In 1988, when he was just 17 years old, Marty Tankleff woke to find his mother dead and his father dying. Police immediately took him in for questioning.

During the investigation, a detective lied, claiming that Marty’s father, before he’d died, had named Marty as the killer. After hours of interrogation Marty falsely confessed and was charged with the murders. Despite his protestations of innocence at the trial, the prosecution hinged on an unsigned confession the police submitted. Marty was found guilty and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Inside, he taught himself the law so he could fight his case. In 2007, after 17 years in prison, an appeals court found key evidence in his trial was overlooked – and all charges against him were dismissed. Marty sued the State of New York and the Suffolk County police department for wrongful conviction and was awarded compensation of more than 13 million US dollars. Adapting to a new life in a new era wasn’t always easy, but he completed his legal training and was sworn in as a lawyer earlier this year.

South African teenager Mzwandile Twala was hoping his musical talent would be a passport to a better life. And the signs were promising - with performances abroad, and a very real chance of studying music in Europe. But then came the pandemic and lockdown. Now he finds himself shut indoors, unable to play his violin for an audience. But, as he told Outlook's Mpho Lakaje, he's not one to mope.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

Picture: Marty Tankleff

Credit: Benny Migs