Ep 5. The Witness: The Trials of Franky Carrillo

The Innocence Files season 1 episode 5 titled "The Witness: The Trials of Franky Carrillo" highlights the story of Franky Carrillo, a young Hispanic man whose life was changed when he was accused and convicted of a murder he did not commit.

The episode begins by introducing Franky, a teenager living with his family in Lynwood, California. In 1991, a deadly drive-by shooting took place in the neighborhood, and the shooter was never caught. Months later, police arrested Franky in connection with the crime based on the say-so of a single eyewitness who claimed to have seen Franky at the scene of the crime. Despite having alibis and no physical evidence linking him to the shooting, Franky was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

The episode highlights the flawed justice system that led to Franky's wrongful conviction. The eyewitness, who was only a teenager at the time of the crime and did not know Franky, was pressured by police to identify him as the shooter. The eyewitness also made inconsistent statements and had poor eyesight, but these pieces of evidence were not taken into account during Franky's trial.

The episode then showcases the struggles of Franky's family, who tirelessly fought for his innocence over the next 20 years. They teamed up with the California Innocence Project, which took up Franky's case and worked tirelessly to clear his name. The episode features interviews with Franky's family members, his lawyer, and Innocence Project representatives, giving viewers a glimpse into the complexities of wrongful convictions and the lengths people will go to achieve justice.

However, things got worse for Franky after 10 years of incarceration when he was accused of being involved in a prison riot and was subsequently sent to solitary confinement. The Innocence Project worked tirelessly again to prove his innocence, and their efforts paid off when the actual killer came forward and confessed to the murder Franky was serving time for.

The episode also highlights the challenges faced by exonerees after they are released from prison. Franky struggled to adjust to life after two decades behind bars. It was a challenge for him to get a job, find a place to live, rebuild broken relationships, and fully integrate back into society. However, his resilience, determination, and unwavering faith in God helped him to navigate and overcome the obstacles he faced.

Overall, "The Witness: The Trials of Franky Carrillo" takes viewers through the journey of wrongful convictions, the flaws of eyewitness testimony, and the importance of the work done by the California Innocence Project. Viewers witness firsthand how Franky's case exemplifies the failures of the justice system and the detrimental impact it has on innocent people and their families. The episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and the power of faith and resilience in overcoming obstacles.