Barton McNeil discovers his 3-year-old daughter's lifeless body in her bed the morning after breaking up with his girlfriend. McNeil insists that she was murdered by his former girlfriend after pointing to a cut screen in the bedroom window. Police agree a murder has been committed, but arrest him.
Introducing The Shrink Next Door
Marty Markowitz had his share of problems. His parents had recently died. He had troubles at work. A failing relationship. He needed someone to help him through this rough patch in his life. So he decided to get some professional help from a psychiatrist. What he did not count on, was what happened in his life over the next twenty-nine years.This is a story about power, control, and turning to the wrong person for help. Listen now at wondery.fm/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/2019 • 13 minutes, 6 seconds
The Verdict in the Jennifer Lewis murder
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4/11/2019 • 15 minutes, 49 seconds
Introducing Over My Dead Body
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2/13/2019 • 7 minutes, 5 seconds
Introducing: Legal Wars
The courtroom can be a battlefield over money, people’s rights, and even their lives. For some cases, the consequences can affect us long after the verdict is read.Based on extensive interviews and court transcripts, Wondery’s new podcast LEGAL WARS puts you inside the jury box of some of the most famous court cases in American history. Subscribe to Legal Wars today at wondery.fm/suspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/1/2018 • 10 minutes, 35 seconds
Introducing Blackwood
Five years ago, three teenagers set out to investigate the local legend of their small town, The Blackwood Bugman, and the mysterious disappearances and murders connected to him over the years. But as they soon come to find out, getting too close to the truth can be dangerous. From the masterminds behind Hunt A Killer comes a chilling tale of secrets, monsters, and murder. Subscribe to Blackwood today at wondery.fm/convictSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/2018 • 11 minutes, 31 seconds
47: Tulsa Time
Demarco Carpenter was wrongly convicted of murder. Suspect Convictions investigates this travesty.SPONSOR:for 25% off your first order of RX bars visit rxbar.com/suspect and enter the promo code "Suspect" at checkoutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/2018 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
46: The End?
Jurors return to the courtroom to deliver the fruit of their deliberations.SPONSOR:For 25% off your first order visit rxbar.com/suspect and enter the promo code "Suspect" at checkout!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/2018 • 27 minutes, 50 seconds
45: Closing Arguments
Lawyers make closing arguments in the Stanley Liggins case and Scott Reeder analyzes what the jury knows and doesn't know.SPONSOR:stitchfix.com/suspect for 25% off, when you keep all 5 items in your box!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/20/2018 • 2 hours, 49 minutes, 14 seconds
44: Defense Rests
Who killed Jennifer Lewis? Her step-father? A band of dog thieves? Or Stanley Liggins? Defense attorneys explore these possibilities.SPONSOR:stitchfix.com/suspect for 25% off, when you keep all 5 items in your box!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/2018 • 30 minutes, 11 seconds
43: Enough Evidence?
As the prosecution rests, the defense and prosecution make arguments forwhether or not there is evidence for a jury to decide Stanley Liggins fate. The judge rules.SPONSOR:stitchfix.com/suspect for 25% off, when you keep all 5 items in your box!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/2018 • 19 minutes, 1 second
42: Prejudicial?
The judge decides whether jurors will learn of Stanley Liggins sex crime conviction and Jennifer’s mother shares what happened the night her daughter was slain. Liggins' lawyer asks the grieving mother graphic sexual questions. SPONSOR:stitchfix.com/suspect for 25% off, when you keep all 5 items in your box!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/14/2018 • 24 minutes, 22 seconds
41: Convicts, Lies, and Audiotape
A jailhouse snitch testifies that Stanley Liggins admitted to killing JenniferLewis. But this key prosecution witness has a history of being less than truthful. We’ll showyou how.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/13/2018 • 19 minutes, 50 seconds
40: Crazy
Stanley Liggins's attorneys maneuver to keep a mentally ill woman from testifying in person. Prosecutors present DNA evidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/2018 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
39: Something Stinks
A police officer says Stanley Liggins lied about not seeing Jennifer Lewis before 6 p.m. the day she died. A witness says she smelled gasoline and saw a gas can in Liggins’ car the morning after the murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/2018 • 22 minutes, 24 seconds
38: Lies of Omission, Lies of Commission
Jurors in the Stanley Liggins murder case are not hearing the whole truth. He’s been accused of harming other little girls. Scott Reeder reveals what is being hidden from the Waterloo, Iowa, jury and examines the past deception of a key witness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/2018 • 38 minutes, 41 seconds
37: The Whole Truth?
