On April 3rd, 2003, 3 men robbed a check cashing store in Houston, TX, killing the clerk and the responding officer. When it comes to convictions, getting 2 out of 3 right is still very wrong, especially when the state knew it before trial.


Learn more and get involved at:

https://www.innocenceproject.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdvy14fdjj8&feature=emb_title
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Grace-and-Justice-on-Death-Row/Brian-W-Stolarz/9781510715103
https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom

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.

On April 3rd, 2003, 3 men robbed a check cashing store in Houston, TX, killing the clerk and the responding officer. When it comes to convictions, getting 2 out of 3 right is still very wrong, especially when the state knew it before trial.
 Learn more and get involved at:
<a href="https://www.innocenceproject.org/">https://www.innocenceproject.org/</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdvy14fdjj8&amp;feature=emb_title">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdvy14fdjj8&amp;feature=emb_title</a> <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Grace-and-Justice-on-Death-Row/Brian-W-Stolarz/9781510715103">https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Grace-and-Justice-on-Death-Row/Brian-W-Stolarz/9781510715103</a> <a href="https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom">https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom</a>
<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/with-jason-flom/">Wrongful Conviction </a>&nbsp;is a production of<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/"> Lava for Good&trade; Podcasts</a> in association with<a href="https://www.signalco1.com/"> Signal Co. No1.</a>
​​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.

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.

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&hellip;as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.

Wrongful Conviction

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.

Hosted by celebrated criminal justice reform advocate and founding board member of the Innocence Project Jason Flom,&nbsp; 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&hellip;as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.

On April 3rd, 2003, 3 men robbed a check cashing store in Houston, TX, killing the clerk and the responding officer. When it comes to convictions, getting 2 out of 3 right is still very wrong, especially when the state knew it before trial.


Learn more and get involved at: 

https://www.innocenceproject.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdvy14fdjj8&feature=emb_title
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Grace-and-Justice-on-Death-Row/Brian-W-Stolarz/9781510715103
https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom


Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co No1.

#186 Jason Flom with Alfred DeWayne Brown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a3f8655b-2021-49e1-ad08-af0101581650/transcript

Jason Flom sits down with journalist and podcast host Lauren Bright Pacheco and criminal defense attorney and podcast host Robert Motta to examine two devastating family tragedies, drawing connections between the cases and raising troubling questions about maternal mental health care, gender and racial bias, investigative practices, and the power of media narratives to shape perceptions of guilt and innocence.

In 2007, Christopher Vaughn was found bleeding from gunshot wounds along a road near Joliet, Illinois. Nearby, police discovered his wife, Kimberly, and their three children shot to death inside the family SUV. Convicted of their murders, Vaughn maintains his innocence and is serving four consecutive life sentences.

In 2023, Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy was charged with killing her three young children before attempting to take her own life. Unlike Kimberly Vaughn, Lindsay survived.

At the heart of this episode is one unsettling question: Had Lindsay Clancy not survived, would her husband have become another Christopher Vaughn?

Explore More From Our Guests:

Lauren Bright Pacheco | Journalist, Producer & Podcast Host
Website – https://laurenbrightpacheco.com

Murder in Illinois
iHeart – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-in-illinois-84071522/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-in-illinois/id1573417225

Murder on Songbird Road
iHeart – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-on-songbird-road-251918548/
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-on-songbird-road/id1787370418

Robert Motta | Defense Attorney, Producer & Podcast Host
Website – https://www.defensediaries.com
Defense Diaries (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/@defensediariespod

BURIED: Inside the John Wayne Gacy Investigation
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buried-inside-the-john-wayne-gacy-investigation/id1846746866
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0rIpFhRkd98JuEwljUELKY

Episode Resources:

Maternal Mental Health Support
Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC | The Bloom Foundation – https://thebloomfoundation.org/
Postpartum Support International – https://www.postpartum.net

Mental Health & Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, confidential support is available.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (U.S.)
https://988lifeline.org

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) (U.S.)
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline

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.

