The Luckiest of the Unlucky - Up First from NPR

Podcast Summary: Up First from NPR
Episode: The Luckiest of the Unlucky
Release Date: December 22, 2024

Introduction

In the December 22, 2024 episode of Up First from NPR, host Aisha Rascoe delves into the harrowing story of Ben Spencer, a man who has been imprisoned for nearly three decades due to a wrongful conviction. Co-host Barbara Bradley Haggerty joins Rascoe to explore the intricate details of Spencer's case, the systemic flaws that contributed to his prolonged incarceration, and the eventual steps taken towards his conditional release. This episode, titled "The Luckiest of the Unlucky," offers a comprehensive look into the American justice system's capacity for both failure and redemption.

Ben Spencer’s Wrongful Conviction

Ben Spencer was convicted in the 1990s during America's "tough on crime" era, a period marked by significant reliance on aggressive policing and prosecutorial tactics. Despite the advent of DNA testing during this time—which has since exonerated approximately 3,600 innocent individuals—Spencer's case lacked this critical piece of evidence. As Aisha Rascoe explains:

Aisha Rascoe [01:12]: "DNA didn't help Ben Spencer because police didn't obtain any DNA from the crime scene. So while there was new hope for many wrongfully convicted, there wasn't that hope for Ben."

Personal Toll on Ben and Deborah Spencer

Spencer's wrongful conviction had profound personal repercussions. At the time of his arrest, his wife Deborah was seven months pregnant, stripping him of the opportunity to raise his son. The emotional strain was immense, leading Spencer to make the heartbreaking decision for Deborah to divorce him in 1993 to allow her to rebuild her life. Deborah reflects on their strained relationship:

Deborah Spencer [01:45]: "He'd say, 'Don't cry. You know, it's going to be okay.' He would always tell me, 'I know I'm here. I want you to live your life. I want you to do what? Make you happy.' And, you know, I'll be okay."

Despite the divorce, Deborah remained Spencer's staunchest supporter and maintained contact throughout his imprisonment.

Jim McCluskey's Investigation and New Evidence

In 2001, Jim McCluskey of Centurion Ministries visited Spencer, igniting new hope. McCluskey, convinced of Spencer's innocence, embarked on a rigorous investigation, interviewing approximately 200 individuals connected to the case. His efforts unearthed significant flaws in the original investigation and trial:

Rick Magness [03:37]: "I walked away thinking, we can't leave this man behind. We just can't do it. He had nothing to do with this crime."

Key findings included:

Eyewitness Testimony Issues: A forensic visual scientist demonstrated that eyewitnesses could not have accurately identified Spencer from the distance and lighting conditions present at the crime scene ([04:32]).
Jailhouse Informant Discrepancies: Initially, Danny Edwards, an informant, claimed he testified out of moral outrage without any deals. However, evidence revealed that Edwards had received a deal to reduce his sentence ([04:32]).
Neglected Suspect: Police had overlooked Michael Hubbard, a suspect who had confessed to similar crimes and was later convicted for a series of attacks known as the "Batman" crimes ([05:48]).

Spencer's conviction was therefore founded on unreliable testimony and a flawed investigative process.

Judicial Proceedings and Setbacks

Judge Rick Magness, after a thorough review of the new evidence, found Spencer innocent and recommended a new trial or acquittal ([07:35]). However, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Spencer's conviction in 2011, citing the absence of DNA evidence as insufficient grounds for overturning the verdict ([09:31]). This decision left Spencer languishing in prison despite the mounting evidence of his innocence.

Renewed Efforts and Conditional Release

Undeterred, reporter Aisha Rascoe, alongside investigator Darrell Parker, continued to seek new evidence. Their persistent efforts led to the discovery of crucial testimonies:

New Alibi Witness: Spencer's friend's younger brother provided an alibi confirming that Spencer was with him during the time of the crime, a detail previously dismissed ([12:00]).
Recanting Witnesses: Jimmy Cotton, one of the original eyewitnesses, admitted under oath and through a polygraph that he had not seen Spencer on the night of the assault and had been coerced into lying for a reward ([13:10]).

These advancements culminated in a shift within the Dallas County District Attorney's office. John Cruzeau, a new DA elected in 2018 with a reputation for addressing wrongful convictions, took up Spencer's case. Prosecutor Cynthia Garza uncovered further discrepancies, including bribery by witness Gladys Oliver, leading to the dismissal of charges against Spencer.

On March 12, 2021, Spencer was conditionally released:

Aisha Rascoe [21:48]: "This was a conditional release, because at any moment, Ben could be sent back to prison for life."

Despite the conditional nature of his release, Spencer began rebuilding his life, securing employment, reconnecting with his son, and remarrying Deborah in January 2022.

Reflections on the Criminal Justice System

The Spencer case underscores systemic issues within the American justice system, including:

Reliance on Unreliable Testimony: The use of jailhouse informants and pressured eyewitnesses can lead to wrongful convictions.
High Standards for Exoneration: States like Texas require indisputable evidence, such as DNA or unequivocal video footage, to overturn convictions, making it exceedingly difficult for wrongfully convicted individuals to gain freedom.
Need for Systemic Reform: While some progress has been made—e.g., Texas reducing reliance on jailhouse informants—the case illustrates that significant barriers remain in preventing and rectifying wrongful convictions.

Aisha Rascoe [27:13]: "In America, should a person's freedom depend on luck?"

Conclusion

"The Luckiest of the Unlucky" sheds light on the intricate and often flawed processes that can lead to wrongful convictions. Ben Spencer's journey from wrongful imprisonment to conditional release serves as a poignant example of both the failings and the potential for redemption within the criminal justice system. The episode calls listeners to reflect on the systemic changes needed to ensure justice is fairly administered and highlights the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of truth.

Notable Quotes:

Deborah Spencer [01:45]:
"He'd say, 'Don't cry. You know, it's going to be okay.' He would always tell me, 'I know I'm here. I want you to live your life. I want you to do what? Make you happy.' And, you know, I'll be okay."
Rick Magness [03:37]:
"I walked away thinking, we can't leave this man behind. We just can't do it. He had nothing to do with this crime."
Danny Edwards [16:19]:
"Like shit."
Aisha Rascoe [27:13]:
"In America, should a person's freedom depend on luck?"

Further Information:

For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of Ben Spencer's case, Barbara Bradley Haggerty authored the book Bringing Ben: A Murder, A Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice.