POPULARITY
Categories
In October 1997, Skip Clark was killed in York, PA. Police officers decided that the death was gang related, and that two gangs were out for each other after having a dispute. Tysheem Crocker was dragged into the conversation. The State argued that he and others plotted to retaliate against their rival gang, and that Skip was caught in the middle. Despite four witnesses testifying that they knew who the killer was and that it was not Tysheem, and despite the fact that his whereabouts were accounted for at the time of the crime, Tysheem was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/036-jason-flom-with-lorenzo-johnson/ https://www.change.org/p/mayor-c-kim-bracey-and-abolitionist-law-project-we-want-the-corruption-in-tysheem-crocker-s-case-investigated-and-all-relevant-documents-turned-over-that-pertain-to-the-case https://www.change.org/p/i-hope-this-helps-justice-for-tysheem-crocker?fbclid=IwAR05Aqx78BUzLsZeEH7Yo1GaAZvZruPvsFEdeMuUYTsTFei-xPQMnp8MfGMhttps://www.facebook.com/justuiceforTysheem/ n.com/COULD-HAPPEN-ANY-US/dp/0982814488https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B074SPJV6N/about Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aaron Habel, the host of the Generation Why podcast, joins me for our second and final conversation on his new podcast series, Framed, which explores the murder of Scott Macklem and the conviction of Fred Freeman, who changed his name to Temujin Kensu.To listen to Season 3 of Framed:True Crime Podcast Framed- Official Site – Framed: An Investigative StoryContact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.comCheck out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookJoin our Facebook Group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-storeVisit The True Crime Times Substack at:https://truecrimemessenger.substack.comThe Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music.See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Barbara Bradley Hagerty has spent a career asking why people do the things they do. The hardest answer she found runs through a wrongful conviction, thirty-four years lost, and a friendship between two men who had every reason to stay enemies. A New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic, Barb covered criminal justice and religion at NPR for nearly twenty years. This conversation runs from a kindergarten report card that called her whole life, to a cycling accident that took away her fear of death, to Ben Spencer and Jay Young, the wrongly imprisoned man and the victim's son, who somehow became friends. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways Enemies, then friends. Ben Spencer chose to forgive and pray for the victim's family, and Jay Young chose to believe Ben might be innocent and show up for him. What made it possible was simple and hard: each stood in the other's shoes, then listened. Two sets of victims. Every exoneration wrecks two families, the prisoner who lost his years and the victim's family, often told for decades that the right man was locked up. Jay Young was twelve when his father was killed. The system isn't broken. People are. The prosecutors who fought Ben's release didn't make the original mistake. They just couldn't bring themselves to admit one had been made. Losing the fear of death. A car hit Barb at thirty-five miles an hour while she was cycling. She came out of it with the sense that life is precious and can't be about her anymore. About Our Guest Barbara Bradley Hagerty is a New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic. She spent nearly twenty years at NPR covering criminal justice and religion, including as lead Justice Department correspondent during 9/11. Her books include Fingerprints of God, Life Reimagined, and Bringing Ben Home. Links and Resources Barbara Bradley Hagerty and Bringing Ben Home: barbarabradleyhagerty.com "The Other Victims of a Wrongful Conviction" in The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/07/wrongful-conviction-family/687394 Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Stand in the other person's shoes, then listen to their story. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.
Barbara Bradley Hagerty has spent a career asking why people do the things they do. The hardest answer she found runs through a wrongful conviction, thirty-four years lost, and a friendship between two men who had every reason to stay enemies. A New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic, Barb covered criminal justice and religion at NPR for nearly twenty years. This conversation runs from a kindergarten report card that called her whole life, to a cycling accident that took away her fear of death, to Ben Spencer and Jay Young, the wrongly imprisoned man and the victim's son, who somehow became friends. Calls to Action ✅ Leave a rating and review: lovethepodcast.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Subscribe on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion ✅ Share this episode with someone who reads the news and someone who's given up on it Key Takeaways Enemies, then friends. Ben Spencer chose to forgive and pray for the victim's family, and Jay Young chose to believe Ben might be innocent and show up for him. What made it possible was simple and hard: each stood in the other's shoes, then listened. Two sets of victims. Every exoneration wrecks two families, the prisoner who lost his years and the victim's family, often told for decades that the right man was locked up. Jay Young was twelve when his father was killed. The system isn't broken. People are. The prosecutors who fought Ben's release didn't make the original mistake. They just couldn't bring themselves to admit one had been made. Losing the fear of death. A car hit Barb at thirty-five miles an hour while she was cycling. She came out of it with the sense that life is precious and can't be about her anymore. About Our Guest Barbara Bradley Hagerty is a New York Times bestselling author and contributing writer for The Atlantic. She spent nearly twenty years at NPR covering criminal justice and religion, including as lead Justice Department correspondent during 9/11. Her books include Fingerprints of God, Life Reimagined, and Bringing Ben Home. Links and Resources Barbara Bradley Hagerty and Bringing Ben Home: barbarabradleyhagerty.com "The Other Victims of a Wrongful Conviction" in The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/07/wrongful-conviction-family/687394 Connect with us Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn: @coreysnathan Partners Proud to be part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts examining what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Stand in the other person's shoes, then listen to their story. Now go talk some politics and religion with gentleness and respect.
