Wickedly Judged

In Part 1 of the Wickedly Judged interview with Kent McGowen, we begin the conversation by setting the stage for the case, the investigation, and the questions that continue to surround the record. This episode introduces the key issues at the center of the discussion: how the case began, what was documented, what may have been missed, and why the early decisions in an investigation can shape ever...

THE HUMAN COST” In the final episode of this series, Rebecca reflects on the emotional, financial, and psychological impact wrongful-conviction litigation has on families and communities. This episode serves as both a recap and a deeply personal conclusion to the Johnny Watkins series. Rebecca revisits: The contradictions surrounding the knife Conflicting witness narratives Archived and previously...

THE INVESTIGATION” In this episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca takes listeners deep inside the investigation surrounding the Johnny Watkins case and examines the reliability concerns raised throughout the record. This episode explores: How quickly investigators appeared to settle on a theory The dangers of tunnel vision and confirmation bias The role alcohol, stress, and group dynamics can play i...

HOW APPEALS REALLY WORK” In this episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca breaks down the harsh reality of the appellate and postconviction process in wrongful-conviction litigation. Far from the dramatic courtroom scenes portrayed in movies, appeals are often long, technical, emotionally exhausting battles centered around procedure, records, deadlines, and access to evidence. This episode explains: W...

The Record Was Never Complete” In this episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca examines one of the most serious issues raised in the motion for leave: whether this case ever received meaningful review when critical parts of the record were inaccessible, untranscribed, archived, or scattered across different systems for years. The episode explains why a complete record is essential to appellate and po...

“THE KNIFE” In the opening episode of this investigative series, Rebecca breaks down one of the most disputed and troubling aspects of the Johnny Watkins case — the knife. This episode focuses on: Conflicting witness statements surrounding who possessed the knife Testimony placing Caleb Angel in possession of the knife before, during, and after the stabbing Contradictions involving who allegedly d...

The Rob McCoy, Tony Viola, Dawn Pasela, and the Fight Against Wrongful Convictions” In this powerful episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca is joined by Rob McCoy for an emotional and eye-opening discussion surrounding allegations of wrongful convictions, prosecutorial misconduct, coercive plea tactics, and the suspicious death of Dawn Pasela. Rob shares his personal experience becoming entangled in...

Episode Notes Wickedly Judged Podcast Military Appreciation Month Special “Forgotten Warriors: Veterans Behind Bars” During Military Appreciation Month, we honor the men and women who served this country — but tonight we focus on the veterans America too often forgets. In this powerful episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca explores the connection between military service, trauma, PTSD, addiction, i...

Episode Notes Wickedly Judged — “Why I Went Silent — Building Something Bigger” Episode summary In this personal update episode, Rebecca shares why Wickedly Judged went quiet—and why that silence wasn’t the end of the mission, but the foundation of something bigger. Behind the scenes, she has been drafting legal motions connected to her husband’s case, building a parole packet for an upcoming June...

Episode Summary In this episode of Wickedly Judged , Rebecca sits down with Ken W. Good , a Texas bail attorney and board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas , for a pre-recorded conversation about “no cash bail” and the realities of bail reform . The discussion explores what bail is supposed to do, what reform is trying to fix, and why accountability and real-world outcomes matter when p...

This week on Wickedly Judged , we’re taking a brief pause from our regular case coverage for the Thanksgiving holiday. In this short, heartfelt message, Rebecca shares: Why there is no new case episode this week How holidays can be especially painful for families living with wrongful convictions Her own experience of facing an empty chair at the table while her husband remains wrongfully incarcera...

In this special full-length episode, Wickedly Judged unpacks the complete story of Joshua Lee Mosher—a man whose life was shattered by a wrongful conviction fueled by revenge, police tunnel vision, and a justice system obsessed with conviction rates over truth. Host Rebecca guides listeners through the timeline of Josh’s case, revealing how a toxic relationship with his ex, Jackie, spiraled into a...

In this follow-up episode, Wickedly Judged continues the powerful exploration of the wrongful conviction of Joshua Lee Mosher. Host Rebecca recaps the crucial details of Josh’s case—a story marked by a toxic home environment, a controversial investigation, and years of denied appeals. Picking up with the second half of a moving interview, listeners hear directly from Amanda (Josh’s sister) and Bet...