Jurors aren’t hearing the the whole truth in the Stanley Liggins trial. Scott Reeder examines testimony given in the ongoing trial and discusses why jurors are being kept in the dark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/6/2018 • 17 minutes, 22 seconds
36: Prosecution Inconsistencies
During cross examination, defense attorneys highlight inconsistencies in testimony given by prosecution witnesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/2018 • 33 minutes, 48 seconds
35: A Forensic Moment
A criminalist with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation testifies about evidence that may link Stanley Liggins to the murder.SPONSOR:Visit TakeCareOf.com and use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for 25% off your first month of personalized vitamins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/2018 • 28 minutes, 20 seconds
34: The Prosecution Begins
Prosecutor Mike Walton gives opening arguments, jurors view grisly photos and testimony begins as Stanley Liggins goes on trial in the murder of 9-year-old Jennifer Ann Lewis.SPONSOR:Visit TakeCareOf.com and use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for 25% off your first month of personalized vitamins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/2018 • 25 minutes, 7 seconds
33: A Trial Strategy Develops
Robert Hirshhorn, one of the top defense attorneys in the United States, analyzes the Stanley Liggins case and discusses strategy for selecting a jury and presenting a case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/2018 • 42 minutes, 32 seconds
32: A Looming Trial
Next week, Stanley Liggins goes on trial for the murder of 9-year-old Jennifer Lewis. The case received international attention during the first season of Suspect Convictions. Scott Reeder and Lacy Scarmana review key clips from the first season and share their thoughts on the case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/2018 • 40 minutes, 11 seconds
SEASON 4, Evil in the School Yard, Part II
In September of 1990, the burning body of 9-year-old Jennifer Ann Lewis was found abandoned in the playground of an Iowa school yard. Reporter Scott Reeder was one of the first people on the scene that night and he has continued to follow the case for the past 28 years. The man accused of her murder, Stanley Liggins, will be re-tried this month after an appellate court threw out his conviction. Suspect Convictions explains the case to listeners and prepares them for the upcoming trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/2018 • 26 minutes, 35 seconds
31: Shooting at a Whorehouse
Obie Anthony spent 16 years in prison for a crime he had nothing to do with after a man was killed outside a Los Angeles brothel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/2018 • 36 minutes, 17 seconds
New show: I, Survivor
Women get assaulted. Women get attacked. Women get harassed, manipulated, intimidated, but women are survivors. Time and time again, she persists, even against all odds. Hosts Jenna Brister and Wagatwe Wanjuki share their stories, and those of the men and women who fought back, who won, and who live rising above the trauma of their experiences. Subscribe to I, Survivor today www.wondery.fm/isurvivorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/2018 • 11 minutes, 38 seconds
30: Injustice in Baltimore
Lesley Vass was convicted of an armed robbery he did not commit. After a decade in prison, he proved his innocence. His is a tale of perseverance, courage and disappointment.SPONSORS:https://www.hungryroot.com Use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for $25 off your first two orders!welcome.havenlife.com/suspect Get a free quote today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/2018 • 44 minutes, 13 seconds
29: Trouble in Paradise
Rpynes Dural served eight years in a Hawaii prison for a sexual assault that may never have taken place. A Hawaii court threw out his conviction, but he remains on the sex offender registry. We look at this miscarriage of justice.SPONSORS:welcome.havenlife.com/suspect Get a free quote today!shudder.com/podcast and use the promo code "SUSPECT" to try Shudder free for 30 days!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/2018 • 32 minutes, 37 seconds
28: Everything but Her Socks
When 36-year-old Kim Ancona's body was found, nude, in the men’s restroom of the Phoenix, Arizona bar where she worked, police focused on bar patron, Ray Krone. Even though he had no criminal record, police suspected him because he had a protruding tooth which seemed to match a bitemark on one of the victim’s breasts. Based on this evidence alone, he was sentenced to death. But the DNA in saliva on the bitemark told a much different story.SPONSORS:rxbar.com/suspect use promo code "SUSPECT" at checkout for 25% off your first order!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/19/2018 • 32 minutes, 15 seconds
27: She Saw What?
