Suffer the Little Children

On the evening of May 5, 1993, three eight-year-old boys—Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers—went missing in West Memphis, Arkansas. The next day, in a nearby wooded area, the boys were found brutally murdered, bound, and submerged in a drainage ditch. The horrific nature of the crime shocked the community, and police quickly arrested three local teenagers—Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley—based on a coerced false confession, no solid evidence, and Satanic panic.This is the story of three innocent children whose lives were stolen in an unspeakable act of violence. It’s also the story of three wrongfully convicted teenagers who spent 18 years in prison, one of them on death row, for a crime they didn’t commit—the victims of a flawed justice system and a community in the grip of fear.In today’s episode, I’m honored to discuss a case that has gripped me for many years with the one man who has been involved since the beginning: Jessie Misskelley’s original defense attorney, case advocate, and author of the recent book, A Harvest of Innocence: Judge Dan Stidham.This is our discussion about his book and the tragic case of the West Memphis Three.A Harvest of Innocence by Dan Stidham on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Innocence-Untold-Memphis-Murder/dp/B0CMYZ2BT7 Judge Stidham’s website: https://www.danstidham.com Email Judge Stidham with information about the case: harvestofinnocence@outlook.comTruth & Justice with Bob Ruff podcast: https://www.truthandjusticepod.com Paradise Lost documentary series: https://www.max.com/shows/paradise-lost/d509d74f-3c01-4367-9a42-a3aece5de4c9 The Forgotten West Memphis Three docuseries: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12092348/ West of Memphis documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2130321/ Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

25 Aug 20241h 43min

Over the past two episodes, I told you the story of non-verbal, autistic 13-year-old Jonathan Carey, who was smothered to death in 2007. His killer was a care worker from a facility for people with developmental disabilities. How could something like this happen?In this episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Jonathan’s father, Michael Carey, who has spent the last 17 years pushing for a massive overhaul of New York State’s mental health system as well as legislature to help protect others with developmental disabilities. This is part three of the mind-boggling story of Jonathan Carey.Form letter to print and send: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VogzAAW9Kh1by2-IDOgN94ZI73-BxyxZ/view?usp=sharing “Prevalence of Violence”: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prevalence-of-violenceArticle about sexual predator Stephen DeProspero: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/20/predators-dream-ny-pays-3m-family-molested-boy/98154714/ Article about whistleblower Jeffrey Monsour: https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2017/11/opwdd-whistleblower-asks-workers-to-speak-up/ “Jane Lynch” affidavit (“coherent oversight scheme”): https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vYWA2DY_HqwIluGcyyadExmDqckjRHh/view?usp=sharing Jonathan’s Law: http://jonathanslaw.com Jonathan Carey Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanCareyFoundation New York Times Abused and Used series: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/nyregion/abused-and-used-series-page.htmlSpotlight movie (2015): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/ Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

16 Aug 20241h 50min

In the last episode, I told you the story of Jonathan Carey, a non-verbal, autistic boy whose parents had no choice but to send him to a second residential program after he suffered abuse and torture at the first one he attended. At age 13, Jonathan was restrained and suffocated to death by Developmental Aide Edwin Tirado. In this episode, I’ll continue Jonathan’s story where I left off, and I’ll tell you about the Careys’ continued fight to change the system that tragically took their son from them.This is the story of how a boy’s horrific, preventable death has triggered some—but not enough—changes in the way New York State cares for people with developmental disabilities.This is part two of the mind-boggling story of Jonathan Carey.Jonathan’s Law: http://jonathanslaw.comJonathan Carey Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanCareyFoundationNew York Times Abused and Used series: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/nyregion/abused-and-used-series-page.html Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

