Original air date March 18, 2022 Right out of the gate, Spencer and LIsa are joined by renowned journalist, podcaster ,and friend of the program, Maggie Freleng. Maggie discusses her work on Ralph's case through her Unjust and Unsolved Podcast and beyond. Ralph checks in to tell more of his story, and Spencer and Lisa continue to break down the events of March 11, 1982 and what happened leading up to Ralph's trial ......... When Smokin’ Joe’s Corner in Philadelphia was robbed on March 11, 1982, ...
Apr 11, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Original air date March 11, 2022 When Smokin’ Joe’s Corner in Philadelphia was robbed on March 11, 1982, resulting in the brutal murder of three people, police arrested 19 year-old Ralph Trent Stokes, a former cook at Smokin’ Joe’s for the crime. When Smokin’ Joe’s Corner in Philadelphia was robbed on March 11, 1982, resulting in the brutal murder of three people, police arrested 19 year-old Ralph Trent Stokes, a former cook at Smokin’ Joe’s for the crime. Notoriously corrupt prosecutor, Assista...
Apr 05, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Today Charlotte West, an education journalist with Open Campus, will take us inside the Indiana Women’s Prison HistorProject and look at the question: What happens when women (re)write the history of their own prison? Charlotte sat down with Elizabeth Nelson, Anastazia Schmid, and Michelle Daniel Jones to talk about their new book, Who would believe a prisoner? coming out in April from the New Press. Book https://thenewpress.com/books/who-would-believe-prisoner Article https://www.opencampusmedi...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In episode eight, Spanky & The Cat, Spencer & Lisa talk with Angel "Spanky" Rodriguez. They cover topics ranging from the serious, how he burned himself out after spending the first 20 years of his sentence reaching out to innocence organizations. To the sweet, how Princess and Xena have won the hearts of the otherwise "tough guys" Listen now to get to know the man behind the story. And find out who Princess and Xena are. Be sure to check out and donate to June and Spanky here: Fundraise...
Mar 21, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 74
In episode seven, June & Buddha, Spencer & Lisa sit down for an honest, wide-ranging conversation with Emmanuel "June" Rios. He talks about his feelings today toward Charles Peruto, Roger King, and most importantly, Romance Macarthur, how he handles the betrayal of a former friend and his plans for when he is released. Listen now to get to know the man behind the story. in/justice theme and original music produced by Benaldo Rivaldi. Listen on Apple , Spotify & Bandcamp . Check out o...
Mar 14, 2023•41 min
In episode six, The Statements & The Testimony, Spencer & Lisa focus their discussion on Romance Macarthur. Macarthur was a walking, talking contradiction as well as the one person who had something to gain by June and Spanky’s conviction. Over the course of his multiple statements to police, Grand Jury testimony, and trial testimony, his story just kept changing. Regardless, based almost solely on his testimony, the jury convicted them and sent them to prison, where they remain to this ...
Mar 07, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 72
In episode five, The Letters, Spencer & Lisa discuss the letters Romance Macarthur sent to Emmanuel Rios, starting one year after Romance’s false testimony against him sent Rios to prison for murder. The two corresponded for nearly 20 years. The whole time Macarthur gave Rios his word that he would do everything in his power to make up for the injustice carried out against Rios and Angel Rodriguez. These letters, some of which fully corroborate Romance’s previous confession, as well as the c...
Feb 28, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 71
In episode four, The Prosecutor & The Trial, Spencer & Lisa discuss the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Roger King. King was known to do whatever it took to get a confession. Sometimes, what it took was suppressing evidence and fabricating wild stories. King was proud of 16 death penalty convictions on top of countless other courtroom victories. To date, seven of King's convictions have been overturned with many more under increased scrutiny. King secured guilty verdicts for Emma...
Feb 21, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 70
In episode three, The Physical Evidence & The Witness Testimony, Spencer & Lisa discuss the witness statements from the people in the 8th & Butler neighborhood as well as their subsequent testimony. They discuss the physical evidence, or what little of it there was, including the autopsy of Shawn Nelson. And, for the first time, you’ll hear from Brooke Holmes, the girlfriend of Romance Macarthur. Listen for yourself and determine whether the pieces fit together to make a compelling c...
