Wrongful Conviction

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Wrongful Conviction

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Hosted by celebrated criminal justice reform advocate and founding board member of the Innocence Project Jason Flom, Pulitzer prize-winning podcast host and producer Maggie Freleng, and Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and podcast host Lauren Bright Pacheco, Wrongful Conviction features intimate conversations with men and women who have spent years in prison for crimes they maintain they did not commit. Some have been fully exonerated and reunited with family and friends while others continue to languish, with some even facing execution on death row. Each episode peels back the layers behind the stories of those who have found themselves caught in a legal system gone wrong, with illuminating insights from lawyers and leading experts sharing their in-depth knowledge about each case, from prison visits and courtroom battles to reexamined crime scenes and witness interviews. This gripping series reveals the tragedy of injustice…as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.

  1. #524 Jason Flom with Clemente Aguirre

    5D AGO

    #524 Jason Flom with Clemente Aguirre

    Coming of age in Honduras, Clemente “Shorty” Aguirre was faced with a choice: join MS13 or die. He moved to Nicaragua with his grandmother instead, but with no economic prospects, he chose to come to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. Life was calm for a while, as he worked as a cook and lived in a trailer park, where he had found a place in a nice community of friends. Then, on June 17th, 2004, after a long night out, Shorty dropped by a neighboring trailer shared by his friends Cheryl Williams, part-time by her daughter Samantha, and her mother Carol Bareis. They were known for always having a stockpile of beer, and Shorty was going to ask them for an early morning nightcap, when he discovered Cheryl and Carol had been stabbed and were lying in pools of their own blood. Realizing that they were gone and that making a call to the police would certainly get him deported to a country where MS13 awaited his return, he went to his own trailer to lay low. Later that day, he came forward to investigators with his discovery and became the prime suspect. With the combination of an ineffective public defender, the prosecution’s tunnel vision, and plenty of circumstantial evidence, Clemente would be tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. If you feel compelled to support Clemente, please go to: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Clementeaguirree2019 https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min
  2. #523 Jason Flom with Lerico Kearney

    MAY 1

    #523 Jason Flom with Lerico Kearney

    On November 21, 1997, Gene Artis and his sister Yvonne Giles were shot and killed at their apartment in Suffolk, VA. Six-year-old Travone Artis was the only witness who saw his mother and uncle get murdered, and he unequivocally told authorities that a relative of his was the shooter. Despite this, 18 year old Lerico Kearney became a suspect when police found out he and Gene gambled together.There was no physical evidence linking Lerico to this crime, but with the help of multiple jailhouse snitches, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.change.org/p/governor-glen-youngkin-governor-youngkin-lerico-kearney-does-not-deserve-to-die-in-prison Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  3. SPECIAL EMERGENCY EPISODE: #522 Jason Flom and Maggie Freleng with Andre Brown live from the UJC Summit

    APR 22

    SPECIAL EMERGENCY EPISODE: #522 Jason Flom and Maggie Freleng with Andre Brown live from the UJC Summit

    In this updated special edition of Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom & Maggie Freleng, we revisit the case of Andre Brown, whose conviction was vacated in 2022 after newly presented evidence and witness testimony demonstrated he could not have committed the crime. Despite this, the Bronx District Attorney has shockingly overturned the vacated ruling—and Andre is now being sent back to prison this Friday, April 25, 2025, to serve an additional 17 years, after already spending 23 years behind bars for a crime he has always maintained he did not commit. Recorded live at the UJC Summit 2023, Jason and Maggie sat down with Andre to hear his firsthand account of the nightmare that began in 1999, when he was wrongfully convicted of attempted murder in the Bronx. Although Andre suffered from a medical condition that made running nearly impossible—and multiple witnesses pointed to another suspect—he was sentenced to two 20-year terms. This episode is a Call to Action. Andre Brown’s life is once again on the line. We need your help! Listen, share, and speak out. Justice must be upheld. Take Action Below: 1. Contact the Bronx DA , Darcel Clark, and respectfully ask her to consent to resentencing: 718-590-2000 and email (email script is here) 2. Contact New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and respectfully ask her to grant Andre Brown clemency: 518-474-8390 and complete contact form (script for form is here) 3. Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/nyc-government-the-people-free-andre-brown To learn more, please visit: https://www.unjustandunsolved.com/post/episode-19-andre-brown https://www.jiarizvi.com/andrebrown https://www.deskovicfoundation.org/cases/the-case-of-andre-brown Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  4. #521 Jason Flom with John "Divine G" Whitfield