31 Jul 202456min

(Laine here! This is part 2/2 of a collab I participated in. I hope you'll give it a listen!)Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperately need some heating up. From heart-pounding pursuits to stories of perseverance and determination, this collaborative effort aims to shed light on cases that have captivated the public’s imagination and those that need your attention now more than ever. In episode 2 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:The Dark Oak Podcast The Dark Oak | Podcast on Spotifythedarkoak.comKey to the Case  https://linktr.ee/keytothecaseTrue Crime Creepers  https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepersVintage Homicide  https://linktr.ee/vintagehomicidepodcastExcuse Me, That’s Illegal   www.linktr.ee/excusemethatsillegal.podBeyond the Rainbow   https://beyondtherainbowpodcast.comMurder and Mimosas  https://linktr.ee/murder.mimosas.pod?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareCoffee and Cases   https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases Method and Madness   Method & Madness Podcast (methodandmadnesspodcast.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

27 Jul 20241h 48min

(Laine here! This is a collab I participated in. I hope you'll give it a listen!)Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperately need some heating up. From heart-pounding pursuits to stories of perseverance and determination, this collaborative effort aims to shed light on cases that have captivated the public’s imagination and those that need your attention now more than ever. In episode 1 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:Fresh Hell   https://freshhellpodcast.com/The Trail Went Cold   https://www.trailwentcold.com/Suffer the Little Children  https://linktr.ee/stlcpodMusic City 911 https://musiccity911.com/ Already Gone  https://www.instagram.com/alreadygonepod/Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast   Https://bit.ly/TheSirensNetwork Www.thesirenspodcast.comEverything Scary   https://linktr.ee/everythingscary Private Dicks   https://linktr.ee/privatedicksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

27 Jul 20241h 43min

Jonathan Carey was autistic and nonverbal. Because he needed more care than they could provide in their home, when Jonathan was nine, his parents sent him to a highly recommended residential program at the Anderson School in Staatsburg, New York, where young Jonathan was starved, isolated, and physically abused. Due to the PTSD Jonathan suffered from the abuse, he had difficulties at home, and the Careys had no choice but to find another residential placement for him. In 2005, Jonathan began attending the residential program for adolescents at the well-regarded O.D. Heck Developmental Center in Niskayuna, New York. On February 15, 2007, 13-year-old Jonathan died at the hands of an O.D. Heck employee, and his father, Michael Carey, began his mission to uncover the rampant corruption in New York state’s care system for the developmentally disabled.This is part one of the mind-boggling story of Jonathan Carey.My Magic Mind link | https://magicmind.com/BYLAINE20 (use code BYLAINE20 at checkout)Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRK0LO-9ZYk Unforgotten: 25 Years After Willowbrook | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNLyKW8fCNg The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook (2023) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev80qEtp2u4  Interoffice memo about abuse at the Anderson School | http://www.autismschoolabuse.com/Abuse_at_Anderson_School.html Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com.By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

24 Jul 202454min

In 2003, an East Texas couple adopted three young Russian children. Over the years, there were countless red flags for child abuse, especially against the oldest child, Alexey, who began running away when he was 12. He ended up on the doorstep of the Roosevelt House, an emergency shelter, assessment center, and residential care facility for children removed from abusive situations, usually by CPS. The home’s founder, Diane Black, had no idea that her battle to save Alexey and his sisters, Anastasia and Svetlana, would upend life as she knew it.Diane detailed the story of Alexey, his sisters, the Roosevelt House, and the egregious systemic failure of the Texas child protection system in a book called Dead Dog Road: A True Story Into the Dark World of an Abused Child. In this episode, you’ll hear my recent conversation with Diane about the appalling ways CPS and law enforcement failed Alexey, Anastasia, and Svetlana, and much more.This is Episode 176: Dead Dog Road.Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

24 Jun 202453min

For this episode, I had the privilege of talking to forensic psychologists Dr. Shiloh and Dr. Scott, the hosts of the L.A. Not So Confidential podcast. With years of expertise under their belts, the doctors had plenty of insight for us into the topic of child abuse, why it happens, and much more. This is Episode 175: The Psychology of Child Abuse (with L.A. Not So Confidential).Center cover photo by luis arias on Unsplash. Doctors’ photos from L.A.Not So Confidential podcast website.Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org

17 Jun 20241h 7min