Kensu.

In 2007, Kensu filed for habeas corpus so that his continuing detention could be challenged. The petition was allowed because of additional alibi evidence and since the informant had later admitted lying. This ruling was overturned in 2012, based on legal time limits being exceeded. Kensu’s case has attracted widespread attention as being a possible miscarriage of justice but applications for executive clemency have been turned down.


The following is a synopsis from the trial transcripts:

Witness Sightings on Campus​

Four different witnesses placed Temujin Kensu at or near the scene of Scott Macklem’s murder. Their accounts, consistent in detail and timeline, were corroborated by both police reports and trial testimony:

• R. Kruger testified that he observed Kensu for several minutes acting suspiciously near the crime scene. He accurately described Kensu’s appearance, matched the vehicle description with other witnesses, and identified him from police photographs and in court, though Kensu had intentionally altered his appearance just before a lineup.
• R. Gobines saw Kensu fleeing immediately after hearing a gunshot and a scream. His identification remained consistent from his initial police statement through trial, and he confirmed it even before undergoing a hypnosis session aimed at recalling a license plate number.
• Kathleen identified Kensu as the driver of a car similar to one seen leaving the area.
• Ganis described a man dressed exactly like Kensu, noting that he appeared “out of place.”

All four described unique clothing later found in Kensu’s car; clothing that stood out as unusual on a college campus.

The Phone Call With Crystal​

Shortly after the murder, before any information about the crime had been made public, Crystal spoke with Kensu in a recorded call while Officer Hall listened. The details of that call remain deeply incriminating:

• Kensu expressed irritation that Macklem’s murder wasn’t on TV or in the newspapers.
• When Crystal asked what he had been up to, he replied, laughing: “Driving around shooting people.”
• Kensu inquired whether police knew about the car or weapon and confidently stated they would never find them; a prediction that proved true.
• He told Crystal, “You’ve caused me a problem and I have taken care of it,” when she mentioned her engagement to Macklem.
• Kensu even asked if the shot had pierced Macklem’s back or rib cage; an eerily specific detail later confirmed by the autopsy.

Firearms Evidence and Testimony​

Despite defense claims that Kensu did not use firearms, multiple witnesses, including Crystal, testified to the contrary:

• Crystal described seeing Kensu handle a 12-gauge shotgun with unique identifying features matching the murder weapon.
• Another man reported Kensu brandishing a revolver during a threatening confrontation.
• Kensu’s then-girlfriend Michelle testified that firearms in their home made her fear for her safety and that of her unborn child.
• Police discovered ammunition, clips, and belts in Kensu’s car, and another girlfriend described a duffel bag containing long, gun-like objects.

Note from Rita: from my own experience with the Kensus, I know that there is a large gun safe on the Kensu property today, which can sometimes be spotted in podcasts with Paula.

Problems With the Alibi​

The alibi is not at all as strong as Team Kensu would have you believe. In fact, the alibi fell apart under scrutiny:

• Witness Manali, one of only two significant alibi witnesses, initially could not confirm Kensu’s whereabouts and only did so after Kensu called to “convince” him; a clear case of witness tampering.
• Another witness’s testimony was similarly tainted by cross-influence and conferral.
• Crucially, 10 hours of Kensu’s time remain unaccounted for; seven before and three after the murder.
• In one instance, Kensu threatened to kill a witness’s mother if she didn’t provide a false alibi placing him 700 miles away.

Jailhouse Testimony: Joplin​

A jailhouse informant named Joplin testified that Kensu confessed to the murder, sharing details only the killer could have known, including that Macklem screamed when shot. Joplin did not receive a reduced sentence in exchange for his testimony and never formally recanted under oath.

Patterns of Violence and Threats​

Kensu’s behavior, both before and after the murder, paints a consistent picture of violence, intimidation, and manipulation:

• He repeatedly threatened to kill Scott Macklem and stalked him at his workplace.
• He threatened to cut up an ex-girlfriend and mail her body to her parents.
• He brandished a hatchet during a road rage confrontation.
• Multiple ex-partners described him as a “psychological terrorist” with a history of sexual assault, domestic violence, and death threats, even against a newborn and a pet.
• Kensu’s courtroom outbursts were so severe that judges ordered restraints and armed guards.

Other Notable Facts​

• Kensu himself introduced the “plane alibi” theory, which prosecutors easily refuted.
• Even Kensu’s own investigator admitted there was no evidence that Crystal committed perjury or that Macklem was involved in anything nefarious.
• Michelle, once claimed as a potential alibi witness, lied to police and later expressed fear for her life due to Kensu’s violence.

Final Thoughts​

This reader-submitted piece is not meant to sensationalize or vilify. It is a compilation of testimony, police reports, trial records, and first-hand accounts that paint a very different picture of Temujin Kensu than the one shared by his advocates.

The question isn’t just whether Kensu was convicted; it’s whether the narrative pushed by his supporters has erased the testimony of victims, silenced those he terrorized, and distorted the public’s understanding of this case.

The evidence, as shown here, tells a story that is far harder to dismiss.


Sources:
https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/court-of-appeals-unpublished/2015/311257.html

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/10-2420/10-2420-2012-05-18.html

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ca6-10-02420/pdf/USCOURTS-ca6-10-02420-0.pdf

Freeman v. Trombley

https://share.google/VAStfz1PBk5iX7gaT

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/10-2419/10-2419-2012-05-18.html