    APR 17

    #521 Jason Flom with John "Divine G" Whitfield

    On March 25, 1988, Harold Wesley shot and killed Jimmy Calibera in a drug deal gone wrong. The crime occurred in front of the Breukelen Houses estates in Brooklyn, NY where John “Divine G” Whitfield lived with his mother and sister. Divine G was scheduled to turn himself in on drug charges in May of that year, but due to the testimony of an unreliable and incentivized informant, and despite evidence disproving this account, Divine was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 25 to life.  To learn more and get involved, visit: https://chng.it/cX5Fb9vnZk https://innocenceproject.org/petitions/new-york-discovery/ https://a24films.com/films/sing-sing https://pen.org/the-whitfeld-files/ https://divinegentertainment.com/shop/ https://www.instagram.com/divine_g47 https://rta-arts.org/blog/sing-sings-john-divine-g-whitfield-clarence-divine-eye-maclin-where-are-they-now/  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.

    41 min
  5. #520 Jason Flom with Ivery Dorsey

    APR 10

    #520 Jason Flom with Ivery Dorsey

    On July 10, 1994, in Houston, TX, four to six armed men forcibly entered a house that was being used as a base for selling crack cocaine. The intruders kicked down the door and immediately opened fire. Willie Williams and Clifford Tyler were shot while trying to flee but survived. Alton “Bud” Brown managed to escape unharmed but Charles Monroe was shot and succumbed to his injuries and died. Neither Williams nor Tyler were able to identity the shooter and since there was no physical evidence the case was closed.  12 years later, the case was re-opened with Ivery Dorsery as the primary suspect. Even though Ivery had several alibi witnesses who attested to his whereabouts the night of the crime and even though there was still no physical evidence tying anyone to the shooting, Ivery was charged and convicted with felony murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-iverys-fight-for-justicehttps://www.instagram.com/bringiveryhome/https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/186-jason-flom-with-alfred-dewayne-brown/ 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.

    40 min
  6. #520 Jason Flom with Ivery Dorsey

    APR 10 • LAVA FOR GOOD+ ONLY

    #520 Jason Flom with Ivery Dorsey

    On July 10, 1994, in Houston, TX, four to six armed men forcibly entered a house that was being used as a base for selling crack cocaine. The intruders kicked down the door and immediately opened fire. Willie Williams and Clifford Tyler were shot while trying to flee but survived. Alton “Bud” Brown managed to escape unharmed but Charles Monroe was shot and succumbed to his injuries and died. Neither Williams nor Tyler were able to identity the shooter and since there was no physical evidence the case was closed. 12 years later, the case was re-opened with Ivery Dorsery as the primary suspect. Even though Ivery had several alibi witnesses who attested to his whereabouts the night of the crime and even though there was still no physical evidence tying anyone to the shooting, Ivery was charged and convicted with felony murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-iverys-fight-for-justice https://www.instagram.com/bringiveryhome/ https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/186-jason-flom-with-alfred-dewayne-brown/ 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.

    40 min
  7. #519 Jason Flom with Marcus Blalock

    APR 3

    #519 Jason Flom with Marcus Blalock

    On March 24, 2001, the burned body of Howard Rose was found in a pick up truck in Pennsylvania. Rose had been shot in the back of the head in Cleveland, OH the night before. Investigators centered on four suspects, including Arketa Willis and Marcus Blalock. As a result of a deal with the prosecution, Willis testified against Blalock, blaming him for the murder. No physical evidence defended this claim. Her testimony was the sole basis for his conviction of murder and sentence of twenty years to life.  To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.change.org/p/cuyahoga-county-prosecutor-michael-c-o-malley-assistant-pro[…]or-mary-mcgrath-conviction-integrity-unit-free-marcus-blalock https://www.buycadmusbooks.com/pages/marcus-blalock https://www.kimlawcrimlaw.com/ https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/191-jason-flom-with-ru-el-sailor/ https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/326-jason-flom-with-octavius-williams/ 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.

