#597 Maggie Freleng with Gwen Graham

Maggie Freleng first brought us the story of Gwen Graham of 2023. Gwen has now spent more than 37 years in a Michigan prison for murders they’ve has always maintained never even happened. At the time this episode was produced, Gwen identified as a woman, they now identify as a trans man.

Gwen was convicted in 1989 of killing five elderly patients at the nursing home where they worked. The case rested largely on the testimony of their former girlfriend, Cathy Wood, who claimed she and Gwen had smothered patients as part of a so-called lovers’ pact. Despite the lack of physical evidence of smothering, Gwen was sentenced to life without parole. Meanwhile, Cathy took a plea deal, testified against Gwen, and was released on parole in 2020. Gwen remains incarcerated.

And the prison where Gwen is being held — Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, Michigan’s only prison for women — is now facing serious scrutiny of its own. Toxic mold has been making prisoners sick, and several women have died from receiving substandard medical care. The problem has grown dire; incarcerated women and their families have joined forces with elected officials, advocates and even former guards to bring the horrific conditions to the public’s attention. The issue has now reached federal court.

So as Gwen continues to fight for their freedom, their story is also a window into what it means to grow old inside the prison system. Especially in a prison like Huron Valley.

Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

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