The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless
An Honest Sheriff and the Exoneration of an Innocent Man
2 of 3 copies available
2 of 3 copies available
How was Josh imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit? Author Stephen R. Snodgrass expertly unveils the web of manipulation and corruption that led to Josh's conviction. Everything that could go wrong in the American criminal justice system did, from witnesses who were coached by law enforcement to lie, to withheld exculpatory evidence, and an unscrupulous prosecutor knowingly using false, recanted testimony. Snodgrass draws on interviews with Josh himself, the research of Sheriff Rick Walter, the first responder to the scene, and his own legal analysis, to reveal the truth behind the case, the conviction, and the exoneration. This book is a timely, compassionate work of true crime that calls for better and more equitable justice for all.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
May 15, 2023 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781538172070
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781538172070
- File size: 2387 KB
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Accessibility
No publisher statement provided -
Languages
- English
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Reviews
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April 1, 2023
The 1992 case of a gang member, Joshua Kezer, wrongly convicted of murdering a young woman in southeast Missouri, is examined in this work. The author Snodgrass, a civil litigation attorney, was brought in to aid Kezer's defense after a woman involved with a prison ministry reached out to friends. The book illustrates how pressure to find the killer of a young woman, understaffed rural police, and political ambition all led to the conviction of an innocent man. Snodgrass indicates that the defendant was framed by jailhouse informants seeking leniency for themselves, and the prosecutor knowingly used their false testimony. Furthermore, despite no connection to the victim, no physical evidence, and no proof that he was even in the state at the time, he was found guilty and imprisoned for 16 years. That's when a part-time deputy who had investigated the murder scene was elected sheriff. He reopened the case and is still searching for the murderer. A state court judge freed Kezer. The book notes what he and the lawyers are doing now. VERDICT True crime readers will likely appreciate this detailed examination of a flawed case. A read-alike is Bone Deep by Charles Bosworth and Joel Schwartz.--Harry Charles
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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April 1, 2023
In 1992 Missouri, 18-year-old Kezer was arrested for the murder of teenager Angela Mischelle Lawless. Despite Kezer and Lawless being unacquainted and multiple witnesses attesting to him being several hundred miles away during the homicide, Kezer was convicted of Lawless' murder. He remained in jail until his conviction was overturned in 2009. The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless elevates the true-crime genre by including Kezer as an author alongside lawyer Snodgrass, a member of the legal team that overturned Kezer's conviction. Kezer's recounting of a turbulent upbringing and the devastation of a murder conviction add a deeply shattering tenor to Snodgrass' expert legal perspective. Snodgrass shows how inaccurate eyewitness testimony, irresponsible prosecution and law enforcement, and neglectful legal representation led to an innocent man's conviction and a murder remaining unsolved. The authors then share how the honesty and steadfastness of Kezer's supporters and legal team, along with Kezer's own dedication, allowed him to reclaim his innocence. Readers of legal true crime, along with those interested in criminal-justice reform, will appreciate Kezer's deeply moving account and Snodgrass' thorough legal exploration.COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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