Voices of the Innocent

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...

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 worke...

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...

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...

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 D...

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...

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 Polz...

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...