Wrongfully Yours - season 1 guests

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 In this episode, host, Kelly Lauzon, discusses the profound impact  of wrongful convictions and her personal journey into the field. She  shares her experiences and insights on the justice system, the  importance of education and awareness, and her mission to advocate for  change. Through her podcast, she aims to bring attention to the stories  of those affected by wrongful convictions and foster a deeper  understanding of the issues at hand. 

  In these episodes, Kelly is joined by Canadian exoneree Jamie  Nelson. With raw honesty and strength, Jamie walks us through the events  that led to his arrest, the trauma of pre-trial detention, and the  courtroom dynamics that ultimately led to his conviction despite a  strong alibi and a lack of physical evidence. This is a conversation not  only about injustice, but about resilience, fatherhood, and the ripple  effect of wrongful convictions. 

View the documentary about his case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogw7caNk5xw

 In this episode, Kelly sits down with Shawna Nelson, Jamie  Nelson’s sister, for a heartfelt conversation about the often-overlooked  ripple effects of wrongful convictions. Shawna shares what it was like  to watch her brother’s life unravel from the sidelines, the toll it took  on their family, and how she navigated years of forced distance,  disbelief, and helplessness. 

 In these episodes, Kelly is joined by Marcus Beach, a retired  police officer and current director of the Wrongful Conviction Awareness  and Avoidance Program (WCAAP). Marcus shares his powerful journey from nearly  three decades in law enforcement where he rarely questioned the system  to a profound shift in perspective sparked by hearing an exoneree’s  story. This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about accountability,  transformation, and the human cost of getting it wrong.

About Marc Beach and the WCAAP: https://news.illinois.edu/changing-police-culture-with-stories-of-wrongful-convictions  

  In these episodes, Kelly is joined by American exoneree Eric  Anderson.  Eric shares his harrowing journey from being a victim of a  shooting to being wrongfully convicted of armed robbery. He recounts the  night of the incident, his arrest, the confusion surrounding the  accusations, and the subsequent trial that led to his conviction.  Despite the overwhelming evidence of his innocence, Eric faced a lengthy  battle for justice, ultimately finding support through the Innocence  Project. After years of fighting, he was exonerated and now dedicates  his life to advocating for others who have been wrongfully convicted,  highlighting the flaws in the criminal justice system and the importance  of support for exonerees. 

Visit the Organization of Exonerees website: https://organizationofexonerees.com

  In these episodes, Kelly is joined by Mike Ware and James  Hammond, early pioneers of the Dallas Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).  Together they explore the groundbreaking work of the Dallas  CIU, which  focuses on identifying and correcting wrongful convictions. Mike and  James discuss their personal journeys into this field, the formation of  the CIU, and the challenges they face in the pursuit of justice. They  highlight the importance of DNA testing, the cultural and institutional  barriers within the legal system, and the ongoing need for CIUs across  the country to ensure justice is served.  

Watch an overview clip of the Dallas CIU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dNcfDyWGaI

 In these episodes, Kelly is joined by members of Pen for Justice, a  student-led initiative at Toronto Metropolitan University focused on  raising awareness about wrongful convictions and advocating for justice  reform. The group discusses their motivations for joining, their  experiences in advocacy, and the importance of humanizing those affected  by the criminal justice system. They also share insights from  conversations with incarcerated individuals and emphasize the need for  community engagement and continued activism.  

Read an article about Pen for Justice: https://canculturemag.com/features/pen-for-justice-rectifying-the-judicial-system

 In these episodes, Kelly is joined by American exoneree, Jeffrey  Deskovic,  a U.S. exoneree who was wrongfully convicted at just 16 years  old for the rape and murder of a classmate; a crime he did not commit.   Jeff details the systemic failures that led to his incarceration for 16  years, and he discusses the psychological impact of his experience, the  fight for justice, and  eventual exoneration based on DNA evidence. 

Visit the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation website: https://www.deskovicfoundation.org

 In this episode, Kelly is joined by Jeff's fiancée Samantha  for a  candid conversation about love, healing, and the life that unfolds  after a wrongful conviction.  After meeting Jeff, Samantha became an  advocate for wrongful convictions, and together, they are committed to  raising awareness and preventing future injustices through the Jeffrey  Deskovic Foundation for Justice.   

 In this episode, Kelly reflects on the journey through wrongful  convictions, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and lived  experiences. She highlights the contributions of various guests,  including exonerees, law enforcement professionals, and students, who  share their insights and experiences. The conversation underscores the  need for systemic reform, the role of youth activism, and the power of  hope and resilience in the fight for justice.