Podcasts about toforest johnson

When Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy William “Bill” Hardy, a 23 year veteran, was ruthlessly gunned down in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 19, 1995, authorities began to look for the person responsible for killing one of their own. As tips flooded in, two men quickly emerged as lead suspects. Prosecutors individually charged both men, Toforest Johnson and Ardragus Ford, as being a "sole gunman", but their trials led to very different outcomes. For nearly 30 years Toforest has been sitting on death row in Alabama, with an execution date fast approaching. Listen in as Maggie is joined by Tenderfoot TV’s Jaime Albright as they review this controversial case and the bizarre evidence that placed a potentially innocent man behind bars.Up and Vanished Weekly is available on Wednesdays. Check it out here.https://lavaforgood.com/earwitness/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we have AL.com reporter Ivana Hrynkiw on the show to update us on some prison issues. Her series on Alabama's parole practices last year caught a lot of attention, so we'll get updated on that. Also, we'll talk about a couple of high-profile death-penalty cases -- one that was recently commuted by Gov. Kay Ivey and another -- involving Death Row inmate Toforest Johnson -- that has gotten a lot of attention already. Click here to read all Ivana's work. First, we'll talk about an American command position in NATO, do another legislation roundup, and see who else is now using nitrogen gas to execute Death Row inmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever listen to a true crime podcast and think "that's not quite right...?" Or even wonder about the parts that have been left out? Enter Celisia Stanton, host of Tenderfoot TV's Truer Crime and The Vanishing Point. We sat down for a nuanced discussion on complex cases, ranging from the exoneration of Anthony Broadwater—wrongfully convicted in the 1980s of raping Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones—to the ongoing fight for justice for Toforest Johnson, who remains on Alabama's death row for the 1995 murder of Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy, a crime he did not commit.  To hear more from Celisia, find Truer Crime wherever you're listening.  To learn more about Toforest Johnson, listen to Earwitness by journalist Beth Shelburne, and learn how you can help at https://www.toforestjohnson.com. Support Murder, She Told: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Learn more: murdershetold.com ----- Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast Facebook: /mstpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Episode Sponsors: Marley Spoon: Head to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/SHETOLD and use code SHETOLD for up to 27 FREE meals! HoneyLove: Get 20% OFF at honeylove.com/SHETOLD Beam: Get up to 40% off with code SHETOLD at shopbeam.com/SHETOLD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you heard our last episode, you already know the case against Toforest Johnson is riddled with problems—key witnesses recanted, no physical evidence tied him to the crime, and even the original prosecutor now says he deserves a new trial. But there's even more to this story. In this follow-up conversation, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne peels back the layers of the case and shares what she uncovered while making Earwitness. We go deep into the tangled web of unreliable witnesses, missed leads, and the political forces keeping Toforest behind bars. Beth also reveals disturbing new details—ones that never made it into the courtroom but could change everything. What happens when the truth is clear, but the system refuses to listen? And how close is Toforest to finally seeing justice? Listen in—because this fight is far from over. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1995, Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy William Hardy was shot behind a Birmingham hotel. At that moment, over ten witnesses placed Toforest Johnson at a nightclub across town. Despite this, Toforest has spent more than 26 years on death row for a crime he swears he didn't commit. Today, many—including one of the jurors who originally convicted him— think the courts got it wrong. But how? With the support of investigative reporter Beth Shelburne, we explore the horrifying twists behind Toforest's controversial conviction. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Toforest-Johnson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Toforest Johnson was sentenced to die for a crime he says he didn't commit—without physical evidence or forensic proof. But that didn't stop prosecutors from building a case against him. Next week, we dive into a case that has sparked nationwide controversy and left one man fighting for his life. Want to check out next week's episode right now? Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ and get early access, ad-free listening, and other exclusive benefits on over 30 shows and 500 episodes. Visit tenderfootplus.com to learn more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Updates in Susanne Simpson, Menendez Brothers, Ellen Greenburg, Nick Rossi, West Valley City family murdered, triple homicide in Columbus Ohio, Cruise ship death and Toforest Johnson. Join our squad! Kristi and Katie share true crime stories and give you actionable things you can do to help, all with a wicked sense of humor. Follow our True Crime Trials Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSquadTrials Follow our True Crime Shorts Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@truecrimesquadshorts-t6i Want to Support our work and get extra perks? https://buymeacoffee.com/truecrimesquad Looking for extra content? https://www.patreon.com/truecrimesquad *Social Media Links* Facebook: www.facebook.com/truecrimesquad Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/215774426330767 Website: https://www.truecrimesquad.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truecrimesquad BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/truecrimesquad.bsky.social True Crime Squad on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gIPqBHJLftbXdRgs1Bqm1 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/truecrimetps/support

