Bone Valley: Bonus Episode | Nothing but a Meatball

Host: Gilbert King
Production: Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1
Release Date: May 5, 2023

Background

In the tragic case of Michelle Schofield's murder in 1987, her husband Leo Schofield was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Fifteen years later, Jeremy Scott, previously unidentified, confessed to her murder, leading to questions about Leo's innocence and prompting ongoing efforts to exonerate him. In this bonus episode of Bone Valley, host Gilbert King delves deeper into Leo's parole hearing, exploring new developments and the emotional journey of those involved.

The Parole Hearing Preparations

[03:38]
Gilbert King recounts the intense preparations leading up to Leo's parole hearing. He and Scott Kupp had a pivotal meeting with Commissioner Richard Davison, who was initially leaning towards denying parole:

Scott Kupp: "I'm a creature of the system, and I have to believe that what the courts have decided is correct."

Despite their efforts, initial feedback from Davison was disheartening, indicating a vote for an extension rather than immediate parole.

Emotional Support and Strategy

[05:54]
Following the discouraging meeting, the team gathered with Leo's family for a somber dinner, where prayers and words of hope were shared:

Laurie Herrick: "We ask that you would bring us the outcome that we want."

Meanwhile, Gilbert and Scott strategized to bring additional support to influence the commissioners, including seeking the presence of Senator Jonathan Martin, a strong advocate for Leo's innocence.

Senator Jonathan Martin's Intervention

[19:18]
In a bold move, Senator Martin agreed to attend the parole hearing, adding significant weight to Leo's case. His presence aimed to sway the commissioners by highlighting systemic issues and advocating for justice:

Jonathan Martin: "You have the opportunity to release him immediately... I stand by the criminal justice system here in the state of Florida... but there's a whole lot of doubt right now about how good we are."

Martin emphasized Leo's unwavering stance on his innocence and questioned the integrity of the evidence presented during the original trial.

Parole Hearing Proceedings

[20:24]
As the hearing commenced, emotions ran high among Leo's supporters. Commissioner Melinda Coonrod emphasized the distinction between determining guilt and assessing suitability for parole:

Commissioner Coonrod: "Our job is to look at a person's overall record and determine whether or not they are suitable for parole..."

Supporters' Statements:
Scott Kupp passionately argued for Leo's innocence and the need for the commissioners to acknowledge it:

Scott Kupp: "This man does not deserve one more night in prison. He's been in there for 35 years."

Jonathan Martin further reinforced the call for justice, urging the commission to consider the inconsistencies in Leo's case:

Jonathan Martin: "Find a way to make it part of your purview. This man does not deserve one more night in prison."

Opposition's Perspective:
Assistant State Attorney Jacob Orr presented a brief but firm stance supporting the original conviction, emphasizing the thoroughness of past reviews and the importance of public safety:

Jacob Orr: "Every one of those reviews results in the same outcome that there's overwhelming evidence in support of the guilty verdict..."

Commissioners' Deliberation and Decision

[35:15]
After hearing all testimonies, the commissioners deliberated. Commissioner Richard Davison sided with an initial recommendation to extend Leo's sentence by 24 months:

Commissioner Davison: "I recommend that Leo be transferred to Everglades Correctional to participate in the lifers program for 24 months."

However, Commissioner David Wyant proposed reducing the extension to 18 months, demonstrating a willingness to find common ground.

[37:31]
Commissioner Coonrod, reflecting on the case's complexity and her respect for the judicial process, ultimately voted for a 12-month extension:

Commissioner Coonrod: "Our final decision is to move Mr. Schofield's case to June 24, 2024, with a next interview date of March 24 and a referral to the CTP FIU program at Everglades."

Aftermath and Reflections

[43:25]
Following the hearing, Leo's family and supporters grappled with mixed emotions—relief that an end was in sight, yet disappointment that immediate parole was not granted. Scott Kupp and Gilbert King reflected on the significance of the decision, viewing it as a step towards eventual exoneration:

Scott Kupp: "This is a very big victory for me."

[53:23]
In a heartfelt discussion, Chrissy Schofield expressed gratitude towards the podcast team and outlined the path forward:

Chrissy Schofield: "This is a really, really positive thing... We can see it. It's at the end of nine months, and it's solid."

Leo added emotional thanks, acknowledging the support that made this progress possible:

Leo Schofield: "I am innocent... But even knowing it's not true, even knowing the people who are on my support system know that it's not true."

Looking Ahead

With the parole process extending to March 2024, Leo and his team remain hopeful. The involvement of influential figures like Senator Martin and the unwavering support from family and advocates signal a shift towards justice. While immediate release was not achieved, the 12-month extension offers a tangible path forward, reinvigorating efforts to secure Leo's freedom and rectify a longstanding miscarriage of justice.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Kupp [05:54]: "I'm a creature of the system. The courts have ruled, and he's not willing to acknowledge that there are mistakes made."
• Jonathan Martin [24:23]: "You have the opportunity to release him immediately... I stand by the criminal justice system... but there's a whole lot of doubt right now."
• Commissioner Coonrod [35:15]: "Our job is to look at a person's overall record and determine whether or not they are suitable for parole..."
• Chrissy Schofield [53:23]: "We can see it. It's at the end of nine months, and it's solid."
• Leo Schofield [65:25]: "I am innocent... we just have to keep gas in the motorcycle."

This episode of Bone Valley underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by Leonard Schofield's loved ones and advocates, highlighting the complexities and emotional toll of wrongful convictions. As Leo inches closer to potential freedom, the collective efforts of the Bone Valley team serve as a beacon of hope for those fighting similar battles within the criminal justice system.