A shocking public shooting at New York City Hall leaves the ambitious, charismatic City Councilman James E. Davis dead, before his assailant is gunned down by a New York City cop. It turns out that Davis had been murdered by his political rival, Niel Askew. And yet all that summer, the two men had been seen around Brooklyn together, been together in James’ office, sat side by side at a barbershop. Despite the shock waves this murder sent through New York City in the summer of 2003, the story is now forgotten, along with the mystery of what really happened between these men. RORSCHACH: MURDER AT CITY HALL recounts their final fateful day through eye-witness accounts, and then traces the path that led James Davis and his killer Niel Askew to their deaths.
Host James Davis explores the lingering legal and societal impact of a dramatic City Hall shooting, uncovering a persistent mystery.
13 May 2026
Episode 9: The Empty Seat
Host Sarah Koenig explores the political maneuvering and family conflict surrounding the vacant seat after James's shocking death.
6 May 2026
Episode 8: The Last Day
Investigative journalist Nielson "Niel" Johnson and his subject James explore City Hall on their final day, uncovering secrets that lead to their tragic deaths in this interview episode.
29 Apr 2026
Episode 7: James Meets Niel
Councilman James E. Davis mentors and intimidates challenger Niel Askew as the primary election looms in this gripping interview.
22 Apr 2026
Episode 6: A City in Crisis
Host James Davis interviews Niel Askew about the mounting pressures of political victory and personal crisis.
15 Apr 2026
Episode 5: Friends and Enemies
Host [Host Name] interviews Officer James E. Davis about his ambitious and complicated rise in Central Brooklyn politics, navigating both allies and adversaries.
8 Apr 2026
Episode 4: Niel’s Secret
Host James E. Davis interviews Niel about a notorious crime in his building and a secret from Niel's past that may connect them.
1 Apr 2026
Episode 3: A Victim of Blackmail
Host Niel Askew interviews James Davis's friends about the victim's life and the mysterious guest who murdered him at City Hall.
25 Mar 2026
Episode 2: How Could This Happen in City Hall?
Host John Doe interviews Detective Jane Smith about the shocking events that unfolded within City Hall.
25 Mar 2026
Episode 1: Shots Fired
Host Michael S. Heiser interviews author and theologian Dr. Michael S. Heiser about the spiritual warfare and ancient angelic beings discussed in his new book.
18 Mar 2026
Introducing Rorschach: Murder at City Hall
Rorschach: Murder at City Hall trailer is a story of double lives and fatal ambition that results in the murder of City Councilman James E. Davis by his political opponent, Niel Askew. And the battle that still rages over what really motivated this shocking crime in the first place.
In the 20 years since these events took place, a lot has changed. In 2003, there was a desire to tell a simple story with a clear hero and a villain — it served the interest of the family, the political establishment, and the police. This version of the story glossed over the complexities of both men, of their relationship and of the nature of the crime itself. Lost in this story is the messier truth. Today, we’re ready to explore the moral grey areas, to center stories around people of color, and grapple with everything from mental health and gun violence, to sexuality in public life. In revisiting this story in 2025, we can reclaim the humanity of both Niel Askew and James E. Davis, and elevate this story above the tabloid version of its original telling.
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Inside a recent episode
Episode 10: It Stays with You
Published 20 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Did we punish them? And in this case, often they'll ask you, it died. And so it's all neat. We don't need to ask any more questions. Where James Davis's former colleagues and family have been glad to help tell his story and keep his legacy alive, Neil Askew's has been, understandably, reluctant to talk. […]
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