Radio Atlantic: How Innocence Becomes Irrelevant
The story of Benjamine Spencer shows a legal system that prefers naming someone guilty over figuring out who really is.
No Way Out
A jury found Benjamine Spencer guilty. Then a judge found him innocent. He’s still in prison. Does the truth matter?
Information
This work was commissioned, produced, and edited by The Atlantic's editorial staff. Support for this work was provided in part by the organizations listed here.
This series is supported by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge.
Radio Atlantic: Who Killed Jeffrey Young?
The second of three parts in our story about Benjamine Spencer, who’s spent most of his life in prison for a murder in Dallas
Radio Atlantic: No Way Out, Part I
Benjamine Spencer has been in prison most of his life for a violent crime he may not have committed. But his guilt or innocence may no longer matter to the justice system.
Can You Prove Your Innocence Without DNA?
Benjamine Spencer is serving a life sentence for a violent crime he insists he didn't commit. But he lacks biological evidence—and old-fashioned detective work may not be enough to clear his name.