Voices of the Innocent

Katherine Polzer and Rashaan DeShay
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

 A podcast that showcases the raw first-hand voices of the wrongfully convicted, their story, and the fight for justice. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and Produced by Lacey Pendley and Matilda Verruso

Episodes

  1. Oct 26

    Episode 9: John Raley

    In this episode, we explore the work of John Raley, a medical malpractice attorney who answered a call that would change his life.  Raley explains how he entered the field of wrongful convictions by chance and reflects on his work representing Michael Morton and Hannah Overton.  Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer Edited and produced by Lacey Pendley and Matilda Verruso  Note: 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 the hosts.

  2. Sep 24

    Episode 8: 𝐀𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧

    In this episode we explore the case of Alfred Dewayne Brown, who spent more than 12 years imprisoned in Texas, including nearly a decade on death row, for a crime he did not commit. Brown reflects on his wrongful conviction, the evidence that was withheld from his defense, his years facing execution, and the long road to his release and declaration of actual innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  3. May 1

    Episode 7: 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫

    In this episode we explore the work of Kristin Cuellar, the Executive Director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. She reflects on her journey into human rights advocacy, her decades-long fight against capital punishment, and her perspective on justice, reform, and the human cost of the death penalty. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  4. Apr 3

    Episode 6: 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦

    In this episode we explore the work of Judge Brandon Birmingham, the presiding judge of the 292nd Judicial District Court in Dallas County. He reflects on his career, the realities of prosecuting serious crimes, and his perspective on justice, accountability, and reform. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  5. Mar 5

    Episode 5: 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐞

    In this episode we explore the story of Mike Ware, the executive director of the Innocence Project of Texas.  He discusses his journey, the development of the Innocence Project of Texas, their process and his part in continuing to fight to free the wrongfully convicted. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  6. Jan 23

    Episode 4: 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐳

    In this episode we explore the story of Anna Vasquez, one of the "San Antonio Four," who spent 13 years in prison for a crime that never happened.  She discusses the flawed forensic testimony that led to her 1994 conviction, the decade-long fight for exoneration, and the unique challenges faced by female exonerees.  This is Anna Vasquez's voice of innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  7. 12/11/2025

    Episode 3: 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲

    In this episode, we take a look into the story of Melvin Quinney — a father once convicted of indecency with a child — his claim of innocence, and his eventual exoneration. Through his own words, we revisit a “Satanic Panic”–era case and explore what it means to be presumed innocent, yet still wrongfully convicted. This is Melvin Quinney’s voice of innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  8. 11/13/2025

    Episode 2: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 Pt. 2

    Last month, you heard part 1 of Christopher Scott's fight for innocence and the path that led to his wrongful conviction. In part 2, you will hear how his fight continued, the true evil behind his conviction, and all the factors at play that lead to his long-awaited release. This is Christopher Scott's voice of innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: 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 the hosts.

  9. 11/13/2025

    Episode 1: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭

    Voices of the Innocent debuts with the story of Christopher Scott, a devoted father whose life was shattered by a wrongful conviction.  This is part one of a two-part episode arch, where he recounts the night it all began, the events that led to his arrest, and the system that refused to grant him justice. His fight for freedom continues in part two. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and Produced by Krystal Guerra Note: 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 the hosts.

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Introducing 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭

    Voices of the Innocent uncovers the stories of people wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer, the series exposes the flaws of the justice system and gives a voice to the silenced. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra Note: 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 the hosts.

  • 1 Trailer
    9 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

 A podcast that showcases the raw first-hand voices of the wrongfully convicted, their story, and the fight for justice. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and Produced by Lacey Pendley and Matilda Verruso

Information

  • Creator
    Katherine Polzer and Rashaan DeShay
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Voices of the Innocent
  • Show Website
    Voices of the Innocent