Lorenzo Johnson went to prison for murder based on the testimony of one woman. Defense attorneys learned decades later she was the alternate suspect.SPONSORS:rxbar.com/suspect use promo code "SUSPECT" at checkout for 25% off your first order! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/13/2018 • 24 minutes, 15 seconds
26: The Sun Does Shine
Author Anthony Ray Hinton served 34 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Scott Reeder talks with him about his new book, life on death row, and his battle to prove his innocence.SPONSORS:warbyparker.com/suspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/2018 • 44 minutes, 46 seconds
25: The Philadelphia Story
Marshall Hale was convicted of rape. But blood evidence proved he couldn't have committed the crime.SPONSORS:https://www.hungryroot.com/ Use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for $25 off your first two orders!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/2018 • 32 minutes, 18 seconds
24: The Scurvy Defense
Scurvy once the plague of pirates and seafaring explorers provided a unique defense for Charles Robbins after 29 years on Nevada’s death row. And remarkably, the defense worked.SPONSORS:https://www.hungryroot.com/ Use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for $25 off your first two orders!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/19/2018 • 36 minutes, 19 seconds
23: The Big Sleazy
Reginald Adams was framed for murdering a New Orleans police officer's wife and served 34 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.SPONSORS:https://www.hungryroot.com Use promo code "Suspect" at checkout for $25 off your first two orders!https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/yours-in-murder/id1252518334?mt=2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/2018 • 36 minutes, 43 seconds
22: Cops, Lies and Videotape
Imagine a defense attorney who refuses to sit with his client, a corrupt police department and a mysteriously edited videotape of an interrogation and you can begin to understand what Darrell Jones faced when he went on trial for a murder he may not have committed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/2018 • 31 minutes, 28 seconds
Introducing The Wonderland Murders
The Wonderland Murders takes you on journey back to the drug- and sex-fueled world of 1970s L.A. all building to brutal multiple murder just off the Sunset Strip. You can hear the first two episodes right now by searching for The Wonderland Murders on Apple Podcasts, wherever you’re listening to this, or visit wondery.fm/suspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/17/2018 • 7 minutes, 59 seconds
21: A Sketchy Investigation
Tyrone Hicks was once thought to be the “Bronx Rapist.” The woman who was attacked misidentified Tyrone as her assailant. DNA eventually cleared him of the crime – after he had finished serving his prison sentence. Journalist Scott Reeder explores how faulty identifications happen and what impact they have on individual lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/2018 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
20: That Bites
Did a faulty forensic technique called “bite mark analysis” send two innocent men to Mississippi’s death row? Scott Reeder examines the issue. Sponsors: www.ThisSoundsSerious.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/2018 • 31 minutes, 37 seconds
19: The Wrong Collar
Rachel’s Casey’s duplex erupted into flames in July 2001. and her 7-month-old baby died. An arson investigator used a dog to search the fire scene and the dog “alerted” to the possibility that a flammable liquid was used. But a subsequent laboratory test found the canine was wrong. Despite this, Rachel was prosecuted and found guilty of arson and murder. She had served 14 years of a life sentence when a law professor investigated the case and found the earlier investigation was faulty and relied on “junk science.” Sponsor: RXBar.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/2018 • 35 minutes, 40 seconds
18: Innocent Man Faces Electric Chair
Perry Cobb was sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. Today he holds the record for the person tried the most times for the same murder. He was freed from death row by a young journalist and a new law school graduate, who defied political pressure to testify on Perry’s behalf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/7/2018 • 30 minutes, 50 seconds
17: Smokescreen
Kristine Bunch served 17 years in prison for a crime that never happened. On June 30, 1995, the Indiana trailer where she lived erupted into flames. Her 3-year-old son, Tony, was found dead in his bedroom. Police immediately accused Bunch of arson, which she denied. A laboratory report was altered and based on this altered report she was convicted. Bunch tells the story of how she overcame the false conviction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/2018 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 31 seconds