Jason Flom sits down with journalist and podcast host Lauren Bright Pacheco and criminal defense attorney and podcast host Robert Motta to examine two devastating family tragedies, drawing connections between the cases and raising troubling questions about maternal mental health care, gender and racial bias, investigative practices, and the power of media narratives to shape perceptions of guilt and innocence. In 2007, Christopher Vaughn was found bleeding from gunshot wounds along a road near Joliet, Illinois. Nearby, police discovered his wife, Kimberly, and their three children shot to death inside the family SUV. Convicted of their murders, Vaughn maintains his innocence and is serving four consecutive life sentences. In 2023, Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy was charged with killing her three young children before attempting to take her own life. Unlike Kimberly Vaughn, Lindsay survived. At the heart of this episode is one unsettling question: Had Lindsay Clancy not survived, would her husband have become another Christopher Vaughn?
Explore More From Our Guests:
Lauren Bright Pacheco | Journalist, Producer &amp; Podcast Host Website &ndash; <a href="https://laurenbrightpacheco.com">https://laurenbrightpacheco.com</a> Murder in Illinois iHeart &ndash; <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-in-illinois-84071522/">https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-in-illinois-84071522/</a> Apple Podcasts &ndash; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-in-illinois/id1573417225">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-in-illinois/id1573417225</a> Murder on Songbird Road iHeart &ndash; <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-on-songbird-road-251918548/">https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-on-songbird-road-251918548/</a> Apple Podcasts &ndash; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-on-songbird-road/id1787370418">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-on-songbird-road/id1787370418</a> Robert Motta | Defense Attorney, Producer &amp; Podcast Host Website &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defensediaries.com">https://www.defensediaries.com</a> Defense Diaries (YouTube) &ndash; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@defensediariespod">https://www.youtube.com/@defensediariespod</a> BURIED: Inside the John Wayne Gacy Investigation Apple Podcasts &ndash; <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buried-inside-the-john-wayne-gacy-investigation/id1846746866">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buried-inside-the-john-wayne-gacy-investigation/id1846746866</a> Spotify &ndash; <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0rIpFhRkd98JuEwljUELKY">https://open.spotify.com/show/0rIpFhRkd98JuEwljUELKY</a>
Episode Resources:
Maternal Mental Health Support Lisa Tremayne, RN, PMH-C, CBC | The Bloom Foundation &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://thebloomfoundation.org/">https://thebloomfoundation.org/</a> Postpartum Support International &ndash; <a href="https://www.postpartum.net">https://www.postpartum.net</a> Mental Health &amp; Crisis Support If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, confidential support is available. 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline &ndash; Call or text 988 (U.S.) <a href="https://988lifeline.org">https://988lifeline.org</a> National Maternal Mental Health Hotline &ndash; Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (<a href="tel:18338526262">1-833-852-6262</a>) (U.S.) <a href="https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline">https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline</a>
<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/with-jason-flom/">Wrongful Conviction </a>&nbsp;is a production of<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/"> Lava for Good&trade; Podcasts</a> in association with<a href="https://www.signalco1.com/"> Signal Co. No1.</a>
​​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.

#599 Jason Flom with Lauren Bright Pacheco & Robert Motta on Christopher Vaughn & Lindsay Clancy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4b16109c-8983-4c6b-acdf-b500003af1f3/transcript

On the morning of December 29th, 1991, the body of a 36 year old woman was found nude in the men’s restroom of the bar where she worked in Phoenix, Arizona. She had been assaulted and fatally stabbed. No semen was left behind. With DNA testing in its infancy, serology could only show that any blood or saliva at the crime scene matched the victim’s blood type. There were, however, what appeared to be human bite marks on the victim’s breast and neck, and after a 34 year old bar regular named Ray Krone was identified as a potential boyfriend, the investigation relied on the junk science of bite mark analysis to send him to death row. Much later, DNA testing identified a convicted child molesterer as the actual killer, winning Ray’s freedom.

Learn more and get involved at: 
https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/
https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/s11e12-wrongful-conviction-junk-science-bite-mark-evidence
https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom

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.

