This week, we revisit the gut-wrenching story of Marie Versos and her mother, Debbie Cisco, whose lives were brutally taken due to domestic violence. Originally covered in October 2023, this update reveals shocking new details and significant changes to the law that aim to prevent future tragedies.

Despite Marie's desperate attempts to escape abuse, the system failed her—and her death, alongside her mother’s, exposed major flaws in the legal process. But there's a silver lining. Marie’s brother, Alex, has channeled his grief into action, spearheading the Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act. Passed in July 2024, this groundbreaking law mandates GPS monitoring for high-risk offenders—something that could have had a different outcome in this story.

We dig into the chilling details, the systemic failures, and how Alex is turning pain into purpose with this law that’s already making a difference.

Resources for those in need of help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

• Text "START" to 88788

• Visit thehotline.org

This is a story of heartbreak, but also of hope—one that shows real change can come from tragedy.

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Today we have the honor of speaking with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the mastermind behind the podcast Bone Valley, Gilbert King. Known for his deep dives into the complexities of criminal justice, Gilbert has spent years unraveling the haunting story of Leo Schofield, a man wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife.

In this fascinating bonus episode, we discuss the emotional toll of telling such a gripping and complex story, the challenges of turning a multi-decade case into a podcast, and what it’s like working with the very people involved in these crimes. From Leo's resilience in the face of a wrongful conviction to the unexpected twists in season two involving Jeremy Scott, Gilbert shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Bone Valley.

We also explore the emotional journey of forgiveness and redemption, and the powerful relationships that have emerged from this case, like the bond between Leo and Jeremy. Through the raw interviews and complex storytelling, Gilbert reveals what it was like to uncover layers of truth that had been buried for years.

You won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation about justice, the human side of crime stories, and the impact of storytelling in shedding light on the truth.

Listen to Bone Valley now, wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you to this episode's sponsors:

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