Radiolab The Alford Plea
25 snips
Jun 28, 2024 
Peter Smith, a dedicated reporter, teams up with Greg Brown Jr., the central figure in a tragic story involving an Alford plea linked to a decades-long investigation of a fire in Pittsburgh. They dive into the perplexing nature of the Alford plea, where one can plead guilty yet assert innocence. Smith uncovers how forensic science and inconsistent witness testimonies played crucial roles in Greg's trial. The emotional toll of wrongful convictions and the pursuit of truth in a flawed justice system are powerfully explored throughout their conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Night of the Fire
- Greg Brown Jr. and his mom, Darlene, went to the grocery store late at night.
- Returning, they found their house on fire, tragically killing three firefighters.
Arson Investigation
- Investigator Bill Petritus ruled out accidental causes based on burn patterns in the basement.
- He concluded the fire was arson due to the intensity and duration, requiring an accelerant like gasoline.
Shifting Suspicions
- Initially, investigators suspected gang activity or an external attack.
- Later, Darlene's recent insurance policies and a neighbor's testimony shifted suspicion towards her and Greg.