Safe at work
We introduce you to a new podcast by Wondery that contemplates challenges in the workplace. wondery.fm/suspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/2018 • 12 minutes, 12 seconds
16: Confessions of a Substitute
Mary Beth Haglin was a brilliant young teacher, a recipient of a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and a talented instructor. Then the 23-year-old had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. When they were found out, her life began to unravel. First, she lost her job and then she became a pariah in the community. Next, she became a stripper and acted in porn videos. Now, she faces jail time. We look at Mary Beth’s descent, the decisions she made and ask: Should her mistake be treated bad judgment or criminal conduct? Sponsor: Rxbar: rxbar.com/suspect and use the promo code "SUSPECT" at checkout for 25% off your first orderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/5/2018 • 35 minutes, 31 seconds
15: A 60 Year Wait for Justice
Darrel Parker was a 24-year-old newlywed when he was convicted of murdering his wife in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spent the next 60 years fighting to clear his name. Scott Reeder interviews the 86-year-old Parker and takes listeners on a 60-year journey until Parker was able to prove his innocence and receive an apology from the state. Sponsor: Rxbar: rxbar.com/suspect and use the promo code "SUSPECT" at checkout for 25% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/19/2018 • 40 minutes, 36 seconds
Bonus: Business Wars
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet, or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, inventors, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Dirty John and American History Tellers. Don’t forget to subscribe at wondery.fm/businesswarsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/7/2018 • 10 minutes, 9 seconds
14: Looking Back and Forward
Hosts Willis Kern and Scott Reeder recap what they’ve discovered over the first 13 episodes covering Barton McNeil’s conviction. And they look ahead at what’s next for the Illinois Innocence Project, which is expected to file motions seeking a new trial for McNeil in the coming months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/30/2018 • 36 minutes, 24 seconds
13: Who is Barton McNeil?
Misook's ex-husband says she tried to get him to plant drugs on Bart the night of the murder. And Scott Reeder and Willis Kern examine Bart's life before prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/2018 • 28 minutes, 33 seconds
12: A Mysterious Bed Purchase
The bed in which Christina McNeil was murdered was later purchased at a thrift store by the same woman who the girl’s father says killed her, a Department of Children and Family services report indicates. That is one of the revelations in this week’s episode of Suspect Convictions. After Barton McNeil was arrested and ultimately convicted of the murder, his brother donated the bed to The Salvation Army. Misook (Nowlin) Wang was doing community service at The Salvation Army at that time, related to a domestic abuse case against her. Wang is said to have bought the bed and gave it to her own daughter to sleep on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/16/2018 • 39 minutes, 37 seconds
11: Relative Innocence
Two of Barton McNeil’s cousins have been tireless advocates for his innocence. What motivates them to help a man neither knew before he was convicted of murder? Grace Schlafer from Indiana and Chris Ross from California have interviewed witnesses, poured over documents, and questioned detectives. They were instrumental in getting the Illinois Innocence Project involved in McNeil’s fight for exoneration. The Illinois Innocence Project is expected to file motions soon in hopes of winning McNeil a new trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/10/2018 • 27 minutes, 40 seconds
10: A Letter From Misook
Scott Reeder shares a letter he received from Misook Nowlin Wang, who is serving a 55-year prison sentence for killing her mother in-law. She addresses Barton McNeil’s assertions that she killed his 3-year-old daughter Christina. Reeder and co-host Willis Kern are joined by social psychologist and true-crime buff Amanda Vicary, a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University to discuss the twists and turns in the McNeil case to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/2/2018 • 30 minutes, 32 seconds
09: DNA, the fingerprint of life or death?
