In this episode of A Heavy Weight, we delve into the case of Allison Lussier, a 47-year-old Indigenous woman whose tragic death sparked outrage in her community. Despite multiple calls for help in the face of domestic violence, Allison's cries went unheard—illustrating the deep systemic failures Indigenous women face when seeking justice and support.

In November 1981, 15-year-old Marie Patrick disappeared after a hitchhiking trip with her friend. 

In 1972, 25-year-old single mother Vickie Lynn Harrell walked out of her Bloomington, Indiana apartment and never returned.

In 1998, Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne of Waverly, Virginia, were sentenced to life for a murder they were acquitted of, exposing systemic flaws like withheld evidence and a judge’s power to override a jury’s verdict. In this episode, we examine the controversial mechanism of acquitted conduct sentencing and the tireless advocacy work aimed at righting this profound injustice.

Join us for our first update episode since the original series aired. You'll hear an update from Joseph's family and we'll share material we didn't include in the original series. 

Keep following along as we work towards a call campaign on Tuesday, November 15th. 

Episode ten of A Heavy Weight: Where are we today?

In the series finale we’ll go over the facts in Joseph’s case and hear from outside experts as to what could help have Joseph’s case re-opened.

We’ll also hear from Joseph’s family about what they want to happen in his case.

While this is the series finale, for now, we’ll be posting episode updates as we keep working on justice for Joseph.

Thank you for listening.

Episode nine of A Heavy Weight: What is the narrative in Joseph’s story? Who has tried to control it and why?

We’re diving into a few strange details in Joseph’s case, starting with the letter found by his roommates. You’ll hear conversations from the time, begging the question, who could’ve written that note? Do law enforcement know something we don’t?

We’ll also hear from Joseph’s family in the aftermath of his death; why would law enforcement hold onto Joseph’s belongings for the past six years?

Episode eight of A Heavy Weight: Forensic pathologists Dr. Andrea Zaferes and Dr. Darin Wolfe join us again to talk about the likelihood of suicide by drowning in Joseph’s case. What does the evidence tell us? Should his death have been ruled suicide by drowning?

Episode seven of A Heavy Weight: We begin to unpack Joseph’s autopsy and toxicology reports with the help of experts Andrea Zaferes and Dr. Darin Wolfe. What do the reports tell us about Joseph’s death?

Episode six of A Heavy Weight: The investigation into Joseph’s death takes shape; but does the story being presented make sense?Joseph’s family try to get more answers from law enforcement and begin to form their own theories about what could’ve happened.