In this month's episode of Discussions with DPIC, Managing Director Anne Holsinger speaks with Beth Shelburne, a journalist who has reported on the criminal legal system for over 25 years and creator of the podcast Earwitness. Released in 2023 to critical acclaim, Earwitness tells the story of Toforest Johnson, a death-sentenced man who is facing execution in Alabama despite strong evidence of his innocence. On November 14, 2024, Mr. Johnson filed a petition with the Jefferson County Circuit Court requesting a new hearing, the latest in a series of appeals.   “I realized that this is such a protracted injustice with so many twists and turns over a quarter of a century. So many people have been exploited in the process that it really is a case that's emblematic of many terrible issues in our criminal justice system, and I felt like in order to capture all of that in its totality, I wanted to slow down and really unpack this case in a meaningful way,” explains Ms. Shelburne on why she decided to create the Earwitness podcast. She shares the challenges she and her team faced, including the “fading memories of people … [who] just couldn't remember the finite details that we felt were so crucial ... to pin down. Luckily, we were able to get our hands on quite a bit of source material through.”

A pair of friends out at a nightclub had no idea they would be implicated in a murder across town. The shaky word of a scared teenage runaway and the lies of a woman willing to say anything to get paid were enough to put one of the men on death row. After two decades, will justice finally be served? Or will Alabama execute an innocent man? This week's episode is The Wrongful Conviction of Toforest Johnson. Click here for this week's show notes. Click here to sign up for our Patreon and receive hundreds of hours of bonus content. Please click here to leave a review and tell us what you think of the show. Please consider supporting the companies that support us! -Get 20% off + free shipping with the code CREEPY at Manscaped.com -Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/freecreepy. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan. 

Civil Rights organizations file a federal lawsuit claiming district lines in DeSoto County discriminate against Black residents. Then, After a month-long strike AT&T workers are back on the job.Plus, Advocates in Alabama are asking for a new trial for Toforest Johnson. A podcast that came out last year helped shed light on his case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Everyday Injustice Podcast this week is Beth Shelburne, a journalist and writer with more than 25 years of experience. In 2023, a podcast series she created, reported and wrote called “Earwitness,” the story of Tofest Johnson. As described: Toforest Johnson is a father, a son, a brother. He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He has been on Alabama's death row since 1998 for a crime he had nothing to do with. He was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy William G. Hardy. According to more than 10 witnesses, Toforest was across town at the exact time Deputy Hardy was killed. There is no physical evidence linking him to the crime in any way. Prosecutors presented no eyewitnesses. And he has maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested. Prosecutors could not make up their mind about who committed the crime. At five different court hearings, they presented five different stories about what they claimed happened. The State's case against Toforest hinged on the testimony of one witness: a woman who did not know him and had never met him claimed to hear Toforest confess to the murder in an eavesdropped phone call. She was paid $5000 for her testimony, a fact that was not finally revealed to Toforest's attorneys until almost two decades later, when prosecutors revealed paperwork they said had been “misfiled.” Listen as Beth Shelburne describes in detail the incredible story of Toforest Johnson, convicted on “earwitness” testimony.

On a summer night in 1995, a sheriff's deputy was shot and killed in a hotel parking lot in Birmingham, Alabama. When investigators arrived at the scene, they found no eyewitnesses and almost no evidence pointing to the shooter. Detectives ultimately zeroed in on a man named Toforest Johnson, who on that same night was with friends at a nightclub miles away. Johnson was tried twice for the murder and eventually convicted on the testimony of an “earwitness” – a woman who claimed to have overheard Johnson confessing to the crime. He has spent more than 25 years on Alabama's death row.In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, finding details that cast major doubts about Johnson's guilt. This week, in partnership with Lava for Good and the Earwitness podcast, Shelburne tells us the story of Johnson's case. Click here to hear the full Earwitness podcast.This episode originally aired in November 2023. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Will the state of Alabama execute a man for a crime he didn't commit? That's a question that's been raised far too many times in the last decade, but right now it's being raised for Toforest Johnson. And, shockingly, it's a question being raised by the former attorney who prosecuted Johnson and put him on death row. Birmingham's current district attorney, a former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and a former Attorney General of Alabama have all called Johnson's conviction into question. Three jurors from the original trial have also now said they feel duped. So what happened? In 1995, William Hardy, a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy was killed while working off duty as a security guard at a hotel in Birmingham. There were no witnesses to the murder. Meanwhile ten witnesses can confirm Toforest Johnson was at a club four miles away in downtown Birmingham. How did he become accused and then convicted of the murder of Hardy? That's the story that Beth Shelburne unravels in her hit podcast Earwitness. She brings to life the stories of investigators and prosecutors desperate to close the case, the witnesses whose testimony seems to change by the minute, the judicial system that may have covered up a $5,000 payment to a witness, and the stories of the people working to get Johnson free. It's an important story and one that's now grabbed the attention of high profile celebrities like Kim Kardashian. But it hasn't yet persuaded Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Shelburne also examines why the state of Alabama continues to be marching toward Johnson's execution despite the evidence of his innocence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pod Crashing Episode 284 With Beth Shelburne From Earwitness One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" - a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, "How did an innocent man end up on death row - and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?" Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players-the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself-illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok.