Nothing exposes the flaws of a justice system more than the wrongful conviction of an innocent person for murder. Adelaide man Henry Keogh languished in prison for two decades after being wrongfully convicted of his fiancée’s drowning, while Andrew Mallard – a vulnerable, troubled outsider – had his life irrevocably shattered when he was wrongly convicted of the 1994 murder of Pamela Lawrence in Perth. Neil Mercer, one of Australia’s most respected print and TV journalists, has written a new book, 'Falsely Convicted: True Stories of Injustice in Australia', in which he exposes just how easily professional hubris, police tunnel vision and flawed forensic practices can put innocent people behind bars. Today's episode is hosted by Good Weekend senior writer Greg Callaghan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On October 25, 1979, Rabbi David Okunov was robbed and fatally shot while on his way to temple in Brooklyn, New York. Two eyewitnesses described the perpetrator to authorities, and the police's first primary suspect fingered 19-year-old Carl Miller as the gunman. Despite not matching either eyewitness's descriptions, not being picked out of the line-up, and no physical evidence tying him to the crime, Carl was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder. To learn more and get involved, please visit:https://jhenninglaw.com/contact/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victoria Cushman was just 29 years old when she was found murdered inside her Warwick, Rhode Island apartment, just steps from the sporting goods store where she worked. For years, her family waited for answers and eventually, the case seemed to have them: a suspect known to the case from day one, who investigators said had motive to end Vickie's life. The evidence was circumstantial, but it was compelling. A secret relationship. Conflicting statements. A timeline that seemed to close in around one man. To a jury, the pieces fit. But fitting isn't the same as true. Years later, the story everyone thought they trusted cracked wide open. View source material and photos for this episode at: https://darkdowneast.com/victoriacushman Dark Downeast is an Audiochuck and Kylie Media production hosted by Kylie Low. Follow @darkdowneast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok To suggest a case visit darkdowneast.com/submit-case Did you know you can listen to Dark Downeast ad-free? Join the Crime Junkie Fan Club! Visit https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/fanclub/ to view the current membership options and policies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The wrongful conviction of Osgur Breatnach for the Sallins train robbery 50 years ago has now been declared a miscarriage of justice…Osgur joins Shane to discuss.
At 20 years old, Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted for a horrific murder she did not commit. After spending years in prison, she was definitively exonerated by Italy's highest court and allowed to return home to America. Today, she is an exoneree, journalist, advocate for justice and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Waiting To Be Heard. On this classic episode, Amanda joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss her astonishing story, her perspective of justice and resilience, the damaging effect of confirmation bias, and much more. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: shopify.com/elevate Masterclass: masterclass.com/elevate Framer: framer.com/elevate Indeed: indeed.com/elevate Northwest Registered Agent: northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate Whatnot: Search "Whatnot" in the app store to download Fanvue: fanvue.com Wealthfront: wealthfront.com/elevate More about Wealthfront This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Elevate with Robert Glazer podcast (collectively "Media Partner") are not clients of Wealthfront. The Media Partner receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for this paid endorsement placed in their podcast, creating a conflict of interest. More details available via the referral link. The Direct Deposit Plus Investing Program from Wealthfront Advisers LLC and Wealthfront Brokerage LLC provides eligible clients a 0.25% APY increase above the base APY on eligible Cash Account balances (up to an overall boosted rate of 4.30% for a limited time when including the three month 0.75% APY boost for new clients) when you direct deposit $1,000 a month, plus open, fund, and maintain an investing account. Wealthfront may change or end the program at any time and determine eligibility at its discretion. Terms apply. Full details at wealthfront.com/promo-terms. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Securities investments are not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron Habel, the host of the Generation Why podcast, joins me to discuss the murder of Scott Macklem and the conviction of Fred Freeman, who changed his name to Temujin Kensu. The case has been approached from many angles over the years — who killed Macklem or whether Kensu was wrongfully convicted. Aaron, in a new season of his Framed podcast, is widening the lens to ask another question.Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.comCheck out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookJoin our Facebook Group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-storeVisit The True Crime Times Substack at:https://truecrimemessenger.substack.comThe Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music.See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The wrongful conviction of Osgur Breatnach for the Sallins train robbery 50 years ago, has now been declared a miscarriage of justice. For more on this our Legal Affiars Correspondent, Orla O'Donnell.
Osgur Breatnach, wrongfully convicted in 1978
Mea Culpa celebrates President Joe Biden's first major legislative victory with the passage of the $1.9 Billion Covid Relief Package. Merrick Garland is confirmed as Attorney General and vows to fight domestic extremism while the walls close in on Roger Stone. Then it's all the Trump news fit to shit. We look at the latest in Cy Vance's investigation into Trump's finances and spotlight the growing feud between Trump and the GOP over using his name and likeness for fundraising. Then Michael speaks with Jason Flom, host of the Wrongful Conviction Podcast about the rot and corruption inside America's prison system.To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Evelyn Malin was the 84-year-old owner of the Dollar Lake Store in tiny Shamrock Township, 130 miles north of Minneapolis. On the morning of February 24, 1998, she was found beaten and strangled to death in the living quarters that were connected to her convenience store. Over a year later, Brian Pippitt was charged with premeditated murder based primarily on the incentivized testimony of two witnesses who later admitted to fabricating their statements. Brian was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit:https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-gov-walz-stand-up-for-justice?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-drop-site-news&source=group-drop-site-news Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pamela Colloff, reporter for ProPublica and the New York Times Magazine, joins the show to discuss her debut book, Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast (Knopf). The book examines Paul Skalnik, a con man and jailhouse informant whose testimony helped convict dozens of people, including James Dailey, a Vietnam veteran sent to death row for a 1985 murder despite the absence of physical evidence against him. Colloff discusses how she found the story, her own experience being deceived by Skalnik during years of reporting, and what his case reveals about the use of jailhouse informants in the American justice system. Reality Life with Kate Casey What to Watch List: https://katecasey.substack.com The Story Behind My Podcast: https://katecasey.substack.com/p/i-was-the-narrator-of-my-own-family Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/katecasey Twitter: https://twitter.com/katecasey Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/katecaseyca Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskatecasey?lang=en Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113157919338245 Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katecasey Like it to Know It: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/katecaseySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On April 15, 2011, Dawone Taylor was murdered in Oakland, CA over a dispute about an allegedly stolen ipod. Pierre Rushing, a promising young musician who never met Mr. Taylor, was later charged and convicted for the murder primarily on the questionable testimony of a struggling drug addict who was unable to accurately describe Pierre’s appearance. Learn more and get involved:Pamela Pricealcoda@acgov.org1225 Fallon Street Suite 900Oakland, CA 94612(510) 272-6222 https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 17 year-old high school dropout in the wrong place at the wrong time is convicted of first-degree murder. David Milgaard spent just over 22 years in prison, as his mother took on Canada's court system, eventually clearing his name. This is the first of two episodes covering his story, on the podcast See You In Court.Want to listen to more episodes of See You in Court? Click here.
