Lava For Good

26/01/2024

What is going on in Alabama? The United Nations has raised alarms about human rights violations at Alabama's decision to make Kenneth Smith the first person to die via suffocation by nitrogen. This is Kenneth's second attempted ex*****on after the state of Alabama failed to execute him the first time via lethal injection.

But Alabama is relentless - they will go after someone until they are dead, whether that person is going to be suffocated, or whether that person is innocent, like Toforest Johnson.

Toforest Johnson has been on Alabama's death row for decades, despite no evidence proving his guilt. Listen to the riveting investigation behind Toforest Johnson’s death sentence, and the fight for his freedom and his life in the podcast “Earwitness,” hosted by Beth Shelburne (): lavaforgood.com/earlanding

*****on

23/01/2024

Kim Kardashian joins a growing list of individuals advocating for the freedom of Toforest Johnson, a man sitting on Alabama death row despite having a credible alibi and the state having unreliable evidence. The original prosecutor in Toforest’s case, a man who champions the death penalty, is now calling for a new trial.

Listen to the riveting investigation behind Toforest Johnson’s death sentence, and the fight for his freedom and his life in the podcast “Earwitness,” hosted by Beth Shelburne (): lavaforgood.com/earlanding

19/01/2024

Three aviation experts have raised doubts about the plane theory used to convict Michigan’s “ninja killer,” Temujin Kensu. They wrote letters to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of Kensu’s clemency bid, questioning the theory that he could have chartered a private plane to travel across the state, commit the murder, and return without leaving a trace. The experts’ letters cast doubt on the credibility of the witness and the feasibility of the plane theory.

This development is significant as Kensu has been fighting to overturn his murder conviction for over 30 years, and his clemency application is currently pending before the Michigan Parole Board. The letters challenge the basis of Kensu’s conviction and may impact the decision on his clemency application.

Listen to Temujin’s story on the podcast: https://bit.ly/WC-Kensu

19/01/2024

Three aviation experts have raised doubts about the plane theory used to convict Michigan's "ninja killer," Temujin Kensu. They wrote letters to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of Kensu's clemency bid, questioning the theory that he could have chartered a private plane to travel across the state, commit the murder, and return without leaving a trace. The experts' letters cast doubt on the credibility of the witness and the feasibility of the plane theory.

This development is significant as Kensu has been fighting to overturn his murder conviction for over 30 years, and his clemency application is currently pending before the Michigan Parole Board. The letters challenge the basis of Kensu's conviction and may impact the decision on his clemency application.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/aviation-experts-dispute-plane-theory-used-convict-michigans-ninja-kil-rcna129346

Listen to Temujin’s story on the podcast: https://bit.ly/WC-Kensu

Letters written in support of prisoner Temujin Kensu’s bid for clemency raise questions about expert testimony in his 1987 trial.

04/01/2024

Did you know? Contrary to the hype on social media, crime rates in urban downtowns are actually on the decline! The New York Times just shattered the perception with stats showing a 13% drop in homicides in Chicago, 11% in New York, and a whopping 25% decrease in shootings. 🚨 So, would it surprise you that the reality doesn’t match the ‘crime dens’ narrative some politicians claim?

Make sure to swipe for the full article ➡️

24/12/2023

Happy holidays! Let’s remember all of those, innocent or not, who are behind bars and away from their families and loved ones this holiday season.

23/12/2023

Gilbert and Kelsey check in with Leo Schofield, who has spent the last 7 months at the Corrections Transition Program at Everglades Correctional Institution, where he’s been preparing for life on the outside after more than 35 years of incarceration.

Listen to the episode here: http://lavaforgood.com/bvlanding

23/12/2023

In this month in history, 224 years ago in 1799, the tragic events surrounding Elma Sands began to unfold. Join us in 'Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands' as we revisit this pivotal moment, exploring the victim-blaming, sexism, and corruption that marked a trial, forever influencing the legal system we navigate today.

Binge all episodes now: lavaforgood.com/erasedlanding

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23/12/2023

In this month in history, 224 years ago in 1799, the tragic events surrounding Elma Sands began to unfold. Join us in 'Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands' as we revisit this pivotal moment, exploring the victim-blaming, sexism, and corruption that marked a trial, forever influencing the legal system we navigate today.

