Anthony Porter's Conviction
How did journalism students uncover Porter’s innocence?
4.7 (30)
42 mins
Explore Anthony Porter’s wrongful conviction and life on death row. Discover how unreliable witnesses and flawed investigations nearly led to execution. Learn about the journalism students and new evidence that finally secured his freedom.
Ep 1:
Fifty Hours to Live
Two days from execution, Anthony Porter's story begins in Chicago's South Side—a hot summer night, a double murder, and a rushed investigation with no physical evidence.
Ep 2:
A Verdict Built on Shadows
Eyewitnesses recant, alibis crumble under cross-examination, and a jury with questionable impartiality sends Anthony Porter to death row despite glaring holes in the case.
Ep 3:
Seventeen Years in a Box
Living twenty-three hours a day in isolation, Porter counts down his final fifty hours—until journalism students unravel a stunning confession that changes everything.
Ep 4:
Freedom's Shocking Second Twist
Porter walks free as Alstory Simon confesses and takes the fall—but fifteen years later, Simon's own conviction collapses, reopening a case no one can solve.
Ep 5:
Two Deaths, No Justice
With both men's convictions undone, the murders remain unsolved. This finale confronts the devastating legacy, lingering questions, and human cost of a broken system.
Discussions (12)
Graham
Level 5 · 8 mo agoHim asking what execution meant really shook me. Imagine sitting in a box for 17 years and being 50 hours from the end without even getting it. Just a proper sad one for everyone involved.
Grayson
Level 3 · 9 mo agoApparently you can't fix a wrongful conviction by creating another one. Who would have thought? 🙄
Hal
Level 3 · 8 mo agoHiring an actor to fake a witness? So shady! 🚩