Jaws of Justice Radio investigates how we can achieve justice from a system of laws deeply rooted in economic, social and political inequality. We want to dispel misconceptions created by the news and entertainment industry, politicians and our educational system. We hope you will listen. On July 6th, 2026, our hour opens with guest Casey Carter, Director of the award-winning nuclear waste documentary film, To Use a Mountain. As regional communities confront new nuclear projects, weapons production, and questions of public consent, Casey Carter is coming to showings of the film on July 11th in Parsons, Kansas and July 12th in Kansas City, Missouri. https://www.touseamountain.com/ Southeast Kansas and Kansas City face separate but connected nuclear flashpoints amid a broader federal push to accelerate nuclear energy and weapons programs. In Parsons, Deep Fission has proposed an underground nuclear reactor pilot project at Great Plains Industrial Park, promoted in part as an energy solution for data centers and other large power users, raising community concerns about safety, oversight, waste, and public consent. In Kansas City, organizers are challenging the city's role in the nuclear weapons complex, including the Kansas City National Security Campus and the broader push to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal. More than 90,000 metric tons of commercial spent nuclear fuel remain stored across the United States, with no permanent geologic repository in operation, and the amount growing by roughly 2,000 metric tons each year. What happens when national nuclear ambitions become local responsibilities that communities are asked to accept? Casey Carter will speak a few minutes about where to see the film. Next, host Terri Wilke will speak with Valena Beety, a wrongful convictions litigator and former US federal prosecutor. Beety is the McKinney Professor of Law at Indiana University and co-founder of the Indiana Innocence Project. She is also author of a forthcoming book Pink Crime: Fighting Against the Criminalization of Motherhood, Pregnancy, and Queer Identity. Her book exposes how junk science, false confessions, faulty forensic evidence, and gender stereotypes are leading to no-crime wrongful convictions for women and LGBTQ+ people. The cases she explores are chilling: women prosecuted after miscarriages and stillbirths, mothers losing custody based on hospital-administered drugs, and LGBTQ+ people sentenced to decades in prison for crimes that never occurred. Beety draws on her litigation experience and interviews with leaders across the Innocence Movement to connect today's prosecutions to a long history of criminalizing women and LGBTQ+ communities based on identity. https://thenewpress.org/books/pink-crime/ On Jaws of Justice, we examine how to find justice in our society. Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
On August 23rd, 1984, Mary Anne Flynn was found dead in her Cleveland, OH bedroom. She had been strangled and severely beaten and there was evidence she had been sexually assaulted. There were multiple suspects including a violent ex-boyfriend, an ex-tenant who was an attempted rapist and an exterminator who had a copy of the house key. But investigators focused solely on Tony Apanovitch, a local painter Flynn hired to work on her house. Apanovitch cooperated with investigators and told them he last saw her between 4 and 4:30 on the day of her death to ask about painting the window trims. There were no witnesses and no physical evidence linked Apanovitch to the crime. Nevertheless, he was convicted of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and 2 counts of rape and sentenced to death. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.justice4apanovitch.com/petition-to-save-tonyhttps://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Day in Legal History: Civil Rights Act of 1964On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. It was one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history, and it fundamentally transformed the legal landscape by banning discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, employment, education, and programs receiving federal funding.The Civil Rights Act was the product of the Civil Rights Movement—years of courageous activism by Black Americans and their allies who marched, protested, and demanded that the law recognize their equal humanity and their constitutional rights. The movement included iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and countless others whose names we'll never know but whose courage changed America.The Act made it illegal for hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other public places to refuse service based on race. It made employment discrimination illegal. It empowered the federal government to withhold funding from schools and institutions that discriminated. It created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate and remedy workplace discrimination.Before the Civil Rights Act, the law itself endorsed discrimination. Southern states had explicit “Jim Crow” laws that required racial segregation. “Whites only” signs hung on businesses, schools, water fountains, and bathrooms. The law said Black Americans couldn't use the same facilities as white Americans. The Civil Rights Act said that's unconstitutional and illegal. It didn't end racism—racism persisted and persists today—but it transformed the law from a tool of discrimination into a tool of protection. The Act represented a moral and legal turning point. It affirmed that the Constitution's promise of equal protection applies to everyone, regardless of race. It showed that the law can change when people demand justice. It demonstrated that the Civil Rights Movement's sacrifice—the beatings, the arrests, the deaths, the long struggle—could actually transform American law and create a more just society.The Civil Rights Act remains one of the most important achievements in American legal history. Every civil rights protection we have today—protection against employment discrimination, housing discrimination, educational discrimination—traces back to that law signed on July 2, 1964. It's a reminder that legal change comes from struggle, from people willing to demand their rights, and from a government finally willing to recognize the dignity and equality of all its citizens.The Supreme Court's use of its “shadow docket”—an informal process for issuing emergency decisions with minimal explanation—has expanded dramatically, and the justices are sharply divided over whether this is appropriate.The Supreme Court has a formal process for cases: parties file briefs, the Court hears oral arguments, justices deliberate, and then the Court issues a written opinion explaining its reasoning. This is the public docket. But the Supreme Court also has an emergency process called the “shadow docket” for last-minute requests for emergency relief. For example, if someone is about to be executed and files an emergency request for a stay, the Court needs to decide quickly. Traditionally, the shadow docket was used only for these genuine emergencies. But in recent years, particularly under the current Supreme Court, the shadow docket has been used for major constitutional decisions. The Court will issue orders on the shadow docket with little or no explanation, effectively deciding important cases without full briefing, oral arguments, or written opinions.Imagine if a school made major policy changes through emergency procedures meant only for fire drills, without explaining the policy or letting people comment on it. That's what's happening with the Supreme Court's shadow docket. Conservative justices defend the practice, saying the Court needs flexibility to respond to emerging issues. Liberal justices are furious, arguing that major constitutional decisions require full briefing and transparent reasoning. They point out that decisions on the shadow