Ozarks True Crime Episode Summary: "The Sandra Hemme Story Ep. 9: Slipping Through the Cracks"

Release Date: March 21, 2024
Host: Anne Roderique-Jones

Introduction

In Episode 9 of Ozarks True Crime, titled "Slipping Through the Cracks", host Anne Roderique-Jones delves deep into the harrowing journey of wrongful incarceration, focusing on Sandra Hemme's story. Through a blend of investigative journalism and personal narrative, Anne sheds light on the systemic flaws that allow innocent individuals to languish in the prison system without adequate support upon exoneration.

Wrongful Conviction and the Missouri Prison System

The episode opens with a poignant discussion on Missouri's approach to mental health and its intersection with incarceration. Darrell Burton highlights a critical issue:

"Missouri is reducing patient beds in mental hospitals at the same time that they are building new prisons. [...] We've gone from treatment to punitive measures." (02:04)

This sets the stage for exploring how deficiencies in mental health care contribute to wrongful convictions and the perpetuation of inmates' struggles within the system.

Darrell Burton: A Journey from Wrongful Incarceration to Advocacy

Darrell's Story

Darrell Burton, a pivotal figure in this episode, shares his personal ordeal of wrongful imprisonment. Convicted based solely on unreliable witness testimony, Darrell spent nearly 25 years in prison before his exoneration in 2008. He recounts:

"No evidence of any kind. No ballistics, no fingerprints, no DNA, no confession, no weapon. It was just those snitch witnesses." (04:15)

Challenges After Release

Upon his release, Darrell encountered a stark lack of support systems for exonerees. He describes his initial struggles:

"Most of us come home, we're homeless, we don't have a place to stay." (07:02)

He emphasizes the overwhelming hurdles faced by those exonerated, from basic tasks like using a refrigerator to securing employment:

"I didn't know how to turn on the television [...] I had no clue how these things work." (07:59)

Founding Miracle of Innocence

Motivated by his experiences, Darrell co-founded Miracle of Innocence with Lamont McIntyre. The organization focuses on both obtaining exonerations and providing essential post-prison support. Reflecting on the insufficiency of existing programs, he states:

"They said, we don't help innocent people. [...] So that was the inspiration behind Miracle of Innocence." (05:12)

Perspectives on Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

Despite the prison's rehabilitative programs, Darrell remains skeptical about their effectiveness. He candidly shares:

"It's for punishment. [...] They run the place with a very strong, forceful hand." (18:52)

He underscores the lack of meaningful rehabilitation, highlighting the mental toll of incarceration:

"When you're in a place like that, you just never know what your breaking point is." (20:13)

Mental Health in Prison

Darrell discusses the pervasive mental health challenges within prisons, noting that the environment itself exacerbates existing issues:

"A lot of folks who enter into the prison system [...] they mentally deteriorate." (20:13)

He also touches on the long-lasting trauma that extends beyond physical release from prison:

"These traumas don't disappear with a release." (21:00)

Forgiveness and the Justice System

Transitioning from anger to forgiveness, Darrell attributes his peace to newfound faith:

"I have found forgiveness [...] forgiveness wasn't for them, it was for me." (24:29)

He remains critical of the justice system's intent, asserting:

"It's set up to get convictions, to win convictions. That's it." (25:46)

Inside Chillicothe Correctional Center: Insights from Lucas Reynolds and Karen Pojven

Life Inside the Facility

To provide a glimpse into the daily life at Chillicothe Correctional Center, Anne interviews Lucas Reynolds, a part-time worker at the facility. Lucas outlines the structured routine:

"They wake up at 5:30 for the 5:30am count. [...] they'll have breakfast." (12:09)

He also highlights specialized sections within the prison, such as the mental health unit:

"We have a great mental health house. [...] they have access to some of the best mental health professionals in the state." (13:05)

Programs and Rehabilitation Efforts

Anne converses with Karen Pojven, the Communications Director for the Missouri Department of Corrections, about the rehabilitative programs available:

"At Chillicothe Correctional Center, we have cosmetology, professional gardening, business technology, culinary arts, certified nursing assistant, customer service representative." (15:16)

However, Karen acknowledges the rising age of the prison population and the challenges it poses:

"The age of people in prison continues to rise. [...] Sandy is in her 60s." (16:10)

Support Systems for Exonerees: John Eldon’s After Innocence

Anne further explores post-exoneration support by interviewing John Eldon, founder of After Innocence. He discusses the organization's comprehensive assistance:

"After Innocence is helping exonerees with things like getting an ID or a Social Security card. [...] providing the person with the most help possible." (27:13)

John sheds light on the limitations of Missouri's compensation statutes, which predominantly favor those exonerated through specific DNA evidence avenues:

"In Missouri and in most of the 38 states that have a compensation statute, there are severe limitations..." (29:15)

He emphasizes the need for reform to make compensation more accessible to all exonerees.

Reputation and Safety Concerns at Chillicothe Correctional Center

The episode addresses serious allegations of misconduct within the prison system, referencing a Kansas City Star article from June 1, 2023, which reported that Missouri paid out $20 million to four women who accused a guard at Chillicothe Correctional Center of sexual abuse. This underscores the systemic issues and the persistent vulnerabilities within the institution.

Hope and Change: Reflections from Lucas Reynolds

Concluding with a note on optimism, Lucas Reynolds shares his aspirations to transform the public perception of correctional officers:

"I just want to do as much as I can in terms of community outreach [...] we're not trying to be above these offenders." (32:14)

His commitment to fostering positive change within a flawed system embodies the episode's central theme of resilience and advocacy.

Conclusion

Episode 9 of Ozarks True Crime masterfully intertwines personal narratives with systemic analysis, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by the wrongfully incarcerated in Missouri. Through interviews with Darrell Burton, John Eldon, Lucas Reynolds, and Karen Pojven, Anne Roderique-Jones highlights both the profound struggles and the inspiring efforts to reform and support exonerees like Sandra Hemme. The episode serves as a compelling call to action, urging listeners to recognize and address the gaps in the justice system that allow innocent individuals to "slip through the cracks."

Notable Quotes:

• Darrell Burton on wrongful conviction:

  "No evidence of any kind. No ballistics, no fingerprints, no DNA, no confession, no weapon. It was just those snitch witnesses." (04:15)

• Darrell Burton on post-release challenges:

  "Most of us come home, we're homeless, we don't have a place to stay." (07:02)

• John Eldon on compensation limitations:

  "In Missouri and in most of the 38 states that have a compensation statute, there are severe limitations..." (29:15)

• Lucas Reynolds on public perception of law enforcement:

  "Anytime anything negative happens with law enforcement, that seems to be what is portrayed all over, whether it's social media or the mainstream media." (33:51)

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the episode’s key discussions, insights, and emotional depth for those who have yet to listen.