Bloody Angola: A Podcast by Jim Chapman11 Touko 2023

Death Sentence!

In this episode of Bloody Angola, Woody Overton and Jim Chapman tell you some stories you will have to hear to believe regarding inmate of Louisiana State Penitentiary who were sentenced to DEATH ROW getting exonerated after DNA evidence or other substantiating evidence cleared them of their crime and saved them from getting the needle.#DeathSentence #DNA #InnocenceProject #BloodyAngola #PodcastFULL TRANSCRIPTJim: Hey, everyone. And welcome back to another edition of Bloody-
Woody: -Angola.
Jim: A podcast 142 years in the making.
Woody: The complete story of America's bloodiest prison.
Jim: And I'm Jim Chapman.
Woody: And I'm Woody Overton.
Jim: And we're going back to our roots, Woody Overton.
Woody: Right back inside the wire.
Jim: Back inside the wire. Just when you thought we got out. Just coming back here.
Woody: Yep. [crosstalk] They made me come back in.
Jim: That's right. Look, we talk a lot on this show about the advancement, especially DNA, something you've worked with in the past many times.
Woody: Yeah. This is a huge testament to DNA. When I started, it was really coming in its own. Now it's so much more advanced. I remember putting rushes on murder cases, and it taken six months to get the results back.
Jim: That's crazy. Even back, we talked about Sean Vincent Gillis, and that was really probably one of the first times they were ever able to really rush something to the point where it really helped because you had to get that serial killer off the street.
Woody: Derrick Todd Lee too. Still, even the rush back then took a long time. Not like it is now.
Jim: Right.
Woody: You know what? I'm totally for it. And let me do this real quick. I want to give a shout out to all our patrons. We love and appreciate each and every one of y'all. We love all you listeners, and bloody shooting to the top of the charts. It's because y'all are listening, liking and sharing. Please continue to do so. And we love y'all very much. Back to the DNA, it's just come leaps and bounds that continue to change every day. We always tell you Bloody Angola is going to be different, and this is different. You would think, oh, hard ass like me, lock everybody up, I don't believe in that. I believe if you're innocent you're innocent.
Jim: If you're guilty, lock them up.
Woody: If you're guilty, you- [crosstalk]
Jim: Don't wait [crosstalk]
Woody: [crosstalk] -you'll pay hella jail.
Jim: [laughs] Hella jail, that's right. We did want to preface this episode with some of these guys were exonerated from DNA. Some of them, it was other reasons. And we're going to get into that. The intriguing thing about today's episode is many of these guys that we're going to tell you about were actually serving in death row. They've been sentenced to death.
Woody: Today, we're going to be talking about people or convicts who were exonerated and released from Bloody Angola.
Jim: Yes. We want to kind of start this off. I'm just going to tell you about the Innocence Project. The Innocence Project was founded in 1992 by Barry Scheck, y'all, familiar with him through OJ. It was basically formed to assist incarcerated individuals who could be proven innocent, primarily through DNA testing. Although sometimes they find so many holes in a case, they'll pick up a case where there's so many problems that they take that case on and look for exonerations in those cases. The average prison sentence before they'll take on a case is 14 years before their exoneration or release. And so, it's a process, even with those guys, but we're going to them to it.
Woody: They don't just take anybody, right?
Jim: Yeah.
Woody: One of the ones I can tell you about if-- ready to get started?
Jim: I'm ready.
Woody: Is John Thompson. John Thompson was from Orleans Parish. I'll just read you some of the facts of the case, some of the highlights, and what ultimately ended up happening. Shortly after midnight on December 6th, 1984, Raymond Liuzza was shot several times in the course of an armed robbery just around the corner from his New Orleans, Louisiana apartment. When the cops arrived, they found Liuzza laying on the ground, but he was still conscious. He told them he was robbed and shot by an African American male and then took him to hospital and he died. On December 8th, responded to tip, the police arrested two men in connection with the crime. John Thompson and Kevin Freeman. Photos of the two men were published in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, and soon afterwards, police received a call from a family that had been carjacked several months earlier, claiming that Thompson looked like the person who had robbed them. Thompson was charged with the murder. Meanwhile, Freeman agreed to testify against Thompson in the murder trial, and in return, prosecutors charged him only with being an accessory to the murder. He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. We're talking about Freeman, y'all.