New DNA evidence has been uncovered that defense attorneys contend points to Barton McNeil' s innocence and Misook Nowlan Wang's guilt. But prosecutors are saying not so fast. Sponsor: Simplisafe: Simplisafe.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/25/2017 • 26 minutes, 19 seconds
08: Ask Bart
Barton McNeil is incarcerated in the the murder of his 3-year-old daughter, Christina. He maintains he is innocent. While serving a life sentence at an Illinois maximum security prison, he answered questions from Suspect Conviction listeners. Sponsors: Simplisafe: Simplisafe.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/18/2017 • 38 minutes, 33 seconds
07: The Other Murder
Misook Nowlin Wang was the alternate suspect presented by the defense in the killing of 3-year-old Christina McNeil. What is known for certain is that she killed her mother in-law Linda Tyda, 11 years later. Scott Reeder and Willis Kern explore this murder and how it may or may not impact Barton McNeil's case. Sponsor: Simplisafe Home Security: Get $200 off a home security kit at Simplisafe.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/2017 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
06: Shades of Serial
Suspect Convictions hosts Willis Kern and Scott Reeder are joined by guest Rabia Chaudry, an attorney whose friend Adnan Syed’s murder conviction was featured in the first season of Serial. She hosts the Undisclosed podcast. They were also joined by Charlie Worrell, co-host of the crime podcast In Sight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/4/2017 • 40 minutes, 14 seconds
05: The Life of a Killer
Misook Nowlin Wang remains the alternate suspect for those advocating the innocence of Barton McNeil in the murder of his daughter Christina. What is known is that she later killed her mother in-law. Who is Misook? What life experiences may have contributed to her becoming a killer? Suspect Convictions explores her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/27/2017 • 36 minutes, 50 seconds
04: Roundtable with Aphrodite Jones and Bob Ruff
True Crime author Aphrodite Jones and veteran podcaster Bob Ruff, host of Truth and Justice, discuss Barton McNeil's case with Scott Reeder. Sponsor: Zip Recruiter: ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/20/2017 • 55 minutes, 7 seconds
03: Vibrators, Accusations and a Little Girl
Was Christina McNeil sexually assaulted? Experts disagree. And if such an assault took place, accusations are flying as to who is responsible. Sponsor: ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/2017 • 33 minutes, 34 seconds
02: A window into a murder
Did an intruder enter the bedroom of 3-year-old Christiana McNeil? Suspect Convictions analyses the evidence. Sponsors: ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/2017 • 31 minutes, 56 seconds
01: 911- My daughter is dead, send a homicide detective
Barton McNeil discovers his 3-year-old daughter's lifeless body in her bed the morning after breaking up with his girlfriend. McNeil insists that she was murdered by his former girlfriend after pointing to a cut screen in the bedroom window. Police agree a murder has been committed, but arrest him. Sponsors: ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter.com/Suspect HelloFresh: HelloFresh.com, and promo code "suspect30"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/30/2017 • 36 minutes, 39 seconds
Season 2: Coming October 30th, 2017
Suspect Convictions will return October 30th, 2017, for season 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/27/2017 • 3 minutes, 24 seconds
Part 2: The Killer Speaks | 2 Minutes of Terror, 30 Years of Grief
