Ep 5. Body of Evidence

In season 4 episode 5 of "Death Row Stories" titled "Body of Evidence," viewers are taken on a journey into the dark world of the criminal justice system, specifically the death penalty and how it can potentially be misused. The episode focuses on the case of Edward Lee Elmore, a Black man from South Carolina who was convicted of murdering an elderly white woman named Dorothy Edwards in 1982 and sentenced to death row.

The episode begins by introducing Elmore, a man who had struggled with low IQ and severe mental health issues his entire life and had been in the wrong place at the wrong time when Edwards was murdered. Elmore becomes the prime suspect for the case, and despite some questionable evidence and witness testimonies, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Through interviews with Elmore's family, friends, and lawyers, the viewers are given insight into the devastating effects his conviction had on him and his loved ones. The episode then dives deeper into the case, unveiling some of the reasons why Elmore's trial and conviction have been called into question.

One of the major issues the episode addresses is the lack of proper forensic analysis during Elmore's trial. The prosecution relied on a bite mark found on Edwards' body, which they claimed had a 95% likelihood of belonging to Elmore. However, advancements in forensic science in recent years have shown that bite mark analysis is far from reliable. The episode shows how this forensic mishap was just one of many that potentially led to Elmore's wrongful conviction.

Another issue brought up is the racial biases present in the criminal justice system. South Carolina during the 1980s had a long history of racial tensions and prejudices, and the episode hints at the possibility that Elmore's race and the race of the victim played a role in his conviction and sentencing.

As the episode progresses, viewers are given hope in the form of new evidence that has come to light in the case in recent years. Evidence that was not properly analyzed during Elmore's original trial is being re-examined with the help of new DNA testing techniques. The episode takes viewers through the work of the legal team fighting for Elmore's case and shows how their hard work may finally lead to justice for Elmore.

Overall, "Body of Evidence" is a sobering and thought-provoking episode that delves into the flaws and injustices present in the criminal justice system. It highlights the ongoing struggles members of the Black community face with regard to unfair treatment under the law. Ultimately, the episode invites viewers to reflect on the complicated nature of the death penalty and the need to address and eliminate racial biases within the legal system.