Feb 15, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Christopher Seeds is Assistant Professor of Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California, Irvine. Chris is the Author of Death By Prison, a book about Life without Parole In recent decades, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP) has developed into a distinctive penal form in the United States, one firmly entrenched in US policy-making, judicial and prosecutorial decision-making, correctional practice, and public discourse. LWOP is now a routine practice, but h...
Feb 10, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Special Presentation: Join us as we revisit the case of Emmanuel Rios and Angel Rodriguez - Romance and Murder on the Streets of Philadelphia In episode two, The Tape & The Confession, Spencer & Lisa discuss the events surrounding Romance Macarthur confessing to murder in the office of Emmanuel Rios's’ attorney. And how, after going unsolved for two years, Rios and Angel Rodriguez ended up on trial for that murder. You’ll hear clips from June & Spanky for the first time. You will als...
Feb 07, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 67
In Justice is a limited podcast series hosted and produced in association with Death By Incarceration . Now available on your favorite pod-catcher. In the first episode, The Case & The Men, The case is presented by the prosecution and some obvious holes therein. Through in-depth interviews with the family members of Emmanuel Rios and Angel Rodriguez, Lisa & Spencer were able to shine a brighter light on their stories. They touch on the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Roger King a...
Feb 01, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Special Presentation: Join us as we revisit the case of Emmanuel Rios and Angel Rodriguez - Romance and Murder on the Streets of Philadelphia In this first episode, we will start to look at the case presented by the prosecution and some obvious holes in their case, and get to know Emmanuel and Angel through some interviews we were able to conduct with family members. We’ll touch on the touch on the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Roger King and the story that he was able to get a jury to...
Jan 28, 2023•4 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Chesa Boudin Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to visit the DBI WEBSITE . Check out some Suave with the media on WHYY and on MSNBC . His amazing artwork is available for viewing and purchase at the Morton Contemporary Gallery here. Music by Gordon Withers. Check out his WEBSITE and follow on Instagram . Edited by Jason Usry. Follow him on Twitter Listen to Kevin's show Adulting Well . And check out his company Social Imprints . Death By Incarceration is a Glassbox Media show. Learn...
Jan 20, 2023•55 min
In honor of his upcoming return to the show, DBI presents a replay of one their first episodes (Episode 3, original air date 6/15/21). Suave and Kevin talk to San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin about growing up with incarcerated parents, the changes needed in the criminal justice system, and the best interest of the child in sentencing. Stay tuned for his next great appearance. Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to visit the DBI WEBSITE . Check out some Suave with the media on WHYY and o...
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In the 32nd episode of Death by Incarceration, we stream live from Reform Philly Job Fair. Guest host Spencer Daniels sits down for brief interviews with Jason Avant, Derek Green, and Jordan Harris. For more info, check out Reform Alliance website Producers: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com and see for yourself! Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to visit the DBI WEBSITE . C...
Jan 02, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In the 33rd episode of Death by Incarceration, we stream live from Reform Philly Job Fair. Guest host Spencer Daniels sits down for brief interviews with former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Avant, Derek Green, and Jordan Harris. For more info, check out Reform Alliance website Producers: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com and see for yourself! Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to...
Dec 06, 2022•23 min
This week suave interviews sitting Judge, Stephanie Sawyer. She is a different kind of criminal court judge with a commitment to the community. Growing up in Philadelphia, she saw first hand the results of what she calls “The Beast” of mass incarceration. Listen as she discusses her next steps and how to change the system Each week, hosts David "Suave" Gonzalez (Pulitzer Prize winning Suave podcast/released lifer) and Kevin McCracken (Adulting Well podcast) are joined by law-makers, community le...
Dec 01, 2022•49 min•Ep. 60
(Original air date July 20, 2021) This is a re-air of the eighth episode of Death by Incarceration and it's a good one. In celebration of his historic Senate win, we revisit Suave & Kevin's spirited conversation with Senator Elect John Fetterman . They talk about fair chance employment, policy, and his run for US Senate. Each week, hosts David "Suave" Gonzalez (Pulitzer Prize winning Suave podcast/released lifer) and Kevin McCracken (Adulting Well podcast) are joined by law-makers, community...
