On September 2, 1986, a Springfield, MA drug deal turned into an armed robbery, which turned into the death of an innocent bystander named Victoria Seymour. Six men, all of whom were later determined to have been involved in the robbery, identified Mark Schand as the one responsible for Seymour’s death. Despite the lack of physical evidence, and the fact that he was 30 miles away the entire evening that the crime took place, Schand was tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

As a three time Emmy award-winner, Lauren has worked as a writer, reporter and producer in various media spaces including radio, newspaper, television and podcasting. Her podcasts Murder in Illinois, Murder in Oregon, Happy Face, and more, investigate and report true crime cases.

Mark’s case and story dovetails seamlessly with many of those which Lauren has tackled in the past. Specifically, and what disturbs Lauren most, Mark was convicted for a crime he did not commit, without any evidence, and with the help of falsified testimony and coerced witnesses. Mark’s story inspires Lauren, as despite the loss and tragedy, his story still ends with a wonderful love story.

For listeners of Murder in Oregon and Murder in Illinois, if you want to hear more Wrongful Conviction, go to:

https://lavaforgood.com/with-jason-flom/

Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. 

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