Episode 1: What If I Follow You Around?
Summary
Journalist Maurice Schama follows defense attorney Greg Warchuk as he races to stop the execution of David Wood, a Texas serial killer on death row. With only weeks remaining, Warchuk attempts to persuade the new El Paso District Attorney to halt the execution and test DNA evidence that may prove Wood’s innocence. The episode highlights the legal team’s struggles against institutional inertia, including a former jailhouse informant’s allegations of coerced testimony and the DA’s refusal to reopen the decades-old case.
Topics discussed
Intro: Connections Sports Edition puzzle
George Hall's tip-off about David Wood
The prison library sting and fabricated confessions
Greg Warchuk's investigation and the narrator's pitch
The Desert Killer case background and stakes
Ad: The Athletic World Cup coverage
Detective Johnny's investigation and the 'Skeeter' lead
Judith Kelling's testimony and Wood's conviction
Greg's failed attempt to meet DA Montoya
Meeting Jeremy Shepard and planning media strategy
Pitching the story to KVIA reporter Stephanie Valle
Ad: The New York Times science coverage
Stephanie's hesitation and the 'corrupted file' excuse
Greg texts Montoya; Stephanie leaves her job
DA Montoya's refusal and the team's next steps
Credits and production details
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