Advertise on podcast: Murder on Songbird Road

After nearly 40 years- including 29 spent behind bars- Frank Gable has officially been declared innocent of Michael Francke’s murder. It’s a stunning moment and a long-awaited measure of justice. But Michael’s murder remains unsolved. In this special update, Lauren Bright Pacheco is joined by journalist Phil Stanford and Michael’s brothers, Kevin and Pat, to revisit the case, reflect on Frank’s exoneration, and confront the question that still remains: What does justice for Michael look like now? Drawing on new revelations from Phil’s latest book, Who Killed Michael Francke- and How They Got Away With It, this powerful update returns to the case that, nearly four decades later, still demands answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  CONTACTS: The Illinois Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Office of the Illinois Governor JB Pritzker    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State’s Attorney claimed Bevely’s account of encountering an armed assailant was proven false within days of the murder but a closer look into call records raises questions about other possible suspects. Wrongful Conviction Podcast Episodes: Julie Rae Michelle Murphy Melissa Lucio Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of Jade’s father share their remembrances of a life tragically ended and thoughts on the woman they believe took it. Speculation as to what could have motivated the murder takes an unlikely turn, leading to Salem, Massachusetts. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weeks after she was arrested for the murder of her step-daughter, Julia Bevely realized she was expecting her fourth child. Her subsequent treatment during pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a pre-trial detainee remain, next to the murder, the most disturbing aspects of the case. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The day of the sentencing, Bob and Lauren retrace the route Julia Bevely claims to have taken the morning of the murder with surprising results. Her increasingly polarizing fate is then decided in a packed Marion courtroom filled with contrasting emotions. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob and Lauren connect in Marion, Illinois for Julia Bevely’s sentencing. Through a jailhouse visit with Bevely- and interviews with her family- a narrative emerges that is at odds with key elements of the prosecution theory in terms of the murder and the woman convicted of having committed it.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected].   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just days after the murder, the Williamson County State’s Attorney announced the death of Jade Beasley- and the arrest of Julia Bevely- in the same press conference. He claimed a thorough investigation had already been conducted, but glaring questions remain to this day.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On December 5th of 2020, a blended family was ripped apart when police responded to a 911 call placed from a rural area in Marion, Illinois. At the scene, they would find an 11-year-old girl, brutally murdered and her hysterical 32-year old stepmother.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.