Pod Crashing Episode 284 With Beth Shelburne From Earwitness One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" - a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, "How did an innocent man end up on death row - and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?" Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players-the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself-illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok.

Join Scott Jagow and Beth Shelburne in a gripping discussion surrounding the case of Toforest Johnson, a man on Alabama's death row facing conviction flaws. They explore the unprecedented situation where local and state prosecutors hold opposing views on a new trial. Beth's extensive research highlights evidence suggesting Johnson's innocence, contrasted with systemic challenges hindering convictions based on circumstantial evidence. They delve into the limitations of the justice system and the profound impact on wrongfully convicted individuals, shedding light on legal complexities and the fight for justice in Johnson's case.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an ‘earwitness' – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an 8-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself— illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

On a summer night in 1995, a sheriff's deputy was shot and killed in a hotel parking lot in Birmingham, Alabama. When investigators arrived at the scene, they found no eyewitnesses and almost no evidence pointing to the shooter.  Detectives ultimately zeroed in on a man named Toforest Johnson, who on that same night was with friends at a nightclub miles away. Johnson was tried twice for the murder and eventually convicted on the testimony of an “earwitness” – a woman who claimed to have overheard Johnson confessing to the crime. He was sentenced to death and has spent more than 25 years on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, finding details that cast major doubts about Johnson's guilt. This week, in partnership with Lava for Good and the Earwitness podcast, hosted by Shelburne, we tell the story of Johnson's case. First, Shelburne digs into the night of the murder and speaks to the lead investigator on the case.  Then, in conversation with host Al Letson, Shelburne walks through how Johnson was convicted, despite a lack of evidence and a solid alibi. She also shares the latest turn in Johnson's case: Questions about the credibility of the earwitness have surfaced in the last few years, leading many Alabama politicians and attorneys to call for a new trial.   Alabama's prison system doesn't allow people on death row to talk to journalists, so Shelburne visits the people closest to Johnson: his kids. They share memories and their hopes for their father's case. She also has a conversation with an unlikely supporter of a new trial: one of the people who had a hand in sending Johnson to death row.  Click here to hear the full Earwitness podcast. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

In 1995, Deputy Sheriff William Hardy was shot while moonlighting at a Birmingham hotel. An informant told police the shooter was Toforest Johnson. Even though ten people saw him in a nightclub at the time of the crime, detectives believed they had their man. But after Yolanda Chambers's statements were discredited, prosecutors turned to Violet Ellison who said she overheard Johnson confess on a three-way phone call. Years later, even the prosecutor has doubts about the so-called “earwitness” and whether Johnson should be on Alabama's death row.From the producers of “Bone Valley” comes “Earwitness.” Host Beth Shelburne picks apart the original investigation, police conduct, and the credibility of the key witness. What does it say when even the people who put an innocent man on death row can't get the justice system to right a wrong?OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "EARWITNESS" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 9 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.In Crime of the Week: It's a small turd after all.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. While law enforcement had almost nothing to go on, prosecutors used shaky earwitness testimony to convict Toforest Johnson of the crime. Despite repeated appeals from multiple legal experts, he remains on death row to this day. In tonight's interview, award-winning journalist Beth Shelburne discusses how her new podcast Earwitness explores the ins and outs of this profoundly disturbing case -- and what it tells us about the US justice system.They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh and David open with a discussion of Alabama's new congressional map and the ongoing attacks of libraries. Beth Shelburne zooms in to talk about her new podcast, Earwitness, about the infuriating case of Toforest Johnson. They wrap with a discussion of ADP's looming date with the DNC's Rules and Bylaws committee and this week's Rightwing Nut of the Week. Send us a question: We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at apwproducer@gmail.com or with this form. You can also send it to us on Facebook and Twitter. Or by emailing us a voice recording to our email with your question, and we may play it on air. Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live. About APW: APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. More information is available on our website. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Music credits: Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive. Visit Mr. Smith's page here.  