The world-famous New Orleans district attorney, Harry Connick, Sr,, not Junior, that's his son, the singer and actor, decided to try Thompson for the carjacking case first, knowing that a conviction could be used against him in the murder trial. Based primarily on the eyewitness testimony of the three carjacking victims, all of whom were minors, Thompson was convicted on April 4, 1985, and sentenced to 49 years in prison. That is for the carjacking. Y'all, always told you that eyewitness testimony is the worst testimony there is, but doesn't mean it's not true.
At his murder trial, held shortly thereafter, the prosecution demonstrated that Thompson had at one time been in possession of both the murder weapon and a ring taken from Liuzza’s finger. Thompson decided not to testify in his own defense because if he did, his felony carjacking charge would have been admissible to the jury. As a result, he was unable to tell the jury that Freeman had sold him the murder weapon and the ring. Freeman, the main witness for the prosecution, claimed that he and Thompson had robbed Liuzza together and that Thompson had shot him. This testimony was contradicted by the statements of eyewitnesses who claimed to have seen only one man running from the scene of the crime. Richard Perkins, who had originally called in the tip implicating Thompson and Freeman, also testified for the prosecution, claiming that he had heard Thompson make incriminating remarks. Thompson was found guilty and sentenced to death on May 8th, 1985.
Fast forward a whole bunch of years, y'all, and events took a dramatic turn in April 1999, 30 days before scheduled execution, an investigator discovered that there was a blood stain from the robber on the clothing of one of the carjacking victims and that this evidence had never been disclosed to the defense. It's Brady, y'all. If they had it, they got to give it up. The prosecutor had ordered testing to determine the blood type of the stain, and in fact, they had rushed the test. But when the blood type was determined-- I guess this was before DNA. Blood type was determined and was different from Thompson's. They concealed it. Defense attorneys then obtained an affidavit Michael Rielhmann, a former district attorney, who said that five years earlier, in 1994, Gerry Deegan, one of Thompson's prosecutors, admitted on his deathbed that the blood evidence was intentionally suppressed and that he left a report about it on the desk of James Williams, the lead prosecutor. Williams denied ever seeing the report. Defense attorneys also learned that Perkins, the witness who testified that Thompson had admitted the murder, had received $15,000 from the Liuzza family as a reward. When this evidence was presented to the trial judge, he granted a stay of execution and dismissed Thompson’s carjacking conviction, but he denied Thompson’s motion for a new trial on the Liuzza murder. In 2001, however, he reduced Thompson’s death sentence to life in prison without parole.
Jim: Wow.
Woody: Pretty crazy, right?
Jim: Very crazy.
Woody: In July of 2002, the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal overturned Thompson’s murder conviction and remanded the case for retrial, ruling that the false robbery conviction obtained by deliberate government misconduct had deprived Thompson of his constitutional right to testify on his own behalf at the murder trial. Y'all, I'm not against that. I mean, give him a new trial, if it was messed up. At the second trial, Thompson was able to explain that he purchased the murder weapon from Freeman, and the defense called several new witnesses who claimed to have seen only one man fleeing the scene of the murder. They said that the man did not look like Thompson, but did resemble Freeman who, in the meantime, had been killed in a shootout with a security guard. On May 8, 2003, a jury acquitted Thompson after deliberating for 35 minutes, and he was released from prison the same day. Y'all, 35 minutes is for conviction? That's outstanding. But for exoneration, I mean, that's unbelievable. It normally takes hours--[crosstalk]
Jim: They were pretty convinced.
Woody: Yeah, they want to make sure. In 2008, Thompson won a $14 million civil suit against the District Attorney’s Office. That judgment was reversed by the US Supreme Court in March 2011 on the grounds that the misconduct in the case was not the result of a deliberate policy or systematic indifference by the New Orleans DA's Office. He got $330,000 in state compensation. But you know what? That's a long time to be on death row, and you didn't do it.
Jim: He's a good example of someone that it wasn't necessarily DNA evidence that exonerated him, but it was the facts of the case.
Woody: I have heard this case before, and actually, I think it's pretty well documented-
Jim: Thank you.
Woody:

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The Profile

In this episode of Bloody Angola podcast, we delve into the chilling world of serial killers and the intricate process of catching them. Drawing from the case of Derek Todd Lee, a notorious serial killer in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana, we discuss how the FBI profiling of serial killers has evolved over the years. We highlight the challenges law enforcement faced in accurately profiling Derek Todd Lee, who defied the initial FBI profile by being a person of color. The episode delves into the power of DNA evidence in catching serial killers, using examples like Brian Koberger's case, where familial DNA played a crucial role in identification.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

29 Helmi 202434min

Prison Solider: Cop Killer Wayne Felde

In this episode of Bloody Angola, the podcast we delve into the life story of Wayne Felde, a troubled individual who was born in 1949 and grew up in a family with a history of military service. Wayne's father was abusive and struggled with alcoholism, which deeply impacted Wayne's upbringing. Wayne enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War, hoping to become a war hero, but the harsh reality of the war quickly changed his perspective on conflict. He endured traumatic experiences in Vietnam, including exposure to Agent Orange, which had long-lasting detrimental effects on his health.After returning from Vietnam, Wayne struggled with PTSD and alcoholism, leading to a series of tumultuous events in his life. Tragically, Wayne ended up in a confrontation where he unintentionally killed a friend due to a PTSD-induced episode. Subsequently, Wayne was involved in a fatal incident with a police officer, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. Despite attempts to take his own life and a tumultuous legal battle, Wayne was sentenced to death and ultimately executed in the electric chair at Louisiana State Penitentiary on March 15, 1988, just days before his 39th birthday.The podcast reflects on Wayne's complex life, the impact of war trauma on his actions, and the justice system's final verdict on his fate. The story highlights the complexities of PTSD, accountability for one's actions, and the tragic end that Wayne faced. Through detailed storytelling and historical context, Bloody Angola provides a deep dive into the life of Wayne Felde and his ultimate demise in the electric chair at the notorious prison.Timestamps:0:02:16 ]: Wayne Felde's Childhood0:05:58 ]: Wayne's Enlistment in Vietnam0:10:03 ]: Impact of Agent Orange0:14:02 ]: Wayne's Return to the U.S.0:15:24 ]: Wayne's Struggles after Vietnam0:22:31 ]: Wayne's Murder Trial0:30:09 ]: Wayne's Escape 0:34:56 ]: Wayne's Time on Death Row0:36:37 ]: Wayne's ExecutionFACTOR!Healthy and Fresh never frozen meals, prepared by chefs and ready to eat in just 2 minutes! Factor saves us time to get back to podcasting and Bloody Angola Podcast listeners get 50% off now by going to https://www.factormeals.com/bloodyangola50 and using the code bloodyangola50 for 50% off!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

22 Helmi 202440min

Bad Girls

In this episode, we explore the history and future of the Louisiana's Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). We discuss the challenges faced by women at LCIW, including limited access to education and overcrowding. We also highlight the appointment of Kristen Thomas as the second-ever female warden and the construction of a new facility with improved amenities. #BloodyAngolaPodcast #LadyConvicts #LCIW #PodcastTimestamps0:02:20 Women's fate after leaving Angola: LCIW and its history0:04:04 Construction of St. Gabriel, a female-only prison near Baton Rouge0:04:31 Early years of LCIW: Housing, Orientation, and Behavioral Assessments0:06:37 Work release program and healthcare at LCIW0:14:58 Female warden appointed to increase diversity in leadership0:19:18 Groundbreaking for new LCIW facility in September 20220:27:14 Success Stories: Horticulture, Upholstery, and Welding Classes0:29:13 Re-entry Programs and Support for Incarcerated Women0:36:43 Inside Knowledge of Prison Life and Security MeasuresFACTOR!Healthy and Fresh never frozen meals, prepared by chefs and ready to eat in just 2 minutes! Factor saves us time to get back to podcasting and Bloody Angola Podcast listeners get 50% off now by going to https://www.factormeals.com/bloodyangola50 and using the code bloodyangola50 for 50% off!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Helmi 202442min

Preparing to Die

In this episode of the Bloody Angola podcast, we explore the Louisiana State Penitentiary Execution Manual. We discuss the procedures and requirements for executions, the role of witnesses, and the importance of professionalism. We also touch on the legal process and the rarity of exoneration.Timestamps0:03:20 Chain of Command and Roles in the Execution Process0:05:48 Incarceration and Transport of Death Row Offenders0:07:02 Communications and Media Regulations0:09:11 Visits, Visits with Family, and Special Visits0:15:47 Preparation and Security Measures for Executions0:18:13 Witness Selection and Pool Reporters0:23:25 Execution Process and Post-Execution Procedures0:28:34 Execution process and the role of the coroner0:30:13 Paperwork involved in the execution processFACTOR!Healthy and Fresh never frozen meals, prepared by chefs and ready to eat in just 2 minutes! Factor saves us time to get back to podcasting and Bloody Angola Podcast listeners get 50% off now by going to https://www.factormeals.com/bloodyangola50 and using the code bloodyangola50 for 50% off!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

8 Helmi 202442min

Smiling Jack

A 16-year-old brutally murders an 8-year-old while biking in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. Trevor Reese confesses which leads to a sentence in Bloody Angola for life without parole. We discuss the horrific crime, the legal proceedings, impact statements in this episode of Bloody Angola Podcast.Timestamps0:04:24 Background on Clinton and St. Francisville0:12:44 A typical summer day in Louisiana0:14:32 Tragic encounter with Trevor Reese0:16:36 Monique's Desperate Attempt to Save Jack0:18:10 Trevor Confesses to the Carpenter0:18:34 Trevor's Brutal Crime0:20:11 District Judge rules Trevor eligible for prosecution as an adult0:22:54 Arraignment: Not guilty by reason of insanity plea entered0:23:42 The shocking murder and the grief-stricken parents0:26:06 Trial dates set and the plea deal confusion0:28:14 Judge Carmichael questions Trevor's plea and explains the process0:30:49 Trevor's monstrous nature and absence of remorse examined0:32:15 Dr. Scott speaks about Monique's trauma and PTSD0:34:04 Monique's realization and the horrifying details of Jackson's injuries0:35:56 Jack's grandfather's heart-wrenching victim impact statement0:36:32 Devastation and Hatred: The Scar You Left Behind0:37:39 Jack's Father Pleads for Maximum Sentence0:40:04 Trevor's Admission of Guilt and Sentencing0:42:31 The complexity of victims on both sides0:43:04 A Father's Responsibility and the Change in LawThank you to Cyndi Overton for her assistance in researching this case.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 Helmi 202446min