Episode Summary In this powerful episode of Wickedly Judged, Rebecca takes listeners through the harrowing journey of Joshua Lee Mosher—a man convicted of crimes he has always denied, and whose case raises urgent questions about the American justice system. Through a detailed timeline, Rebecca unpacks the events that led to Josh’s conviction, the relentless legal battles that followed, and the new...

Episode Summary In this powerful three-hour special, host Rebecca takes you deep inside the concept of due process—what it means, why it’s enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and how its violation leads to wrongful convictions and shattered lives. You’ll hear the historical roots of due process, real-world case studies, emotional stories of injustice, and a bold vision for reform. This episode is...

In this extended, in-depth finale, Rebecca unpacks the entire story of Scott Barmore—a man sentenced to 60 years to life on charges he insists he did not commit. This episode explores every facet of Scott’s case, from his decision to turn himself in without legal counsel, to the denial of a basic evidentiary hearing, to the State’s false narrative about his high school graduation. Rebecca examines...

In the second half of our powerful conversation, Rebecca continues the story of Scott Barmore—a man who maintains his innocence after being sentenced to 60 years to life on new charges he says he did not commit. Picking up where the first half left off, Scott shares what life is like after sentencing, the emotional and legal challenges of pursuing appeals, and how he finds hope behind bars. This e...

In this episode of Wickedly Judged, Rebecca speaks with Scott Barmore, who maintains his innocence regarding new robbery allegations that resulted in a 60-to-life sentence. Scott turned himself in without legal counsel and argues he was convicted without an evidentiary hearing. We also address the State’s disputed claim about his high school completion—despite documentation that he had graduated a...

Political violence and wrongful convictions aren’t separate crises—they grow from the same root: dehumanization, contempt for due process, and incentives that reward “wins” over truth. Rebecca reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk—whose convictions were anchored in the Founders, the Constitution, and faith in God—and connects it to courtroom failures that steal years from the innocent whil...

In this comprehensive episode, Rebecca delivers the full story of Donald Rogan Simpson Jr.—a man who has spent more than 33 years in a Missouri prison for a crime he has always insisted he did not commit. This episode leaves no detail unexplored: from Donald’s early life and the events that led him to Joplin, to the flawed investigation, coerced witnesses, lost and ignored evidence, and a trial th...

In the second half of this eye-opening interview, Rebecca continues her conversation with Donald Rogan Simpson Jr., who has spent over 33 years in a Missouri prison for a crime he has always maintained he did not commit. Picking up after John Katura’s pivotal plea bargain, Donald recounts the investigation, his trial, decades of relentless appeals, and the daily reality of surviving inside a syste...

In this powerful first installment, Rebecca sits down with Donald Rogan Simpson Jr., who has spent over 33 years behind bars for a crime he insists he didn’t commit. In his own words, Donald shares his background, his arrival in Joplin, Missouri, and the events that led to his arrest and wrongful conviction for the murder of J.D. Masters. This episode covers Donald’s early life, his relationship w...

In this powerful solo episode, Rebecca unpacks the full timeline of Joshua Brazzel’s case—revealing how a secret custody dispute and hidden personal motives led to a devastating conviction. This episode is a straightforward, fact-driven narrative about how unchecked conflicts of interest and withheld evidence can destroy lives and families. Key Points Covered The Hidden Custody Battle: How the bio...

In this emotional follow-up episode, Rebecca sits down with three of Joshua Brazzel’s sons to hear firsthand how their lives have been shaped by their father’s incarceration. Growing up in a small town with a well-known last name, they share the challenges, stigma, and personal struggles of life without their dad—and what it truly means to be judged by circumstances beyond their control. Key Point...

Host: Rebecca, President of Wickedly Judged Episode Overview In this gripping episode, Rebecca sits down with Joshua Brazzel to uncover the real story behind his conviction—a story of personal vendetta, questionable police tactics, and a justice system that failed to protect the innocent. This case challenges everything we think we know about due process and the dangers of hidden motives. Key Poin...