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With the case all but settled, let's take a look at where the Beatrice 6 is at and where it's been through the eyes of two journalists.
In Episode Four of Revisiting 'Presumed Guilty,' we walk through the evidence that cleared the Beatrice 6, which helped free the remaining three from prison and allowed the police to catch Helen Wilson's true killer. Additionally, we will find out that there are still people who believe, despite the DNA testing, that the Beatrice 6 were still responsible for Wilson's rape and murder.
From prosecution to prison, Episode Three of Revisiting 'Presumed Guilty" watches at Burt Searcey's case comes into the courtroom. At the end of Episode Two, Searcey had all of the Beatrice 6 in jail. Let's dive in.
Today's episode of the Revisiting 'Presumed Guilty' series details Burt Searcey, a persistent detective who turned up the heat on a cold case in Beatrice, Nebraska.
A decade ago, the Journal Star produced "Presumed Guilty," an eight-day series telling the story of a 1985 murder in Beatrice and the troubled investigation that led to the wrongful conviction of six men and women. The group known as the Beatrice 6 collectively spent more than 70 years in prison before new DNA testing exonerated them in 2008. The botched investigation and wrongful convictions resulted in a judgment of more than $28 million that still looms over the heads of Gage County taxpayers and continues to make headlines to this day. For the next five days, the Journal Star revisits this important story in a new way. Come back each day through Thursday for the next episode. Ten years after the publication of "Presumed Guilty" — and almost 35 years after Helen Wilson's death — the story of the Beatrice 6 remains a riveting tale of crime, justice and injustice. Follow the podcast today through Thursday and read the original series to understand a story that resonates today.
A decade ago, the Journal Star produced Presumed Guilty, an eight-day series telling the story of a 1985 murder in Beatrice — and the troubled investigation that led to the wrongful conviction of six men and women. The group known as the Beatrice 6 collectively spent more than 70 years in prison before new DNA testing exonerated them in 2008. The botched investigation and wrongful convictions resulted in a judgment of more than $28 million that still looms over the heads of Gage County taxpayers and continues to make headlines to this day. The Journal Star's award-winning 2009 series walked readers through the crime and its aftermath — from the rape and murder of Helen Wilson in her downtown Beatrice apartment to the day in 2008, when the last member of the Beatrice 6 walked out of prison to freedom. Starting on Sunday, the Journal Star revisits this important story in a new way. Sunday: A murder, then the trail goes cold. Monday: A persistent detective turns up the heat on a cold case. Tuesday: From prosecution to prison. Wednesday: A case crumbles, and the Beatrice 6 go free. Thursday: Where the case is and where it's been, through the eyes of two journalists.
Alice was stuck in an abusive relationship. Here's how she escaped. Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence. Need help? Contact Friendship Home at 402-437-9302 or Voices of Hope at 402-475-7273.
Tom Lorenz, manager of Pinnacle Bank Arena and Pinewood Bowl, previews the summer concert season and talks about what draws artists (and crowds) to Lincoln venues.
Jim Swenson, parks administrator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, describes the new features opening at state parks along the Platte River between Lincoln and Omaha.
Todd Lancaster of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy and Amy Miller of the ACLU of Nebraska discuss the avenues available in the courts for those who oppose the death penalty.
We talk with Korey Reiman, a local attorney and parent who has pushed for more security in Lincoln Public Schools since the Parkland, Florida shootings.
Former Lincoln City Councilman Trent Fellers talks about his effort to get a proposal for $1.1 billion in aid for property taxpayers on the ballot, with a deadline approaching this summer.
Ed Holloway and Jim Davidsaver, emergency manager for Lancaster County, talk about the volunteers responsible for warning the Lincoln area when severe weather is about to strike.
NU President Hank Bounds joins Journal Star government reporter JoAnne Young to discuss the Legislature's upcoming budget debate and its potential impact on the University of Nebraska.
Kyle Schneweis, director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, explains why he feels the state can safely raise speed limits in some areas — including (maybe) Interstate 80.
State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln discusses her proposals to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska, and a possible petition effort to place the issue on the 2018 statewide ballot.
Does Lincoln have too much student housing? Downtown is booming: What's next? Urban Development Director Dave Landis talks Lincoln growth with business reporter Matt Olberding. (Thanks to Lauren Bydalek of Lincoln for the new music!)
How does Lincoln Public Schools keep students safe? Joe Wright and Jon Sundermeier, former police captains who now manage security at LPS, talk with Journal Star education reporter Margaret Reist in the wake of the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.