Nov 23, 2022•34 min
In the 30th episode of Death by Incarceration, we stream live from Reform Philly Job Fair. Guest host Spencer Daniels sits down for brief interviews with Dawan, Alloyous, and Blak Rapp Medusa. For more info, check out Reform Alliance website Producers: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com and see for yourself! Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to visit the DBI WEBSITE . Check o...
Nov 15, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In the 29th episode of Death by Incarceration, we stream live from Reform Philly Job Fair. Guest host Spencer Daniels sits down for brief interviews with Josh, Cynthia, and Mike. For more info, check out Reform Alliance website Producers: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com and see for yourself! Follow DBI on Twitter & Instagram . Be sure to visit the DBI WEBSITE . Check out some Suave ...
Nov 07, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 57
New York’s story about why college matters: https://www.opencampusmedia.org/2022/01/19/first-person-why-college-matters-for-people-serving-extreme-sentences/ New York’s nonprofit: https://www.empowermentave.com/ Sign up for their newsletter: https://empowermentave.substack.com/ Sign up for College Inside: https://www.opencampusmedia.org/category/newsletters/college-inside/ If you have an incarcerated friend of family member who would like to subscribe to the print version, sign them up here: htt...
Oct 19, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In the 27th episode of DBI, Suave & Kevin speak with Mr. James Green. Do not miss this powerful conversation. James Green is currently incarcerated in the State of Pennsylvania DOC. He has maintained his innocence since his conviction and claims to have proof. He has transformed his life through education and constant growth. Producers & Hosts: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com an...
Aug 04, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In the 26th episode of Death by Incarceration, Suave and Kevin speak with the powerful Ken Oliver. Ken is the Executive Director of the Checkr Foundation. After his own involvement with the system & long term incarceration, he has dedicated his life to helping returning citizens find purpose and achieve their full potential. Producers & Hosts: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://checkr.com and...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In the 25th episode of DBI, social worker, activist, philanthropist, and daughter to U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Ashley Biden, talks reentry, trauma and how to care for our returning citizens. Special guest host, Spencer Daniels of In/Justice joins Suave for this short and informative interview. Listen to Spencer and co-host Lisa Spees on In/Justice here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-justice/id1589287707 Producers & Hosts: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCrac...
Jun 21, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In the 24th episode of DBI, Suave & Kevin speak with Mr. Jeffrey Walker. Jeffrey Walker is a former Philadelphia Police Department Narcotics Officer. After his arrest on corruption charges, he decided to work with prosecutors and break the code of silence. This is one of the most eye opening conversations team DBI has ever been a part of. Producers & Hosts: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCracken. A great sponsor of DBI is Checkr . We love the work they are doing, check them out at https://...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Please enjoy this bonus, replayed episode in honor of Chesa Boudin's late mother and the San Francisco recall election. Suave and Kevin talk to San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin about growing up with incarcerated parents, the changes needed in the criminal justice system, and the best interest of the child in sentencing. Death By Incarceration is a show about life behind bars. The USA is the only nation where a minor can be sentenced to die by incarceration before turning 18. A minor can’t vote, can...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this special bonus episode, the DBI team breaks down the incarceration of Emmanuel "Cripple June" Rios and Angel "Spanky" Rodriguez for the 1987 murder of Shawn Nelson that landed them in prison for life. In a bombshell moment, you'll hear a recording, a taped confession to this murder by Mr. Romance Mcarthur, and collected by then Philadelphia criminal defense attorney and current the Republican candidate for Philly DA, Charles Peruto on October 17th, 1987. This tape was never introduced int...
May 03, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In the 23rd episode of DBI, Suave & Kevin speak with Movita Johnson-Harrell . Get ready for a powerful and inspirational conversation. Movita is a nationally known advocate and activist trying to stop gun violence by working with the most at risk in our communities. Having been a co-victim she speaks to us from her experience and with a deep understanding of this issue. Follow Movita on: Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Be sure to visit Movita's website here. Producers & Hosts...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In the 21st episode of DBI, Suave & Kevin speak with Rasheeda Bagwell. Rasheeda is a former correctional officer in the State of Pennsylvania. She has an incredible story to tell. She is now working to help other women create art while incarcerated, and is helping her community in supporting returning citizens. This is an episode that needs to be heard to believe. Take a moment to check out the petition to end solitary confinement, here. Producers & Hosts: Suave Gonzalez & Kevin McCr...
Apr 19, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 22