docket often don't explain the Court's reasoning, making it impossible for lower courts to apply the law or for Americans to understand their constitutional rights. The shadow docket has been used for decisions affecting voting rights, abortion, immigration, and religious freedom—major constitutional questions that deserve full public deliberation.The shadow docket allows the Supreme Court to reshape constitutional law without public explanation or accountability. It enables the conservative majority to implement a constitutional agenda without transparent reasoning. It divides even the justices—a sign that this practice is controversial even at the highest level. The shadow docket represents a concerning shift toward less transparent, less democratic judicial decision-making on matters of profound constitutional importance.US Supreme Court supercharges its ‘shadow docket,' dividing the justices | ReutersThe Minnesota Attorney General has shut down its unit dedicated to reviewing and overturning wrongful convictions, citing budget constraints. The decision has shocked criminal justice advocates who view wrongful conviction review as a core function of government. Here's the context: Innocent people sometimes go to prison. Witnesses misidentify them. Evidence is planted or fabricated. Police coerce false confessions. Lawyers provide inadequate representation. DNA evidence may later prove innocence. Many states have created units—often within the Attorney General's office—dedicated to reviewing cases where there's evidence of wrongful conviction and seeking to overturn convictions when appropriate. These units have freed hundreds of innocent people from prison. In Minnesota, this unit reviewed cases, worked with innocence organizations, and petitioned courts to overturn convictions when evidence showed innocence. Now that unit is being shut down.If you discovered you had been wrongly convicted and imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit, you would want the government to help free you. You would want the justice system to correct its own mistakes. Wrongful conviction units exist to do exactly that—to correct serious errors in the criminal justice system. When the government shuts down its wrongful conviction unit, it's saying it will no longer systematically look for innocent people who have been wrongly imprisoned. Think of the human cost. People serving decades in prison for crimes they didn't commit may never have their convictions reviewed. Their appeals for help will go unanswered. The government agency that should be most interested in justice—the Attorney General—has decided it can't afford to help innocent prisoners.This decision signals a deprioritization of wrongful convictions and prisoner justice. It means innocent people will remain in prison because the state won't investigate their claims. It undermines public faith in the criminal justice system. It suggests that budget concerns are more important than freeing innocent people. Criminal justice advocates worry this is part of a broader pattern: reduced funding for public defenders, reduced funding for innocence organizations, and now elimination of the state's own wrongful conviction review unit. The decision raises a fundamental question: Do we actually care about justice, or do we only care about convictions?Minnesota attorney general shuts unit reviewing wrongful convictions, cites Trump funding cut | ReutersA federal judge has blocked the U.S. Postal Service from implementing restrictions that would have made mail-in voting more difficult. The ruling is a significant victory for voting rights advocates.The Postal Service proposed new restrictions on how mail-in ballots could be delivered. These restrictions would have required mail-in voters to meet stricter deadlines, reduced ballot processing times, and imposed other requirements that voting rights groups argued would disenfranchise voters, particularly voters in rural areas and voters with disabilities who rely on mail-in voting. Voting rights advocates sued, arguing that the restrictions would violate the right to vote. The federal judge agreed and blocked the restrictions.The right to vote is fundamental to democracy. Mail-in voting is a way many Americans exercise that right—people who are elderly, disabled, working on election day, or living in areas far from polling places depend on mail-in voting. When the government imposes restrictions that make mail-in voting harder, it's making it harder for people to vote. The Postal Service argued it needed to implement restrictions for operational reasons. The judge said operational concerns can't be used to interfere with voting rights. If the Postal Service needs to adjust its operations, it has to do so in ways that don't undermine the right to vote.This decision protects mail-in voting access at a time when voting rights are under increasing attack. It affirms that the right to vote can't be sacrificed for bureaucratic convenience. It signals that courts will step in if government agencies try to restrict voting access. As more Americans rely on mail-in voting, protecting mail-in voting access is essential to protecting voting rights. The decision reflects a judicial recognition that voting is a fundamental right and that restrictions on voting deserve strict scrutiny, not deference to government agencies.Judge blocks US Postal Service's proposed restrictions on mail-in voting | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Imagine being 17 years old, accused of a crime you didn't commit, convicted despite your innocence, and spending the next 16 years behind bars. Now imagine walking out of prison and dedicating your life to helping others who have suffered the same fate. On Thursday, June 25th at 6pm CST. Streaming live on YouTube Live and Facebook Live, we welcome attorney and exoneree Jeffrey Deskovic to discuss wrongful convictions, the failures that can lead to them, and the fight to ensure justice is truly served.
“The Valley of Death: Women's Huron Valley Whistleblowers Speak Out”For years, the voices of women inside Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility have been dismissed. Now, those who once worked behind the walls are stepping forward. Join us for a powerful and timely conversation with former Women's Huron Valley employees turned whistleblowers, Andi Allen and La'Resha Thornton, as they share what they witnessed inside the facility and why they chose to speak out. Together, we'll discuss the conditions, the culture, the treatment of incarcerated women, and why accountability can no longer wait. If you've been following the crisis at Women's Huron Valley, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Turning A Moment Into A Movement Podcast MISSION:To bring awareness, organize, and create content that will be a resource that will aide families, communities, and those seeking Justice for WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS and Injustice....and advocating for Justice & Exoneration for GERARD HAYCRAFT.www.change.org/Justice4Gerard"TAMIAM" podcast Official: TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook | LinktreeTurning A Moment Ino A Moment Team:-Jay Love Host: Founder and Creator of Turning A Moment Into A Movement, The Justice for Gerard Movement, to learn more about The Justice for Gerard Movement go to: www.change.org/Justice4GerardExecutive Board member of Michigan Coalition of Human Rights, G100Prison Reforms & Reintegration Global Advisory Council Member-Trische' Duckworth: Executive Director/Founder of Survivors Speak, Founder/ Lead Consultant of Value Black Lives, Social Worker, Justice Advocate, Board member of Michigan Coalition of Human Rights,https://www.survivorsspeak.infoI do not own the rights to the music.No copyright infringement intended. Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer (Fair Use) under section 107 Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purpose.
