First Chair Podcast

Amy Watroba

Amy Watroba is an Assistant State's Attorney at the DuPage State's Attorney's Office in Illinois.   A prosecutor for over 20 years, Amy has a unique specialty in forensic science evidence. She handles and litigates complex cases involving scientific methods used in criminal investigations. She also advises and trains prosecutors nationwide on how to effectively present evidence in the courtroom. Amy is an acclaimed lecture and author, and now the Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on Forensic Science. In this episode, Amy shares her knowledge and experiences in forensic science, the details on unique cases, and how she balances her work life with her personal life.

Lou Anna Red Corn

Lou Anna Red Corn is the first Native American woman appointed and elected as the Commonwealth Attorney of Lafayette County in Kentucky.  In this episode, Lou Anna shares the details of how she prosecuted famous cases, including the murder of Trent DiGiuro. DiGiuro was shot and killed on his front porch in 1994, just 3 days shy of his 21st birthday. For 5 years, DiGiuro's murder went unsolved until a young woman came forward to expose the identity of the murderer, Shane Ragland. Lou Anna explains the process of how she prosecuted Ragland.  Lou Anna also talks about her identity as a part of the Osage Nation, and how David Grann visited her aunt's home to write the book Killers of the Flower Moon. The book was published as a movie by Martin Scorsese in October 2023.