Ep 2. Innocence Files

Innocence Files is the second episode of the seventh season of the popular true crime series Cold Case Files. The episode focuses on cases where individuals were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated, sometimes after decades behind bars.

The episode begins with the story of Willie Grimes, a North Carolina man sentenced to life in prison in 1988 for a rape he didn't commit. Grimes maintained his innocence throughout his 24-year sentence, and eventually the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission took up his case. Through DNA testing, they were able to prove Grimes had not committed the crime, and he was released from prison in 2012.

The episode then tells the story of Richard Rosario, a New York City man who was convicted of murder but maintained his innocence. After being incarcerated for 20 years, a group of law students took up Rosario's case and found evidence that pointed to his innocence. In 2016, the Bronx district attorney's office agreed to a retrial, and Rosario was eventually exonerated.

The third case featured in the episode is that of Frank Lee Smith, a Florida man who was sentenced to death in 1986 for the murder of an eight-year-old girl. Smith maintained his innocence throughout his trial and appeal, and even as his execution date approached. However, it wasn't until after Smith had died from cancer while on death row that DNA evidence proved he was innocent.

In addition to these cases, the episode also delves into the story of Calvin Willis, a Louisiana man who was wrongfully convicted of rape and sentenced to life in prison. Willis spent 22 years behind bars before DNA evidence proved his innocence.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the individuals who worked tirelessly to help these wrongfully convicted individuals, including lawyers, activists, and members of the Innocence Project. The episode also explores the impact that spending years in prison for a crime one didn't commit can have on a person, as well as the challenges faced by those who are later exonerated.

Overall, Innocence Files is a powerful episode of Cold Case Files that shines a light on the flaws in the criminal justice system and the immense importance of ensuring that justice is served. The episode is a testament to the resilience of those who have been wrongfully convicted and the tireless efforts of those who work to bring them justice.