Wrongfully yours podcast

---

 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.

  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. 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. 

 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.

 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. 

 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. 

 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. 

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.