Ep 34. Crosley Green's Hard Time

"Crosley Green's Hard Time" is the 34th episode of the 32nd season of the investigative news show "48 Hours." The episode delves into the case of Crosley Green, who was convicted of murder in Florida in 1990 and has been fighting for his freedom ever since.

The episode begins by detailing the events of the night of April 4, 1989, when a young white man named Chip Flynn was shot and killed in a citrus grove in Mims, Florida. The prosecution argued that Green, a young black man who lived near the grove, had lured Flynn there and shot him in the stomach, leaving him to die. Green maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death.

Over the years, new evidence has emerged that suggests Green may have been wrongfully convicted. Witnesses who initially claimed to have seen Green with Flynn on the night of the murder have recanted their testimony, saying that they were pressured by police to identify Green as the killer. There is also evidence that the prosecution suppressed evidence that could have exonerated Green, including witness statements that someone else may have been responsible for the murder.

Despite this evidence, Green has been stuck in legal limbo for decades. His case has been appealed multiple times, and in 2018 a federal judge granted him a new trial, ruling that the prosecution had violated his rights by suppressing evidence. However, the state of Florida has appealed that decision, and Green remains on death row.

The episode features interviews with Green's family members, who have been fighting for his freedom for years. It also includes footage from court hearings and news broadcasts, as well as expert analyses of the evidence in the case.

Ultimately, "Crosley Green's Hard Time" is a powerful examination of the flaws in the criminal justice system and the devastating impact that wrongful convictions can have on individuals and their families. It highlights the importance of fighting for justice and holding those in power accountable, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.