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.

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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