At 2 AM, on June 18th, 2014, Daniel Holtzclaw finished up his shift as an Oklahoma City police officer and made his way home in his all black cruiser. He saw a car swerving and pulled over 57-year-old daycare provider Jannie Ligons. About 3 hours later, Ms Ligons would claim that Officer Holtzclaw forced her to perform oral sodomy through the fly of his uniform pants from the back seat of his squad car. Her mouth swab would come up empty for Daniel’s DNA, as would a search of his uniform for hers, but nonetheless, an investigation would be launched into Daniel Holtzclaw’s field contacts with at risk African American women, soliciting stories of sexual impropriety. 21 accusers made allegations, and a media circus ensued, bolstering a grim and growing narrative of law enforcement officers abusing their authority. 8 of those 21 claims were immediately dismissed by investigators, and they still moved forward with the 13 other questionable or otherwise ill-fitting claims. Through the misconstruing of DNA evidence, 8 of the remaining 13 allegations resulted in 18 convictions. Former Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Holtzclaw is currently serving a 263 year sentence in an undisclosed correctional facility under an assumed name for crimes he did not commit. Please listen to our coverage and find out more at: http://www.freedanielholtzclaw.com. Sign the petition in support of Daniel’s freedom at: https://www.change.org/p/free-daniel-holtzclaw-an-innocent-man-wrongfully-convicted https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kathy and Jim discuss the recent US Supreme Court's decision to reinstate the conviction of Pedro Hernandez who was convicted in his second trial of abducting and murdering Etan Patz - But who is the real killer of Etan Patz?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 1976, 19 year old college student Michelle Mitchell was a good daughter, she had just taken her father something for his low blood sugar, but on her way home when her car died near the University of Reno Nevada campus, evil would find her. Over 1,800 miles away in Louisiana a 29 year old woman would tell her mental health doctor, she killed a girl named Michelle in Reno. Then all hell would break loose.https://www.patreon.com/c/rainbowcrimesPromo for Pod of TerrorIntro: Shire Girl by David FesilyanOutro: Beating Heart by David RendaResources:https://www.loevy.com/longest-ever-wrongfully-incarcerated-woman-u-s-history-sues-framed/https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2021/08/11/cathy-woods-35-years-wrongfully-imprisoned-exonerated-dies/8101284002/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115136e003800v115136d--51--b--51--&gca-ft=9&gca-ds=sophihttps://thisisreno.com/2020/11/michelle-mitchell-murder-gets-fresh-look-on-national-crime-program/https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Reno-family-wants--492744141.htmlhttps://music.youtube.com/podcast/Xw0H5h6fQLkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beyond-the-rainbow-podcast--4398945/support.
In this throwback episode Bob and Erica are joined by award-winning music executive, podcast host, children's book author, and justice advocate, Jason Flom. Jason, known for his podcast Wrongful Conviction, is also the found of Lava For Good Podcasts and executive produced the podcast, Bone Valley. Hosted by Gilbert King. Bone Valley is a deep dive into the murder of Michelle Schofield and the wrongful conviction of her husband, Leo, in 1987. Before discussing the case, Bob, Erica, and Jason chat about his children book, how he got into wrongful conviction work, and (again) dogs.The majority of the funding of our work comes directly from listeners, through our Patreon community. To join Patreon, click THIS LINK. At the $5/month level you'll get access to lots of Patreon Only BONUS EPISODES, Ad Free versions of all episodes, an hour of Patreon Exclusive video content every week, and our new weekly podcast “Pre-Game”, which drops every Wednesday. Not to mention early access to some episodes and the ability to watch and participate in interviews live.Today's Sponsors:Quince – Head to Quince.com/Ruff for free shipping and 365 day returns.Draft Kings – Download the app and sign up with code “Truth” to claim 1000 Flex Spins and check out the exclusive Cashingo game!
On October 27, 2008, Jodi Lynne Torok was at her Crofton, MD home talking on the phone with her close friend, Blair Wolfe, when a man, purporting to be a salesman, knocked on her front door. Jodi ended the call to respond to the so-called salesman, but thereafter never called Ms. Wolfe back or answered any of Wolfe's subsequent telephone calls. Growing increasingly concerned, Ms. Wolfe telephoned the victim's roommate, and requested that she leave work and return home to make sure that the victim was safe. Upon arriving at the residence that she shared with the victim, Ms. Higgs found the front door unlocked and the victim lying on the foyer, unconscious and bleeding from a gunshot wound to her head. At the time, she was two months pregnant. As a result of the gunshot wound, the victim's pregnancy was terminated, and she suffered severe and disabling injuries. The State developed a theory that, Charles Martin was in a relationship with the victim and upon learning of Torok’s refusal to obtain an abortion, solicited a friend to kill Torok and assisted Burks in the murder. The State charged Martin with solicitation of murder and accessory before the fact to attempted murder in the first degree. He was convicted and sentence to life in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://appcounsel.org/ https://www.skadden.com/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On October 12, 2003, Mark Fisher was found shot and killed in a driveway in Brooklyn, NY after spending the night hanging out with a group of his peers, including John Giuca and Antonio Russo. Upon interrogation, a few of the people that Mark had been with late the night before led police to believe that John and Antonio were involved in Mark’s murder. Despite no physical evidence and no eyewitnesses linking him to the crime, John was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison solely based on witness testimony. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://freejohngiuca.com/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Greenberg Traurig's Good In Practice podcast, host Caroline Heller, Chair of the firm's Global Pro Bono Program, sits down with Jordan Grotzinger, Co-Chair of the firm's Los Angeles Litigation Practice, to discuss one of the most compelling pro bono cases in GT's recent history: the wrongful conviction case of Pierre Rushing. Pierre Rushing was convicted of murder at age 22, sentenced to 50 years to life, has now spent 15 years incarcerated for a crime that mounting evidence suggests he did not commit. Pierre has maintained his innocence since the beginning. Jordan, whose day-to-day practice focuses on trade secrets and commercial litigation, explains how a podcast he listened to during the pandemic sparked his interest in wrongful conviction work and ultimately led him to Pierre's case. He walks listeners through the significant evidentiary problems with the original conviction, including the testimony of an eyewitness whose description of the perpetrator changed dramatically over time. Their conversation traces the long and winding post-conviction road, including two prior habeas proceedings, a federal appeal to the Ninth Circuit, and the eventual emergence of critical new evidence. That evidence includes a recantation by the original eyewitness, declarations from two individuals who were present at the scene stating that Pierre was not there, and - most strikingly - 464 pages of police reports produced by the prosecution 13 years after the conviction, which may have violated the Brady disclosure rules of evidence. Beyond the legal details, the episode offers a look at Pierre as a person - a young man from a difficult background in Oakland who was going to school and building a future as a rapper when his life was upended. Jordan reflects on Pierre's resilience and on the extraordinary contributions of GT associate Andrea Carmona, whose work he credits as essential to getting the case to its current stage. The episode closes with a broader call to action. With over 3,800 documented exonerations in the United States since 1989, and far more individuals claiming wrongful conviction without access to legal representation, Jordan and Caroline urge lawyers to consider taking on innocence cases pro bono. A hearing in Pierre's case is forthcoming. For more, watch this CNN interview with Jordan Grotzinger and Andrea Carmona, visit: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/news/2026/05/media-coverage/injustice-system-re-examining-the-murder-case-of-pierre-rushing.
