Bone valley is one of the most poular podcasts of 2022, appearing on the list of many critics for top 2022 podcasts.
The plot is almost cliche. An innocent man is serving in prison for a murder he did not commit. An intrepid reporter who believes in the young man is on the case. However, what separates this podcast from the rest is the superb narration of the details and events surrounding the case and a look at Florida’s failed justice system.
Gilbert estimates that one in three cases of death row cases are miscarriages of justice cases. For this he blames incompetent defense lawyers, unscrupulous prosecutors and sloppy investigations.The story begins with a Florida judge contacts Gilbert to investigate the case of a man, Leo Schofield serving an life sentence for murder. The judge is confident that Leo is innocent.
Gilbert reluctantly agrees but on investigating the case further, plunges himself into the case and becomes a champion for Leo’s innocence. Gilbert’s efforts are reminiscent of the efforts of Nancy Solomon, host of the Dead End podcast. Leo Schofield, 22 is the young husband of Michelle Saum 18. The disappearance of Michelle and the subsequent finding of her body would lead to the arrest of Leo. Leo’s admission of domestic abuse in the relationship will be another roadblock to his credibility.
The term ‘Bone Valley’ refers to an area in Florida called the Central Florida Phosphate district where fossils are found in abundance. Michelle’s body was found in a phosphate pit in this region, and hence the name of this podcast.
While a prosecutor who is determined to see Leo punished for his crime, Leo seeks the help of a high profile attorney, who takes a cavalier attitude to the case. The result of these unfortunate factors would land Leo a life sentence where the young man would serve a term of almost three decades.
Leo is a model inmate who uses the time in jail to better himself and serve others to the best of his ability. He would meet and marry social worker Crissie Carter in prison. After two decades DNA found at the crime scene would point to another inmate, Jeremy Scott. Scott has a prior History of rape and even murder. He would even go on confess to the murder of Michelle. Gilbert goes into extensive details into Scott’s disturbing past and makes a convincing case that he, Scott may be the real murderer.
The shocking part of this podcast is that none of these are adequate to pave the way to Leo’s freedom. Determined enemies of Leo and the slow moving arms of the law will hold Leo back. Bone Valley is a riveting podcast that should not be missed.
Host: Gilbert King
Bay Area Bloke 