Binge all episodes now: lavaforgood.com/erasedlanding

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21/12/2023

Leo Schofield on guilt and accountability in the latest bonus episode of .

Listen to it here: lavaforgood.com/bvlanding

20/12/2023

Thank you for including “Earwitness” in your top podcasts list for 2023 in ! We are humbled to have made your short list, especially among such an incredible cohort of podcasts.

You can binge all episodes of “Earwitness” now: lavaforgood.com/earlanding

20/12/2023

‘Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands’ is the latest podcast from , starring Allison Williams and Tony Goldwyn and narrated by Allison Flom. It tells the untold story of the first murder trial in America, and explores the chronic erasure of women in history.

You can binge all six episodes now: lavaforgood.com/erasedlanding

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19/12/2023

Breaking news ‼️

We are thrilled to report that after 12 long years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit based on the testimony of a BLIND EYEWITNESS Darrian Harris has been fully exonerated!!!
Jason Flom was brought into this case by the incredible team at the Exoneration Project and together they achieved this phenomenal result.

Welcome home Darian, we wish you all the best of everything.

11/12/2023

Former NYPD Officer Gina Mestre’s shocking betrayal: From aiding a federal investigation to abetting a criminal on the run. In a disturbing twist, she not only tipped off gang leader Andrew Done but actively facilitated his escape after he committed murder. The aftermath? A web of deceit, compromised justice, and a city on the brink. Now, as the legal dust settles, Mestre faces the consequences of her actions, pleading guilty to accessory after the fact to murder.

The stark truth: those sworn to protect and serve must be held accountable when they betray the public trust.

11/12/2023

This is an excellent piece by Brian Lyman for the Alabama Reflector on Toforest Johnson's wrongful conviction.

"The death penalty isn't about justice. It's about politics." 🎯

Read more: https://alabamareflector.com/2023/12/11/toforest-johnson-shows-who-alabamas-death-penalty-serves/

11/12/2023

Humbled and honored to share that two of our podcasts, 'The War On Drugs' and 'Wrongful Conviction,' are Anthem Award finalists. This recognition, among 2,000 global projects, is truly humbling. Now, we turn to you, our amazing community, for support. Your vote in the Anthem Community Voice category can make a difference.

Voting ends December 21, 2023 at 11:59 PT - you can vote for our podcasts by visiting celebrate.anthemawards.com

Thank you for your continued support 💪

06/12/2023

They barged into homes in the middle of the night, then held people down while they beat and choked them, witnesses said. For years, signs of the violence went ignored.

Read more at the

06/12/2023

How a ‘Goon Squad’ of Deputies Got Away With Years of Brutality

They barged into homes in the middle of the night, then held people down while they beat and choked them, witnesses said. For years, signs of the violence went ignored.

Read more:

They barged into homes in the middle of the night, then held people down while they beat and choked them, witnesses said. For years, signs of the violence went ignored.

05/12/2023

Did we make it onto your this year? 🎧✨

A big thank you to our incredible Bone Valley podcast community! Your steadfast support and commitment to listening are truly changing lives. Earlier this year, when Leo Schofield faced a pivotal court hearing in his wrongful conviction case, we believe the outcome was profoundly shaped by the collective love and advocacy that emanated from our dedicated listeners. Your ears have become a powerful force for justice, making a tangible impact on Leo's journey towards truth and freedom. Thank you for being the driving force behind positive change, and for standing with us as we navigate the path towards justice in Leo's case.

04/12/2023

Former Alabama AG Bill Baxley has never been one to shy away from supporting the death penalty. He fought for it in Alabama after
outlawed it.

But there is one death penalty case in his home state that has his attention: that of Toforest Johnson.

'Earwitness' by unveils this disturbing narrative, questioning why the state still pursues Toforest's ex*****on.

Binge all episodes now: lavaforgood.com/earlanding

Article written by Barnett Wright for the

04/12/2023

Former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley has never been one to shy away from supporting the death penalty. When the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed the death penalty in the 1970s, it was Baxley who worked to bring ex*****ons back to Alabama.

