Summary
The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” shows how Chester Hollman had the judicial system against him.
This recap of Netflix series The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” contains information regarding the subject matter. The episode discusses Chester Hollman, who was convicted of robbery and homicide at the second degree. The Innocence Project took on his cases to set him free.
What’s the subject matter of The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time“?
As the title suggests, Chester Hollman is serving a life sentence without parole — Chester always felt the prosecutors and police just wanted to close his case. He was arrested for robbery and homicide. Chester was unfortunately in the same car from the crime scene and as he drove towards where the murder happened, he was stopped with Dierdre Jones in the passenger seat; they weren’t identified by the eyewitnesses and they weren’t even wearing the right clothes. There also weren’t four people in the car as described by witnesses and there was no gun.
To fight for his innocence, Chester Hollman has a new lawyer fighting fom him (Alan Tauber) and district attorney Patricia Cummings looking into his case.
The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” reveals Chester to be a warmhearted man — a man with zero violent inclinations in him. When he was arrested, homicide investigators and the police did an aggressive interrogation; going against the rules of engagement and doing everything they could to place Chester as the main suspect. As Chester entered the prison he cried — they offered him a good plea agreement, based on if he was able to provide information of other people in the vehicle, but obviously, he could not give them the information.
The Innocence Files episode 7 also puts the blame on Roger King, who was the prosecutor at the time — he was described as an orator. The jury struggled to find reasonable doubt at first, but they convicted Chester Hollman of second-degree homicide, despite being big holes in the case and very thin reasons to prosecute. Andrew Dawkins was also an unreliable witness who gave a false statement — he also gave false statements in the past and has an extensive criminal record. Dierdre Jones who was also in the car and was pressured to give a wrong statement, recanted.
Unfortunately, the judge did not believe Dierdre’s recantation.
The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” then gives the lowdown of Philadelphia at the time Chester was imprisoned — it had over 100 cases that were under jeopardy due to police corruption and police did not seem to be made accountable. New District Attorney Larry Krasner reformed the criminal justice system in Philadephia and got rid of the fascist system that was not proportional.
As the episode delves deeper, we learn that other cars were rented that were the same as Chester Hollman’s. The police also had a suspect who kept renting cars and returning them damaged — presumably, for crimes. Her name was Denise Combs. The police also had an anonymous tip on Denise Combs but the police did not pursue her. Andrew Dawkins also identified Denise Combs.
And lastly on this subject matter; Roger King was deemed as a “win at all costs” prosecutor, and was not about the truth. He was often accused of withholding evidence in many of his cases and providing false eye witness testimony; even the FBI investigated him for mishandling of judicial procedures — it was dropped which made him feel invincible.
What is the basis that Chester Hollman is innocent The Innocence Files episode 7?
In June 2019, Patricia Cummings and Alan Tauber presented evidence to Judge Bright detailing evidence of Chester Hollman’s innocence. Tauber reveals that some evidence was reserved, including nail clippings of the victim — Chester’s DNA is excluded.
What was the outcome of episode 7?
Judge Bright ruled that Chester Hollman is likely to be innocent and was freed in July 2019. The Innocence Files episode 7, “The Prosecution: Wrong Place, Wrong Time” shows an emotional moment between Chester and his family outside the prison. Chester does not want to sit around all his life and vows to do something to make a difference.
Any other observations?
- Alan Tauber, Chester’s lawyer, did all his work for the family for free.
