Criminal: Episode 54: Melinda and Clarence

November 6, 2016 10:24 AM

Melinda Dawson found out on the same day in 1998 that her adoptive mother had been killed and that her husband Clarence was being charged with the murder. Clarence was convicted in 1999 and given two life sentences. Left alone with her two sons, no money, and no experience, Melinda set out to try and prove that he was innocent. She started with a suspect list.   

Episode page

Film being made about Melinda's story

posted by radioamy (5 comments total)

I loved this so much. So much resilience and hard crazy work on Melinda's part, and so many obstacles looming against her. What a heroine.
posted by charmedimsure at 6:01 PM on November 6, 2016

I was excited when this second half of the story came out! What an amazing story, and so well told. I couldn't believe her persistence and determination.

Also--it was really weird to hear how dismissive the courts were of DNA evidence.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 6:42 PM on November 6, 2016

I know, what a frustrating story! I was so glad that she finally got resolution.
posted by radioamy at 8:36 PM on November 6, 2016

Have downloaded this as recently read a good Narratively article on Melinda.
posted by ellieBOA at 12:19 AM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

I was on tenterhooks until this episode came out.
posted by jeather at 8:59 AM on November 9, 2016