Clyde "Buddy" Spence will soon be released from prison. Scott Reeder visits him in prison and asks why he shot two people in a daycare center. One of his victims was holding a 3-year-old girl when she was shots. Reeder talks that child, now a mother in her 30s, about how the crime impacted her life. On Dec. 7, 1988, Clyde “Buddy” Spence entered a Texas daycare center and shot two workers in front of dozens of screaming children. One worker, Joyce Marques, suffered three serious bullet wounds but survived. The other worker, her daughter in-law, Charlotte “Dawndy” Marques suffered two bullet wounds and died climbing a playground fence as she fled the gunman. After three months on the lam, Spence was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Scott Reeder, then a cub reporter at the Galveston Daily News covered the 1989 trial of Spence, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case has long haunted Reeder, a veteran journalist who now produces the hit podcast Suspect Convictions. Questions that he has asked over the years are: What impact have those two minutes of terror had on the community almost 30 years after the crime? Does a family ever reach closure after suffering such a loss? How has the trauma affected the children who witnessed the crime? And what becomes of man after 30 years in some of Texas’ most violent prisons? Reeder returned to Galveston County and interviewed the woman wounded in the attack, the sisters of the person killed, one of the children narrowly missed by the bullets, detectives who worked the case and prosecutors who have kept him behind bars. He also visited Spence in the Texas prison where he is being prepared for release into society. The answers he received were surprising and go to the heart of society’ most challenging questions regarding grief, forgiveness and healing. Sponsors: HelloFresh: HelloFresh.com, enter promo code "suspect30" Casper: Casper.com/Suspect Harry's: Harrys.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/2017 • 38 minutes, 28 seconds
Part 1: Terror in the Daycare | 2 Minutes of Terror, 30 Years of Grief
Twenty-nine years ago a gunman entered a Texas daycare center, killed one woman and severely wounded another. Scott Reeder covered the case back then and returned to Texas last month to see the crime's lasting impact. He talked to survivors, detectives and family members of the slain woman as they prepare for the killer being released. On Dec. 7, 1988, Clyde “Buddy” Spence entered a Texas daycare center and shot two workers in front of dozens of screaming children. One worker, Joyce Marques, suffered three serious bullet wounds but survived. The other worker, her daughter in-law, Charlotte “Dawndy” Marques suffered two bullet wounds and died climbing a playground fence as she fled the gunman. After three months on the lam, Spence was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Scott Reeder, then a cub reporter at the Galveston Daily News covered the 1989 trial of Spence, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case has long haunted Reeder, a veteran journalist who now produces the hit podcast Suspect Convictions. Questions that he has asked over the years are: What impact have those two minutes of terror had on the community almost 30 years after the crime? Does a family ever reach closure after suffering such a loss? How has the trauma affected the children who witnessed the crime? And what becomes of man after 30 years in some of Texas’ most violent prisons? Reeder returned to Galveston County and interviewed the woman wounded in the attack, the sisters of the person killed, one of the children narrowly missed by the bullets, detectives who worked the case and prosecutors who have kept him behind bars. He also visited Spence in the Texas prison where he is being prepared for release into society. The answers he received were surprising and go to the heart of society’ most challenging questions regarding grief, forgiveness and healing. Sponsors: ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter.com/Suspect HelloFresh: HelloFresh.com, enter promo code "suspect30"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/2017 • 39 minutes, 19 seconds
17: Season Finale: What’s Next?
