Michael Costa was serving a life sentence in the Cubes after being found guilty of multiple counts of murder in the 'Straw Man' case.
Background[]
As a child Michael had a genetic profile done. He failed the profile and was placed on the Red List after his brain scan revealed the likelihood of psychopathic tendencies. He developed paranoid schizophrenia later on in life. During schizophrenic episodes he would black out and lose time.
After his imprisonment in the Cubes he was placed on medications, delivered by an e-shunt directly into his bloodstream. He was a model prisoner during his incarceration.
Arrest and Trial[]
Detective Edward Kennex arrested Michael Costa for the 21 murders associated with the serial killer case known in the press as the 'Straw Man' in 2037. He had been discovered near to the last victim, carrying a surgeon's knife and on his hands and clothing, DNA and blood from multiple victims was discovered.
The 21 victims were male and female transient teenage runaways. All the internal organs had been removed and replaced with straw, hence the media nickname for the perpetrator.
After the trial, March 2038, Edward Kennex visited Michael Costa and talked to him about his belief that Michael had been set up. He was working on an angle involving robotic parts and crooked cops, but did not tell Michael any more than that. Two weeks later, Edward Kennex was killed in the line of duty. He was under investigation by Internal Affairs for selling stolen robotic parts on the black market. His case files were sealed shut under order from Internal Affairs.
Edward Kennex's report[]
December 21, 2036. Case number 38-14. INVESTIGATING OFFICER Detective Edward Kennex. Shawn Parks, Caucasian male, 16, found in an abandoned lot 200 meters from the Wall. Seventh victim in 18 days. Same M.O. as the others...body cavity and cranium stuffed with straw and sewn.
November 14, 2037. Arrest made. Michael Costa. 39-year-old paranoid schizophrenic found wandering in a park near where the victim was found. DNA and blood from multiple victims found on his hands and clothing. He was carrying a surgeon's knife. An expert witness testified the stitching found on the body was done with surgical precision. Based on evidence I'm currently reviewing, I'm starting to feel that Costa was abducted the night before the final murder, had the victim's DNA planted on his person and was transported to the last crime scene. I believe I might have put away the wrong guy. Maybe Michael Costa was not the Straw Man. But if he's a Patsy...then, for who? Who is really killing these people? Further details will be in my next transmission.
Exoneration[]
Edward Kennex's son, Detective John Kennex was able to prove Michael Costa's innocence during a new investigation into an apparent copycat of the Straw Man murders. The real killer was revealed and Michael Costa was immediately released and cleared of all 21 murders. Proper treatment for his mental illness was being arranged.