    42 min
  8. Introducing - Bone Valley, Season Two: Jeremy

    TRAILER

    Introducing - Bone Valley, Season Two: Jeremy

    When Jeremy Scott confessed to the murder of Michelle Schofield, the State of Florida refused to believe him. In Bone Valley, Season 2, author Gilbert King digs deeper, uncovering chilling details of Jeremy’s past crimes and the darkness he’s carried with him. As their unlikely connection grows, Gilbert helps Jeremy confront the painful truths of his violent history while navigating the fractured relationship between Jeremy and the son he never knew. With new revelations and a search for redemption, the story takes unexpected turns—bringing haunting questions of justice, forgiveness, and the possibility of change. Gilbert King is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Devil in the Grove, which led to the exonerations of four innocent men. Bone Valley Season 2 will be available every Wednesday beginning April 9 wherever you get your podcasts. Bone Valley is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3 min
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Trailers

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • ​​In 1987, 18-year-old Michelle Schofield was found dead in a phosphate pit in Florida. Two years later, her husband Leo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Fifteen years later, previously unidentified fingerprints matched Jeremy Scott--a violent teenager who lived nearby. Jeremy has since confessed to Michelle’s murder.  In this groundbreaking podcast, Bone Valley host Gilbert King uncovers startling new evidence that Jeremy is responsible for a string of murders. King is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Devil in the Grove, which led to the exonerations of four innocent men. Bone Valley is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

    • 4.9 (4238)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • 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 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.

    • 4.8 (391)
    • TRUE CRIME

  • Welcome to season two of The War on Drugs podcast, co-hosted by comedian Clayton English and Greg Glod, advisor to Stand Together on Criminal Justice and Drug Reform. This season, we’re bringing you real stories from real people—artists, athletes, and influencers like B-Real, Marcus King, Ricky Williams, John Osborne, and many others who lived the impacts of the War on Drugs firsthand. We’ll explore how drug policy isn’t just a political issue—it’s personal. We’ll talk about pain management, mental health, overcoming addiction, entrepreneurship, and the fight for personal freedom. The War on Drugs isn’t over. And the stories we share this season prove it.

    • 4.6 (127)
    • SOCIETY & CULTURE

  • Twenty-two-year-old Elma Sands is found murdered in a Manhattan well on January 2nd, 1800. Her lover, wealthy and well-connected Levi Weeks, is accused of the barbaric offense. Weeks brings in the nation’s best legal defense team – none other than Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr – to clear his name while a pandemic-stricken New York City buzzes with scandal. This six-episode true story unfolds over the unbelievable two-day trial that laid the sexist roots of today’s justice system. Through flashbacks & testimony recreated in modernized language and narrated by Allison Flom, Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands investigates history’s chronic erasure of women and highlights the toils of Catherine Ring, a 27-year-old Quaker woman who took on the nation’s best legal team to preserve her cousin Elma’s name. Starring & Executive Produced by Allison Williams ("Get Out", "Girls") as Catherine Ring, Tony Goldwyn ("Scandal," "Ghost") as Alexander Hamilton, Barry Scheck (Innocence Project Founder) as Aaron Burr, and Jason Flom (Wrongful Conviction) as Judge John Lansing. Created & Narrated by Allison Flom. Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

    • 3.9 (187)
    • HISTORY

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4.4
out of 5
5,518 Ratings

About

Hosted by celebrated criminal justice reform advocate and founding board member of the Innocence Project Jason Flom, Pulitzer prize-winning podcast host and producer Maggie Freleng, and Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and podcast host Lauren Bright Pacheco, Wrongful Conviction features intimate conversations with men and women who have spent years in prison for crimes they maintain they did not commit. Some have been fully exonerated and reunited with family and friends while others continue to languish, with some even facing execution on death row. Each episode peels back the layers behind the stories of those who have found themselves caught in a legal system gone wrong, with illuminating insights from lawyers and leading experts sharing their in-depth knowledge about each case, from prison visits and courtroom battles to reexamined crime scenes and witness interviews. This gripping series reveals the tragedy of injustice…as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.

Information

  • Channel
    Lava for Good+
  • Creator
    Lava for Good Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    555
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2025 Lava Productions, LLC © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from Lava.
  • Show Website
    Wrongful Conviction
  • Provider
    Lava Productions, LLC

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