On this unexpected season finale of Suspect Convictions, we learn about some breaking news in the case, including large disagreements between Stanley Liggins and his attorney, and the actions that have been taken. We discuss whether Stanley is purposefully delaying the trial, or if he has legitimate reasons to delay. In the second half, Scott visits the jail where Stanley has been being held for the last three years. Sponsors: Casper.com/Suspect HelloFresh.com - Use the promo code SUSPECTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/2017 • 49 minutes, 42 seconds
16: A Victim Speaks
A month before Jennifer Lewis was killed, Stanley Liggins was arrested for sexually abusing another 9-year-old girl. This victim, now in her 30s, shares a chilling story of what happened to her that terrible day. Lawyers debate whether this prior bad act should be used in the upcoming murder trial. And a mother provides testimony about what she says Liggins told her. Sponsor: Harrys.com/Suspect ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/28/2017 • 39 minutes, 45 seconds
15: Roundtable: Illegally Obtained Evidence and the Death Penalty
Today we’re looking at some of the broad issues that were raised by the case of Stanley Liggins Vs. the State of Iowa such as the exclusionary rule, which can block certain types of evidence from being presented in court if the court finds that they were obtained illegally by the police, how much prior bad acts should be allowed in as evidence against a suspect, as well as issues surrounding the death penalty. Sponsor: Harrys.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/19/2017 • 34 minutes, 58 seconds
14: Secret Payoffs? The Police Informant
On today’s episode, Stanley Liggins wants to fire his defense team, so we discuss what that means for the upcoming trial. In addition, we talk about the paid informant involved in the Stanley Liggins case, and look at the defense strategies that may be used during the upcoming trial. Sponsor: ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/12/2017 • 26 minutes, 36 seconds
13: Roundtable: Hosts from Undisclosed, In Sight, and Once Upon a Crime Discuss the Case
This week, Scott sat down with several people behind other true-crime podcasts, to discuss some of the intricacies about the Stanley Liggins case, and dig into some angles that may not have been considered yet. Esther Ludlow: Once Upon a Crime Charlie Worroll: In Sight Amelia McDonald Perri: Undisclosed Sponsor: Undisclosed-Podcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/5/2017 • 31 minutes, 24 seconds
12: Running on Fumes
For this episode, we go back to 1990, Stanley Liggins’ living situation at the time, and some promises that Stanley claims were made to him by police and not kept. We also talk about certain missing reports that could play a role in the upcoming trial and whether there could be other reports that were never turned over. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more. Sponsors: Casper.com/Suspect ZipRecruiter.com/SuspectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/2017 • 31 minutes, 5 seconds
11: Justice on the Move
Today’s episode discusses the preliminary hearings last week, how Stanley Liggins’ personal appearance has the potential to be a factor, why the podcast was cited as part of the reason of the change of the trial venue, why that doesn’t make sense, and the fact that Scott was subpoenaed for the case and what that means going forward. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/7/2017 • 37 minutes, 48 seconds
10: Aphrodite Jones Questions Prosecution and Defense Attorneys
This week, we sat down with a panel of guests to talk about the case. Both defense and prosecutor attorneys from the original case have agreed to discuss, and we’ve brought in veteran true-crime investigator and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones. Panelists: Aphrodite Jones: New York times bestselling author of “Cruel Sacrifice” and host of the TV show “True Crime with Aphrodite Jones.” AphroditeJones.com Bill Davis: Former Scott County Attorney, prosecutor in first two trials. Mike Tobey: Stanley Liggins 2nd defense attorney Sponsors: Listen to Hollywood and Crime Get a free audio book from Audible at Audible.com/Suspect Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/22/2017 • 58 minutes, 30 seconds
09: Strange and Suspicious Behavior
There are a lot of reasons that the Stanley Liggins case is far from a done deal. In this episode, we are talking about the other suspects, why their behavior is strange, why the jury won’t even know about a lot of the information we have, and how that could play into the final decision. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/14/2017 • 29 minutes, 15 seconds
08: The Media Glare
What role does the media play in a high-profile case like the one explored in Suspect Convictions? That is the question that this episode tackles. Media coverage has always played a role in this case, from initial television and newspaper coverage, to talk show radio, and now, this podcast. Opinion pieces often mix with factual coverage in the public's mind, and it can get messy. How has that played a role in the Jennifer Ann Lewis case from the very beginning, and what role does this podcast play in the case? Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/6/2017 • 37 minutes, 43 seconds
