Ep 21. Guilty Until Proven Innocent

In season 8, episode 21 of 48 Hours on ID titled "Guilty Until Proven Innocent," the documentary series delves into the case of Ronald Cotton, a man falsely accused of rape and sentenced to life in prison.

In 1984, Jennifer Thompson, a 22-year-old college student, was brutally raped in her apartment by a masked attacker. She identified Ronald Cotton as her rapist, and based solely on her testimony, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. However, years later, DNA evidence proved that Cotton was not guilty, and the real perpetrator was identified and convicted.

This episode of 48 Hours on ID explores the devastating effects of false accusations and wrongful convictions. The series interviews Cotton and Thompson, who have since become friends and advocates for criminal justice reform. They discuss the flaws in the criminal justice system that allowed for Cotton's wrongful conviction and the importance of DNA evidence in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals.

The episode also features interviews with Cotton's family and friends, who recount their experiences of watching a loved one be unfairly punished for a crime he did not commit. Additionally, legal experts and experts in the field of criminal justice weigh in on the case, offering insight into the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions and advocating for reform.

Overall, 48 Hours on ID's "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" is a thought-provoking and emotional examination of the consequences of false accusations and the importance of due process in the criminal justice system. It sheds light on the need for reform and the impact that wrongful convictions can have on the lives of innocent individuals and their families.