Voices of the Innocent

Episode 7: 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫

In this episode we explore the work of Kristin Cuellar, the Executive Director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. She reflects on her journey into human rights advocacy, her decades-long fight against capital punishment, and her perspective on justice, reform, and the human cost of the death penalty. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Episode 6: 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦

In this episode we explore the work of Judge Brandon Birmingham, the presiding judge of the 292nd Judicial District Court in Dallas County. He reflects on his career, the realities of prosecuting serious crimes, and his perspective on justice, accountability, and reform. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Episode 5: 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐞

In this episode we explore the story of Mike Ware, the executive director of the Innocence Project of Texas.  He discusses his journey, the development of the Innocence Project of Texas, their process and his part in continuing to fight to free the wrongfully convicted. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Episode 4: 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐳

In this episode we explore the story of Anna Vasquez, one of the "San Antonio Four," who spent 13 years in prison for a crime that never happened.  She discusses the flawed forensic testimony that led to her 1994 conviction, the decade-long fight for exoneration, and the unique challenges faced by female exonerees.  This is Anna Vasquez's voice of innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Episode 3: 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲

In this episode, we take a look into the story of Melvin Quinney — a father once convicted of indecency with a child — his claim of innocence, and his eventual exoneration. Through his own words, we revisit a “Satanic Panic”–era case and explore what it means to be presumed innocent, yet still wrongfully convicted. This is Melvin Quinney’s voice of innocence. Hosted by criminologists Dr. Rashaan DeShay and Dr. Katherine Polzer. Edited and produced by Krystal Guerra. Note: We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.