Connections

One of the problems with wrongful convictions is that when an innocent person is sent to jail, the crime’s actual perpetrator remains on the loose. That’s the issue the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office faces today. Current persons of interest in the case were also suspects, if only briefly, in 1985. One of them even played a role in testimony that was likely damaging to Steve. Thanks to Erin Covey for shooting and editing this video in which I talk about the connection. That’s Miller on guitar. Also listen to related interview clips below.

In this excerpt from an interview for “We Were All Incarcerated,” Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara summarizes the connection (I think better than I did): Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-06-MCNAMARA-02.mp3

Jailhouse informants are a common cause of wrongful convictions. Here are a few more interview clips. First, Steve Barnes: Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-01-BARNES.mp3

Steve’s original attorney, Edward Kaminski: Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-02-KAMINSKI.mp3

An excerpt from the trial in which the prosecutor describes Steve’s alleged confession: Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-03-TRIAL.mp3

Attorney Larry Golden, a member of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Wrongful Convictions: Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-04-GOLDEN.mp3

Scott McNamara discusses how he thinks jailhouse snitch testimony should be handled: Click here to listen to JAILHOUSE SNITCH-05-MCNAMARA-01.mp3

“We Were All Incarcerated:” The Backstory

I’m psyched for the free public premiere of “We Were All Incarcerated,” 7pm Wednesday, January 26 in the Utica College Economic Crime and Justice Studies Building auditorium. Miller shot this video of me talking about why I decided to tackle this project.

Thanks

I could not have produced “We Were All Incarcerated” without the help of two of my most valued friends. Erin Covey and Ryan Miller contributed their time and talents and asked for nothing in return. Erin’s a radio veteran who lent me equipment (that is much better than my own), offered insightful editing suggestions, and even went out and conducted a vital interview when I was unable to keep an appointment. Both of these friends gave me unlimited, enthusiastic support. I don’t think I saw Miller once over the past year when his first words to me weren’t “how’s the project coming?” He gave me lots of great marketing ideas and tips (and he and Erin both shot a number of promotional videos), and he contributed all of the music featured in “We Were All Incarcerated.” Thanks again Erin and Miller. I owe you both. Big. Please check out some of the stuff these two do when they’re not helping me. Erin’s an incredibly talented photographer. Take a look at her work.

Miller has a new album called “The Flood” on its way soon. Here’s a quick promotional video.

And as an audio guy, I really dig this glimpse into the studio.

“We Were All Incarcerated” Premiere Set for January 26 at Utica College

WHAT: Premiere of New Audio Documentary on Steve Barnes

WHEN: 7 pm, Wednesday, January 26

WHERE: Utica College Criminal Justice Building Auditorium

WHO: YOU!

I’ll premiere “We Were All Incarcerated” in a special public listening session on January 26^th at 7 pm in the Utica College Economic Crime and Justice Studies Building auditorium. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with Barnes. The program is free, so please come, bring some friends, and learn something new about this important social issue. It will make you think differently about your own life and the value of your freedom. As Barnes says: “It can happen to anybody.” Here I am talking about the upcoming premiere (thanks again, Miller):

“We Were All Incarcerated”

The Barnes family on the day of Steve's release, November 25, 2008. L to R: Innocence Project Attorney Alba Morales; Steve's mother Sylvia; Steve's sister Lisa; Innocence Project Founder Barry Scheck; Steve; Steve's sister Michelle; Steve's brother Shawn

In 1989, Steven Barnes of Marcy was wrongfully convicted of the 1985 rape and murder of 16-year-old Kimberly Simon, also of Marcy. Barnes served almost 20 years of his sentence before being exonerated in 2009 through DNA evidence. In a new audio documentary titled “We Were All Incarcerated,” I examine the circumstances by which Barnes was wrongfully convicted, the effects of imprisonment on Barnes and his family, and the process through which the Innocence Project secured Barnes’ exoneration. I also explore possible legislative reforms that might help prevent future wrongful convictions, as well as the state of the current reopened investigation being conducted by the Oneida County District Attorney’s office. The documentary features archival audio and extensive interviews with Barnes and his family, his Innocence Project attorney, and local attorneys, law enforcement officials, and academics familiar with the case. Read more about Steve’s case and the Innocence Project here. Check out the video my good friend Ryan Miller shot of me talking about “We Were All Incarcerated:”