Episode Details
Back to EpisodesCOJ #123 - Betrayed by the Two Systems of Justice: Jailhouse Snitches, Hidden Evidence, and Darryl Burton's Wrongful Conviction
Description
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Cup of Justice, journalist Mandy Matney and attorney Eric Bland sit down with Darryl Burton, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent almost a lifetime – – in prison before finally being exonerated. Darryl shares his harrowing journey from a young man in inner-city St. Louis to facing a capital murder charge despite having a strong alibi – he was across the country in Washington state at the time of the crime.
Darryl recounts the shocking details of his trial, including the ineffective assistance of his public defender and the devastating impact of jailhouse snitch witnesses who were incentivized by the prosecution to allegedly lie under oath. Darryl vividly describes the brutal realities of life inside the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary, once described as the "bloodiest 47 acres in America", and how he maintained hope despite the overwhelming odds and a prison environment that encouraged despair. Learn about his relentless fight for freedom, including writing hundreds of letters seeking help, and his eventual connection with Centurion Ministries, the organization that finally took on his case and fought for his exoneration.
Today, Darryl is a co-founder of Miracle of Innocence, an organization dedicated to helping other wrongfully convicted individuals. He shares his powerful insights into the flaws of the justice system, particularly the dangers of snitch testimony and the vast disparity in resources between prosecution and defense.
Learn more about Darryl's story in his book, "Innocent: A Second Look," available at TheDarrylBurton.com and MiracleMan.net, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Miracle of Innocence. You can also find more information about their crucial work at MiracleInnocence.org.
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Premium Episode Resources
Check out Darryl Burton’s website
“Innocent: a Second Look” by Darryl Burton
Learn More About Miracle of Innocence and Centurion Ministries organizations
Darryl’s case overview on Centurion Ministries
How can you help the Miracle of Innocence??
Missouri State Penitentiary’s History
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