On the morning of December 29th, 1991, the body of a 36 year old woman was found nude in the men&rsquo;s restroom of the bar where she worked in Phoenix, Arizona. She had been assaulted and fatally stabbed. No semen was left behind. With DNA testing in its infancy, serology could only show that any blood or saliva at the crime scene matched the victim&rsquo;s blood type. There were, however, what appeared to be human bite marks on the victim&rsquo;s breast and neck, and after a 34 year old bar regular named Ray Krone was identified as a potential boyfriend, the investigation relied on the junk science of bite mark analysis to send him to death row. Much later, DNA testing identified a convicted child molesterer as the actual killer, winning Ray&rsquo;s freedom.
Learn more and get involved at: <a href="https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/">https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/</a> <a href="https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/s11e12-wrongful-conviction-junk-science-bite-mark-evidence">https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/s11e12-wrongful-conviction-junk-science-bite-mark-evidence</a> <a href="https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom">https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com/with-jason-flom</a>
<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/with-jason-flom/">Wrongful Conviction </a>&nbsp;is a production of<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/"> Lava for Good&trade; Podcasts</a> in association with<a href="https://www.signalco1.com/"> Signal Co. No1.</a>
​​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.

#598 Jason Flom with Ray Krone

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dc84c38f-43c7-47ad-b006-b4f800ecf3fc/transcript

Maggie Freleng first brought us the story of Gwen Graham of 2023. Gwen has now spent more than 37 years in a Michigan prison for murders they’ve has always maintained never even happened. At the time this episode was produced, Gwen identified as a woman, they now identify as a trans man.

Gwen was convicted in 1989 of killing five elderly patients at the nursing home where they worked. The case rested largely on the testimony of their former girlfriend, Cathy Wood, who claimed she and Gwen had smothered patients as part of a so-called lovers’ pact. Despite the lack of physical evidence of smothering, Gwen was sentenced to life without parole. Meanwhile, Cathy took a plea deal, testified against Gwen, and was released on parole in 2020. Gwen remains incarcerated.

And the prison where Gwen is being held — Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, Michigan’s only prison for women — is now facing serious scrutiny of its own. Toxic mold has been making prisoners sick, and several women have died from receiving substandard medical care. The problem has grown dire; incarcerated women and their families have joined forces with elected officials, advocates and even former guards to bring the horrific conditions to the public’s attention. The issue has now reached federal court. 

So as Gwen continues to fight for their freedom, their story is also a window into what it means to grow old inside the prison system. Especially in a prison like Huron Valley.

Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Frelengis 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.

 

Maggie Freleng first brought us the story of Gwen Graham of 2023. Gwen has now spent more than 37 years in a Michigan prison for murders they&rsquo;ve has always maintained never even happened. At the time this episode was produced, Gwen identified as a woman, they now identify as a trans man. Gwen was convicted in 1989 of killing five elderly patients at the nursing home where they worked. The case rested largely on the testimony of their former girlfriend, Cathy Wood, who claimed she and Gwen had smothered patients as part of a so-called lovers&rsquo; pact. Despite the lack of physical evidence of smothering, Gwen was sentenced to life without parole. Meanwhile, Cathy took a plea deal, testified against Gwen, and was released on parole in 2020. Gwen remains incarcerated. And the prison where Gwen is being held &mdash; Women&rsquo;s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, Michigan&rsquo;s only prison for women &mdash; is now facing serious scrutiny of its own. <a href="https://19thnews.org/2026/06/michigan-womens-prison-huron-valley-krystal-clark/">Toxic mold</a> has been making prisoners sick, and <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-justice-legal-system/2026-06-07/third-woman-dies-at-michigan-prison-in-less-than-a-month">several women have died</a> from receiving substandard medical care. The problem has grown dire; incarcerated women and their families have joined forces with elected officials, advocates and <a href="https://www.wxyz.com/news/ex-employees-others-testify-about-mold-drug-trafficking-and-more-at-michigans-only-womens-prison">even former guards </a>to bring the horrific conditions to the public&rsquo;s attention. <a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/10/19/federal-appeals-court-allows-mold-lawsuit-against-womens-huron-valley-prison-to-proceed/">The issue has now reached federal court. </a> So as Gwen continues to fight for their freedom, their story is also a window into what it means to grow old inside the prison system. Especially in a prison like Huron Valley.
<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/with-maggie-freleng/">Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng </a>is a production of<a href="https://lavaforgood.com/"> Lava for Good&trade; Podcasts</a> in association with<a href="https://www.signalco1.com/"> Signal Co. No1.</a>
​​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.
&nbsp;

#597 Maggie Freleng with Gwen Graham

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/832314f1-ea28-4b03-87ff-b4f1016fa6de/transcript

#186 Jason Flom with Alfred DeWayne Brown

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