The Decision | How Henry Montgomery Gave Life to Lifer's

In todays episode we discuss the Louisiana Supreme Court decision called Montgomery v. Louisiana, which involved Henry Montgomery, the longest-serving convict in Angola Prison's history. Henry was released in 2021 after spending 57 years behind bars. We start with the events of November 13th, 1963, when Officer Hurt encountered Henry at a park which led to the murder of the officer. The community goes into lockdown, and Montgomery is eventually found, confesses to the shooting, and is convicted of first-degree murder. Despite initially receiving a death sentence, he is later granted a new trial, resulting in a life sentence. The 2010 case Graham v. Florida, in which the Supreme Court deemed juvenile life without parole sentences unconstitutional for crimes other than murder was the start of some life changing Supreme Court rulings for juvenile offenders. Miller v. Alabama followed and was used as a precedent to have Henry Montgomery's case reviewed by the Supreme Court, resulting in his life without parole sentence being thrown out. Known as Montgomery vs Louisiana this ruling became one of the most historic rulings in history as it relates to juvenile lifer's.You are going to want to tune into this one! It's FIRE!Chapters0:07:17 Officer Charles Hurt and Henry Montgomery's Fateful Encounter0:11:27 Confrontation Turns Dangerous with a Pistol Drawn0:15:18 Montgomery's Trial and Sentencing0:22:14 Montgomery's Eligibility for Parole0:28:02 Tough Decision: Denying Parole0:33:12 Henry Montgomery's Release and Reflections on Freedom0:42:19 A Police Officer's Perspective and the VerdictFACTOR!Healthy and Fresh never frozen meals, prepared by chefs and ready to eat in just 2 minutes! Factor saves us time to get back to podcasting and Bloody Angola Podcast listeners get 50% off now by going to https://www.factormeals.com/bloodyangola50 and using the code bloodyangola50 for 50% off!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

25 Tammi 202451min

Correcting the Record | Response to Changing of the Guard

This emergency drop is in response to information received regarding the most recent drop of Bloody Angola titled "The Changing of the Guard".For the article referenced in the "Changing of the Guard" episode, see the attached link below.https://www.fox8live.com/2023/12/21/governor-edwards-pardons-57-inmates-october-through-december/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

19 Tammi 202411min

The Changing of the Guard | The Pardons of John Bell Edwards and Gov. Jeff Landry's Solution

***We are retracting the portion of this podcast referencing that all of these inmates received a full pardon, we like most of the general public received incomplete information. While all received "a" pardon", most received clemency meaning they got a reduction in sentence, However 5 inmates in particular did receive a full pardon. The episode following this episode contains the details of this retraction.***In this episode of Bloody Angola, we explore the recent transition of power with the election of Governor Jeff Landry as it relates to crime and the recent pardons of outgoing Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards.. Previous governor, John Bel Edwards, is known for his leniency in crime and numerous acts of clemency. We delve into the governor's authority to grant sentence commutation, the role of the pardon board in reviewing applications, and the different types of clemency that exist.We focus on the actions of John Bel Edwards, who commuted the sentences of many prisoners and granted several inmates full pardons.The current governor, Jeff Landry, known for his tough stance on crime, Landry stands firm on his commitment to restoring law and order.Chapters0:02:07 Changing of the Guard: New Governor, New Policies0:05:36 Clemency Applications and Eligibility Requirements0:14:09 John Bel Edwards' High Rate of Sentence Commutations0:16:03 Pardons explained0:17:12 Pardons of Convicted Individuals.0:19:07 Continuation of List: Pardons.0:21:03 Additional Pardons for Murder and Other Crimes0:28:29 Jeff Landry's Tough Stance on Crime0:30:26 Jeff Landry's Anti-Crime Ads as Governor CandidateFACTOR!Healthy and Fresh never frozen meals, prepared by chefs and ready to eat in just 2 minutes! Factor saves us time to get back to podcasting and Bloody Angola Podcast listeners get 50% off now by going to https://www.factormeals.com/bloodyangola50 and using the code bloodyangola50 for 50% off!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

18 Tammi 202436min

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