On March 18, 1997, two men exited a minivan and walked into the lobby of a bank in St. Louis, MO wearing ski masks and armed with semi-automatic rifles. Shots were fired and a security guard, Richard Heflin, was shot and fatally wounded. Billie Allen, aged 19, was arrested at about 2am the next morning and taken to police headquarters where he remained in an interrogation room, handcuffed to a table, for the next several hours. Later that morning, he was positively identified in a line-up by two forestry workers who had come across an individual in the woods. According to the police, after being told of these identifications, Billie Allen said he wanted to discuss the robbery, recanted his request for a lawyer and made statements incriminating himself in the murder. Billie Allen was charged with committing an armed bank robbery and using a firearm to commit a crime of violence. He was convicted on both counts and sentenced to death. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://linktr.ee/freebillieallen Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Sean Ellis and Nicky Ali Jackson of the Crime Unfiltered speaking series. Sean Ellis was wrongfully convicted in 1995 for the murder of Boston Police Officer John Mulligan, serving 22 years in prison before his conviction was vacated in 2015. His ultimate exoneration came after evidence surfaced revealing rampant corruption among the investigating detectives and the suppression of critical evidence that pointed to his innocence. Check out the Crime Unfiltered series, with dates in 2026: https://www.crimeunfiltered.com/. Follow Sean: https://www.instagram.com/iamseankellis. More on Sean's story: https://www.justiceforseanellis.com/. Follow Nicky: https://www.instagram.com/drnickyalijackson/. More on Nicky: https://www.pnw.edu/people/nicky-ali-jackson/. The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound. Follow Crawlspace: IG: https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast. FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast. X: https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340. Follow Missing: IG: https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm. FB: https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM. X: https://twitter.com/MissingCSM. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447. Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matthew Ridge is one of New Zealand's most recognisable sporting figures - All Blacks captain, NRL star, television personality. But behind the swagger and the highlights reel is a story most people have never heard.Originally released in 2024 and one of our most popular episodes, we're bringing this one back because it deserves to be heard again.Ridgey sits down with Steve and Seamus to tell it all. At 16, he was wrongfully convicted of aggravated robbery - three High Court trials, a 14-year sentence hanging over his head, and a sports career that nearly never happened.He talks about growing up without his father, finding mental toughness through tennis, and the moment he got a voicemail from Graham Lowe asking if he wanted to play rugby league for Manly.He opens up about the NRL years, the TV relationship with Marc Ellis - and he talks honestly about his meth use, functioning as an addict while the cameras rolled, and the moment he looked at a photo of himself and saw no light in his eyes.This is Matthew Ridge like you've never heard him before.Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cheat Sheet is The Murder Sheet's segment breaking down weekly news and updates in some of the murder cases we cover. In this episode, we'll talk about cases from Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas.CNN's report on the settlement with Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Forrest Welborn and Maurice Pierce, four young men wrongfully charged with the yogurt shop murders of Eliza Thomas, Jennifer and Sarah Harbaugh, and Amy Ayers: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/13/us/yogurt-shop-murders-wrongly-accused-men-settlementIndiana Lawyer's article on Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita's lawsuit against Roblox and Discord: https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/ag-rokita-sues-online-platforms-used-by-hailey-buzbee-and-suspect-in-her-deathIndiana Attorney General Todd Rokita's lawsuit against Roblox and Discord: https://www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/07/9a278bec-f19f-4bac-adcd-eb7847688ff3.pdfWANE's article on the attempted murder charges against Dalton Eatherly: https://www.wane.com/news/crime/chud-the-builder-known-for-racially-derogatory-livestreams-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-tennessee/Check out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsPre-order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After a hot summer day - August 3rd, 1989, the DeLisle’s took their 4 children for ice cream along the Detroit River. A mechanical defect in their car caused the night to take a deadly turn that sent Larry DeLisle to prison for what should have been seen as a tragic accident. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.change.org/p/gretchen-whitmer-free-larry-he-lost-all-4-of-his-children-due-to-a-fatal-accident-is-falsely-in-prisonhttps://www.netflix.com/title/80161702https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode of Truth Be Told dives into the intersection of wrongful convictions, communication, strategy, and even poker. In this powerful conversation, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with innocence attorney and poker player Claudia Salinas to explore how psychology, trust, bias, and human behavior shape both the courtroom and the interrogation room. From uncovering wrongful convictions to reading people at the poker table, Claudia shares how communication, emotional control, and strategic thinking can impact lives in the highest-stakes situations. The episode takes listeners inside the work of The Innocence Center and the broader innocence movement, breaking down how innocent people end up behind bars — and why proving innocence is often far harder than securing a conviction in the first place. Claudia discusses false confessions, racial bias, Brady violations, eyewitness issues, and the emotional realities of post-conviction advocacy, while Dave connects these lessons directly to investigative interviewing and truth-seeking conversations. If you're interested in investigative interviewing, psychology, communication, criminal justice reform, or the human side of truth and deception, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow Claudia on Instagram! Follow The Innocence Center on Instagram! Truths: False confessions are real — and often driven by psychology, pressure, misplaced trust, and flawed interrogation tactics. Wrongful convictions are rarely caused by one single mistake; they're usually the result of bias, tunnel vision, misinformation, and small decisions compounding over time. Communication and rapport matter in every high-stakes environment — from investigative interviews to courtrooms to poker tables. Confidence isn't about ego; it's about preparation, emotional control, and trusting the process even when outcomes don't immediately go your way. Every person — investigators, jurors, attorneys, and everyday citizens — plays a role in protecting justice and preventing wrongful convictions.
