Ep 2. Innocent Witness

In season 6 episode 2 of On The Case With Paula Zahn, titled "Innocent Witness," Paula Zahn investigates the case of a man who spent 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Gregory Counts and VanDyke Perry were convicted of murder in 1991 based solely on the testimony of a 13-year-old witness who claimed to have seen them at the scene of the crime. However, in 2009, that witness recanted her testimony and stated that she had been coerced by the police to implicate Counts and Perry.

Zahn interviews the key players involved in this wrongful conviction, including the defense attorneys, prosecutors, and the former witness. She also speaks with Counts and Perry, who share their experiences of being wrongfully imprisoned for almost two decades.

The episode delves into the flaws of the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to witness testimony. The reliability of eyewitness accounts has long been debated, especially since witnesses can be susceptible to suggestion or even manipulation by authorities. Zahn explores the impact of this on the criminal justice system and how it can lead to wrongful convictions, like in the case of Counts and Perry.

Furthermore, "Innocent Witness" highlights the impact of wrongful convictions on the lives of those who have been exonerated. Counts and Perry discuss the emotional toll it took on their families and how they struggled to adjust to life outside of prison after being released.

The episode also sheds light on the efforts of organizations like the Innocence Project, which played a crucial role in getting Counts and Perry's convictions overturned. The Innocence Project works to exonerate those who have been wrongfully convicted through DNA testing and other means, and has helped exonerate over 375 individuals in the US since its inception in 1992.

Overall, On The Case With Paula Zahn's "Innocent Witness" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the flaws of the criminal justice system and the human impact of wrongful convictions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and just legal proceedings and the need for continued reform to ensure that justice is truly served for all.