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" - a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, "How did an innocent man end up on death row - and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?" Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players-the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself-illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna sit down with investigative journalist Beth Shelburne to speak about the injustice inflicted upon Toforest Johnson in the wake of the murder of Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy in Birmingham Alabama. Lace 'em up and run for a good cause! Go to: PIFTM.org/RUN for more information on Private Investigations for the Missing's first annual 5K Run for the Missing and to register!! https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Reading/RunForTheMissing We love our Air Doctors! And if you want your air to be easier to breathe, head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code CRAWLSPACE and, depending on the model, you'll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! We love our AquaTru water purifiers! Receive 20% off any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use code "CRAWLSPACE" Check out our Subscription Service where we have a bundled our bonus material from Missing, Crawlspace and Dark Valley shows! Ad-free episodes and more at https://missing.supportingcast.fm/ Use promo code, "Missing" for your first month FREE! Follow us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/crawlspacepodcast/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast YT: https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrawlspacePod FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/58cll3enTW2SNmbJUuLsrt The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound Check out the entire Crawlspace Media Network at http://crawlspace-media.com/ Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/ Join the Crawlspace Discussion Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/talkcrawlspace/ Crawlspace Media is part of the Glassbox Media Network. Check them out here: https://glassboxmedia.com/ Follow Private Investigations For the Missing https://investigationsforthemissing.org/ http://piftm.org/donate https://twitter.com/PIFortheMissing https://www.facebook.com/PIFortheMissing/ https://www.instagram.com/investigationsforthemissing/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the production team that brought you the Wrongful Conviction series and Bone Valley, here is Episode 1 of our new podcast: Earwitness. If you like what you hear, you can listen to episode 2 right now wherever you get your podcasts or by clicking this link: http://lavaforgood.com/earlanding Journalist Beth Shelburne meets with former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley, who explains why he is deeply disturbed by the wrongful conviction of Toforest Johnson for the murder of Deputy Bill Hardy. Through her reporting on the case, Beth, like Baxley, is convinced that Toforest has no connection to the murder. She sets out to conduct an in-depth investigation into why detectives targeted him in the first place, how he was convicted, and why the State of Alabama is still seeking his execution today. Earwitness will be available every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. To hear episodes a week early and ad free, subscribe to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row.   In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.   From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 1 of 8 Journalist Beth Shelburne meets with former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley, who explains why he is deeply disturbed by the wrongful conviction of Toforest Johnson for the murder of Deputy Bill Hardy. Through her reporting on the case, Beth, like Baxley, is convinced that Toforest has no connection to the murder. She sets out to conduct an in-depth investigation into why detectives targeted him in the first place, how he was convicted, and why the State of Alabama is still seeking his execution today.  To learn more, including how you can help, visit: http://www.ToforestJohnson.com Earwitness is available every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. To hear episodes 1 week early and ad free, subscribe to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SC Attorney General responds to Alex Murdaugh's motion for a new trialKouri Richins gets caught allegedly tampering witnessesDanilo Cavalcante told investigators how he survived 2 weeks on the runToforest Johnson is set to be executed but all signs point to his innocence.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyLiesAndAlibisMerch: prettyliesandalibis.myshopify.com10%off with code SHERLOCKDonate: PayPal - prettyliesandalibis@gmail.com Venmo - @prettyliesalibisBuy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesrCash App- PrettyliesandalibisThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4447192/advertisement

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an ‘earwitness' – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an 8-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself— illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Earwitness will be available every Tuesday beginning September 19 wherever you get your podcasts. To hear episodes 1 week early and ad free, subscribe to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least ten people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away, at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy's murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5' by 8' cell on Alabama's death row. In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest's guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest's conviction relied on an ‘earwitness' – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years. From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good's Earwitness is an 8-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne's unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself— illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok. Earwitness will be available every Tuesday beginning September 19 wherever you get your podcasts. To hear episodes 1 week early and ad free, subscribe to Lava for Good+ on Apple Podcasts. Earwitness is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 19, 1995. Birmingham, Alabama. Toforest Johnson was just 22 years old when he was convicted in the of capital murder of Deputy William G. Hardy and sentenced to death. He still sits on Alabama's death row over 20 years later despite repeated false witness testimony, poor legal counsel, and allegations of severe prosecutorial misconduct. Get bonus content from Generation Why at: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh and David open with a discussion of Toforest Johnson's wrongful imprisonment and the system that is keeping him locked up. Karen Corps from Persistence PAC zooms in to discuss Democratic fundraising in Alabama. We wrap with a discussion of the Huntsville Police Department's systemic problems and this week's Rightwing Nut of the Week. Send us a question: We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at apwproducer@gmail.com. You can also send us a voice recording to that email with your question, and we may play it on air. Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live. About APW: APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. More information is available on our website. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

In this episode, NACDL Public Affairs and Communications Associate Madeline Sklar sits down (virtually) with Alabama criminal defense attorney Richard S. Jaffe to discuss his NACDLPress publication, Quest for Justice: Defending the Damned 2nd Ed., his four decade-long legal career, and the case of Toforest Johnson. Learn more about NACDL. Madeline Sklar, guest host. Music West Bank (Lezet) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 and Walkabout (Digital Primitives) / CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.