Dr. Nicky Ali Jackson lives in a world most of us only hear about through headlines, documentaries, and podcasts.She's a criminal justice professor, advocate, founder of the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network, and host of Crime Unfiltered — a live tour and podcast that dives deeper into the realities of crime, justice, advocacy, and wrongful convictions.And honestly? She's badass.In this episode, we talk about:Being underestimated as a woman in this fieldFighting for credibilityThe emotional weight of trauma-focused workWhy Crime Unfiltered is resonating with audiencesAnd how humor, truth, and humanity all belong in hard conversationsDr. Jackson is smart, fearless, funny, and deeply real — and this conversation is one that will stay with us for a long time.www.crimeunfiltered.com www.pnw.edu/center-for-justice-and-exoneration-network-at-purdue-university-northwest
In 2003, Dennis Perry was convicted of the 1985 murders of Harold and Thelma Swain at Rising Daughter Baptist Church in Spring Bluff, Georgia. He was innocent. He would spend the next 20 years, six months, and ten days behind bars.This episode of Gone South tells the Georgia Church Murders story through Dennis's eyes — from his arrest and interrogation by detective Dale Bundy, to his trial, his two life sentences, and the years he spent inside Jimmy Autry State Prison waiting for someone to believe him.It's also the story of Brenda Perry, the woman who knew Dennis his whole life, married him in a prison chapel, and never stopped fighting for his freedom. After reporter Josh Sharpe of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution exposed the truth and the Georgia Innocence Project secured his release, Dennis was fully exonerated. This is what survival looks like. Subscribe to our newsletter:https://jedlipinski.substack.com/ Connect with Jed Lipinski:https://www.instagram.com/gonesouthpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/gonesouthpodcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-lipinski/ 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 1985, Harold and Thelma Swain were shot and killed during Bible study at Rising Daughter Baptist Church in Spring Bluff, Georgia. The double murder went unsolved for years — until a man named Dennis Perry was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two life terms for a crime he almost certainly didn't commit. In 2019, Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Josh Sharpe began investigating the case for the Georgia Innocence Project. What he found was damning: a botched investigation, unreliable witnesses, and a key suspect — Eric Sparre — whose alibi turned out to be completely fabricated. This episode of Gone South follows Sharpe's six-month investigation into the Georgia Church Murders, the wrongful conviction of Dennis Perry, and the evidence pointing to the man many believe actually pulled the trigger. Based in part on Sharpe's book, The Man No One Believed. Subscribe to our newsletter:https://jedlipinski.substack.com/ Connect with Jed Lipinski: https://www.instagram.com/gonesouthpodcast/https://www.facebook.com/groups/gonesouthpodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-lipinski/ 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
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney, talks about recent work his office has done vacating wrongful convictions, a statistical decline in crime and more. Photo: Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., the District Attorney of New York County photographed on Central Park West and 74th Street (CmdrDan, CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
On August 8th, 1998, 25-year-old Kasey Schoen was shot and killed while sitting in his car in Indianapolis, IN. A few days later, a man approached officers and told them that he saw 22-year-old Leon Benson shoot the victim. A single eyewitness identified Leon as the shooter out of a photo lineup, despite the fact that he did not match the eyewitness's initial description of the shooter. Leon was ultimately sentenced to 60 years in prison for the murder, even though there was no physical evidence linking him to the crime and the main witness against him tried to recant their testimony. Guest host, Kemba Smith, talks to Leon Benson and Lara Bazelon, Leon's attorney. To learn more and get involved, please visit: Organization of Exonerees The Streets Don't Love You Back Go to Die Jim Crow Records to support prison impacted musicians, including Leon Benson's (El Bently 448) album "Innocent Born Guilty". Petition for Demetrius Burks www.kembamovie.com https://www.kembasmith.com https://kembasmithfoundation.org/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On July 17, 1982, in Hanover County, VA, a white woman was raped by a black man who was a total stranger. During the rape, the man beat her and threatened her with a gun, and also mentioned that she was not the only white woman he had had sexual relations with. Based on this statement alone, police immediately suspected 18-year-old Marvin Anderson to be the perpetrator because Marvin lived with his white girlfriend at the time. Despite a complete lack of evidence linking him to this crime, and evidence pointing to another more viable suspect, Marvin was convicted of rape by an all white jury, and sentenced to 210 years in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit:https://innocenceproject.org/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lucia de Berk was a Dutch pediatric nurse convicted in 2003 of murdering patients. The evidence: she was present during unexplained deaths, statistical correlation suggested her presence wasn't coincidence, and medical experts interpreted clinical events as deliberate harm. She was sentenced to life in prison. In 2009, a court accepted the deaths were natural. She was completely innocent. She served six years for crimes that never happened.The experts who helped overturn de Berk's conviction say the Lucy Letby case follows the same pattern. The same type of evidence. The same structural flaws. The same certainty built on the same kinds of assumptions.Dr. Shoo Lee, the neonatologist whose own research was cited at Letby's trial, assembled a panel of fourteen international medical experts who reviewed every case. Their conclusion: no evidence of murder in any of the seventeen cases. The Royal Statistical Society criticized the prosecution's use of numbers. A police consultant statistician was told to stop her analysis. The handwritten notes prosecutors called a confession were reportedly written on a counselor's advice. And the door-swipe data was found to have been mislabeled.The CPS declined additional charges in January 2026. Thirty-one expert reports were submitted to the CCRC in February 2026.Part four of five. The parallel is real. The challenge is professional. And the conviction is being tested by the very kind of evidence that overturned the last case just like it.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#LucyLetby #TrueCrimeToday #NurseOfDeath #LuciaDeBerk #WrongfulConviction #CCRC #ShooLee #TrueCrime #CountessOfChester #CrimePodcast