07: Roundtable Discussion of the Suspect Convictions Case
This episode is a conversation between experts about the details of the Stanley Liggins case, potential suspects, and alternate theories surrounding the case. In addition, Scott Reeder answers listener's questions. Contributors: Colin Miller, Professor, University of South Carolina Law School, contributor of "Undisclosed" http://undisclosed-podcast.com/ Amber Hunt: Host of "Accused" http://www.cincinnati.com/series/accused/ Payne Lindsey: Host and Producer of "Up and Vanished" http://www.upandvanished.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/27/2017 • 49 minutes, 27 seconds
06: The Mind of a Killer
There are many uncertainties surrounding the Stanley Liggins case. On this episode, we're looking into the psychology of a murderer, and what is going on in somebody's mind who might do something like this. In addition, we address the difficulties around long-term memory, how memories change and morph over time, and what can and cannot be trusted in a testimonial, even of an eyewitness. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/20/2017 • 35 minutes, 13 seconds
05: Furor and a Juror
What are the processes that go into ensuring that a jury is impartial? In this episode we look at the jury involved in the Stanley Liggins case, and explore how issues of race may have played into the final decision. While the jury was entirely white, Bill Davis says “You are not entitled to a jury makeup that looks like you. You are entitled to a draw from the general population, where people are not excluded.” Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/9/2017 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
04: An Accused Killer
Who was Stanley Liggins? The man convicted of murdering Jennifer Lewis has a mixed history. In this episode we’re exploring who he was, and the events during his life that shaped him. During hard times, his family said that he was always the one who kept the family laughing. But Stanley also had a history with the law. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/9/2017 • 31 minutes, 33 seconds
03: A Suspect Conviction
About a week after Jennifer was murdered, Scott County prosecutor Bill Davis decided to charge Stanley Liggins with murder. He was one of the only people involved who felt they had enough evidence to charge him, but decided to go ahead with it. Bill Davis says they made the arrest more quickly than they usually would, because of the nature of the crime, and their conclusion that the suspect was a “danger to society.” But what is the evidence? Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/9/2017 • 34 minutes, 58 seconds
02: Jennifer's Tragic Story
Before Jennifer’s tragic death, she was living with her mother, stepfather, and newborn baby brother, in Rock Island, Illinois. Jennifer’s mother describes her: “She had brown eyes, brown hair, a pretty smile, teeth like her dad, and she was a little tomboy.” This episode explores Jennifer Ann Lewis, and the home she grew up in. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/9/2017 • 27 minutes, 23 seconds
01: Evil in the School Yard
Suspect Convictions is a podcast from WVIK, an NPR affiliate, and Scott Reeder Reporting, covering the murder of 9-year old Jennifer Ann Lewis, and the case against the man accused of murdering her, Stanley Liggins. Stanley has tried and convicted twice for the murder. Both convictions were overturned. He will go to trial for a 3rd time this May, and is currently being held in a Scott County, Iowa jail. Visit SuspectConvictions.com to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/9/2017 • 25 minutes, 33 seconds
Trailer for Season 1 of Suspect Convictions
The burning corpse of a 9-year old girl was found on a school playground in Davenport, Iowa, September 17, 1990. Within days of the discovery of Jennifer Lewis’ charred body, police arrested Stanley Liggins, an African American who had just been released from prison. An Iowa jury convicted him and after 26-years behind bars, an appellate court has granted him a new trial. The court’s decision was prompted by allegations of hidden evidence and potential police misconduct. Liggins will stand trial in May 2017. And once again, the question will be asked: Who killed Jennifer Lewis? Veteran journalist Scott Reeder, who was at the crime scene the night Jennifer was killed, has conducted a massive investigation examining evidence in the case, interviewing witnesses and exploring the lives of both the victim and the accused. Troubling new developments have been uncovered. Reeder teamed with the NPR affiliate, WVIK, to produce this podcast: “Suspect Convictions.” Coming January 9th, 2017. Learn more at SuspectConvictions.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.