But there is one death penalty case in his home state that has his attention: that of Toforest Johnson, who is on death row after being charged with the 1995 killing of William Hardy, a Jefferson County deputy sheriff.

By Barnett Wright The Birmingham Times

04/12/2023

“Sending someone to prison is you know it could potentially be a death sentence.” - Oscar Michelin

For Good’s Wrongful Conviction podcast hosted by & live at the with guests Andre Brown and Oscar Michelin.

29/11/2023

Join Lava For Good at the 2023 UJC Summit for a LIVE recording of the Wrongful Conviction podcast hosted by Jason Flom & Maggie Freleng, in conversation with guests Andre Brown, exoneree & OYP specialist at CHOICE of NY, and his attorney Oscar Michelen, a partner in the law firm of Cuomo LLC and an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School.

28/11/2023

Terrence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne have spent decades behind bars even after a jury acquitted them of murder. Now, the Virginia Supreme Court is set to decide their fate.

This , consider supporting and their vital work in amplifying the issues and exposing the flaws of our criminal legal system.

21/11/2023

Challenge: Find a more dynamic duo. Spoiler alert: You won't. 🎙️

Exciting times ahead as Maggie Freleng and Jason Flom return with fresh episodes of Wrongful Conviction this January. Brace yourselves for a riveting lineup of interviews capturing the depths of tragedy and the peaks of triumph.

21/11/2023

In 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was fatally shot in Birmingham, Alabama, leading to Johnson's wrongful conviction despite multiple alibi witnesses placing him far from the crime scene. For over two decades, he has languished on Alabama's death row. Investigative journalist Beth Shelburne's probe exposed a deeply flawed criminal justice system, with no physical evidence or eyewitnesses linking Toforest to the crime. The case hinged on the testimony of an ‘earwitness’ who was paid for her testimony, a secret concealed from the defense for 17 years.

'Earwitness' by Beth Shelburne unveils this disturbing narrative, questioning why the state still pursues Toforest's ex*****on. Binge all episodes: lavaforgood.com/earlanding

20/11/2023

Most political operatives would have advised the Carter family to keep their distance from Mary Prince, a convicted murderer. But the President Carter and the First Lady did the opposite.

As we remember the late Rosalynn Carter, you might be struck by the unconventional choices she and President Carter made, challenging the norms and extending compassion even when it seemed unpopular. Their willingness to stand by Mary Prince spoke volumes about their values showcased their commitment to resilience in the face of injustice.

20/11/2023

Daniel Williams, 22, faced a nightmare as his theft-related sentence concluded. Found unresponsive in prison, he tragically passed away, covered in injuries. Despite official claims of an overdose, his family unveils a dark reality—a world of violence, kidnapping, and silence within the prison system.

16/11/2023

75 witnesses over the course of two days… the jury will finally reach its verdict.

Don’t miss the incredible conclusion of “Erased”: lavaforgood.com/erasedlanding

Narrated by Allison Flom, 'Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands' is a six-episode saga by with an unflinching exploration of the chronic erasure of women in history and the extraordinary journey of Catherine Ring, who defied all odds to preserve her cousin Elma's name. Featuring an all-star cast including Allison Williams, Tony Goldwyn, and Barry Scheck, 'Erased' is a gripping saga that not only unfolds a tale of justice, scandal, and the enduring power of truth but also reveals how this historic trial laid the foundation for today’s sexist justice system.

All episodes available to binge now, wherever you listen to podcasts.

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15/11/2023

Who gets remembered by history, and who gets erased forever?

Don’t miss the incredible conclusion of “Erased”: lavaforgood.com/erasedlanding

Narrated by Allison Flom, 'Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands' is a six-episode saga by with an unflinching exploration of the chronic erasure of women in history and the extraordinary journey of Catherine Ring, who defied all odds to preserve her cousin Elma's name. Featuring an all-star cast including Allison Williams, Tony Goldwyn, and Barry Scheck, 'Erased' is a gripping saga that not only unfolds a tale of justice, scandal, and the enduring power of truth but also reveals how this historic trial laid the foundation for today’s sexist justice system.

All episodes available now, wherever you listen to podcasts.

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