On January 15, 1980, in Wilmington, DE, a 15-year-old girl, "G.S," reported she had been raped alongside the railroad tracks. The victim and her young male friend, "K.C.", said they were together on the tracks when a young black man approached them and assaulted G.S. After giving numerous inconsistent statements, K.C. told police he recognized the attacker from school and that his name was Elmer. 18-year-old Elmer Daniels was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for the rape despite scant physical evidence and a strong alibi that was corroborated by several witnesses. To learn more and get involved, visit:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-elmer-daniels-after-39yrs-wrongful-conviction?member=1327822 https://lavaforgood.com/junk-science/ To hear the story of Guest Host John Huffington's own wrongful conviction listen to; https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/052-jason-flom-with-john-huffington/ Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On June 19th, 1995, Dusty Turner was out at a bar with some friends in Virginia Beach, VA, including his roommate and training partner, Billy Brown. Dusty Turner and Jennifer Evans were sitting in his car waiting for Evans’s friends to join them when an extremely intoxicated Billy Brown forced his way into the back seat and began insulting Evans and pulling her hair. When she tried to defend herself, Brown suddenly attacked her, wrapped his arms around her neck in a forceful choke hold, and killed her instantly. All the while Dusty Turner had been prying and clawing Brown’s hand off of Evans, pleading with him to stop. Finally realizing that she was dead, Dusty panicked and reacted to his intensive SEAL training that demanded “always protect your swim buddy” regardless of the cost. Dusty’s instinct for survival and misplaced loyalty to Brown took over as he drove out of the parking lot and helped Brown hide the victim’s body in a nearby wooded area. Eight days later, Dusty confessed the entire story to his commanding officer and agreed to take the police to the body after being assured that he would only be used as a witness during the trial. During Billy Brown’s trial in 1996, Brown testified against Dusty to receive a lesser sentence of 72 years in prison. Three months later, with an outraged community and media frenzy surrounding the case, Dusty Turner was convicted of first-degree murder and abduction, and sentenced to 82 years in prison. https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On June 19th, 1995, Dusty Turner was out at a bar with some friends in Virginia Beach, VA, including his roommate and training partner, Billy Brown. Dusty Turner and Jennifer Evans were sitting in his car waiting for Evans’s friends to join them when an extremely intoxicated Billy Brown forced his way into the back seat and began insulting Evans and pulling her hair. When she tried to defend herself, Brown suddenly attacked her, wrapped his arms around her neck in a forceful choke hold, and killed her instantly. All the while Dusty Turner had been prying and clawing Brown’s hand off of Evans, pleading with him to stop. Finally realizing that she was dead, Dusty panicked and reacted to his intensive SEAL training that demanded “always protect your swim buddy” regardless of the cost. Dusty’s instinct for survival and misplaced loyalty to Brown took over as he drove out of the parking lot and helped Brown hide the victim’s body in a nearby wooded area. Eight days later, Dusty confessed the entire story to his commanding officer and agreed to take the police to the body after being assured that he would only be used as a witness during the trial. During Billy Brown’s trial in 1996, Brown testified against Dusty to receive a lesser sentence of 72 years in prison. Three months later, with an outraged community and media frenzy surrounding the case, Dusty Turner was convicted of first-degree murder and abduction, and sentenced to 82 years in prison. https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the evening of May 22, 2005, Salvador A. Martinez was shot and killed in Camden, NJ. The notorious Camden Police Department eventually set its sights on Lance Alford, and after coercing three supposed eyewitnesses to identify and testify against Alford as the perpetrator, Alford was convicted of first-degree murder. Based on this testimony alone, Alford was sentenced to life in prison. To Learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justinbonusesq/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9h5dR6M-P4https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/509-jason-flom-with-manfred-younger/ Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On January 7, 2014, 37-year-old Brenda Burns gave birth to a baby girl, Naomi. Two months later, on March 15, 2014, Brenda was running errands, and Naomi was home with her father, Brenda’s husband, 37-year-old Joshua Burns. They had talked on the phone while Brenda was out, and all was well. When Brenda returned, she found Joshua tending to a cut on Naomi’s face. Naomi fell forward while on Joshua’s lap. He caught her, but she consequently cut her face on his hand. Naomi fell ill in the subsequent weeks. Her parents took her to doctors and emergency care multiple times, and the doctors sent her home with medicine each time. The final time, doctors declared that Naomi had retinal hemorrhaging. The doctor determined it was a result of child abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Joshua was charged with second-degree child abuse. After a trial without updated scientific evidence, but with conflicting medical testimony, a jury found Joshua guilty, and sentenced him to one year in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit:https://unshakentruth.com/https://www.instagram.com/unshakentruth76/https://innocenceproject.org/petitions/justice-for-robert-roberson/ Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Sunday February 13, 2000, 53-year-old Jane Dorotik reported her husband Robert missing after he failed to return home from a jog in Valley Center, CA. An avid runner, Robert’s body was found the next morning. He had been strangled with a rope and his skull was fractured. After investigators found what they purported to be human blood throughout the Dorotik residence, the state developed a theory of Jane’s guilt. She was quickly arrested and tried. The trial, riddled with junk science and faulty forensic testimony, resulted in a jury finding Jane guilty. Despite the defense’s continuous discovery of evidence both during and after jury deliberations, the trial court reinforced the conviction and sentenced Jane to 25 years to life. To learn more and get involved, visit:https://csw.ucla.edu/research/feminist-anti-carceral-studies/uc-sentencing-project/https://womenprisoners.org/https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/390-wrongful-conviction-junk-science-bloodstain-pattern-evidence-update/ Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On January 24, 2001, 25-year-old Jamond McIntre was shot seven times and killed in Detroit, MI. Though there were no eyewitnesses to the shooting, three individuals, including 21-year-old Marvin Cotton, were ultimately identified. After a trial that hinged on the testimony of a jailhouse snitch, Cotton was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.betternotbrokenllc.org/https://ooe8689.live-website.com/https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMEd4mjjDK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.instagram.com/mrbeattheodds/?hl=enhttps://lavaforgood.com/podcast/502-maggie-freleng-with-darrell-ewing/ Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maggie Freleng, Pulitzer Prize winner, iHeartPodcast 2024 Social Impact Award Honoree and acclaimed host of Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, returns with compelling stories of redemption and justice in the newest season of Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng starting March 5, 2026. Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.