A man turns himself in for a crime 17 years later, facing the aftermath of his confession and arrest. The gothic Fishkill prison and the thoughts of the prosecutor are explored. The concept of clemency and the challenges in the decision-making process are discussed. The speaker reflects on their time served and reconnects with their adult children.
Travell Coleman turned himself in for a shooting he committed 17 years prior, despite not being a suspect, driven by a sense of guilt and the desire to make amends.
Travell's decision to confess and turn himself in was met with judgment and criticism, but he remains steadfast in believing it was the right thing to do and feels relieved to have accepted responsibility for his actions.
Deep dives
Travell's decision to turn himself in after 17 years
In this podcast episode, the story of Travell Coleman is shared. At the age of 18, he shot a man during a robbery in 1993 but never became a suspect for the shooting. Years later, burdened by guilt, Travell walked into a police station to turn himself in. This act of conscience was unusual since he was not on the run and no one was actively looking for him. He signed a confession and was eventually arrested for murder. Despite facing judgment and criticism, he did not regret his decision to confess, as he believed it was the right thing to do.
Travell's remorse and reflections on his sentence
Travell Coleman reflects on his actions and expresses genuine remorse for the shooting that took place in 1993. His decision to turn himself in was driven by the desire to make amends and right the wrong he had committed. During his trial, he received a sentence of 15 years to life, which he perceived as a relief, given his internal turmoil. Although uncertain about his future, Travell recognizes the need to accept responsibility for his actions and is ready to move forward and leave behind the guilt that has haunted him for years.
The journey towards clemency and hopes for release
Attorney Steve Zeidman became involved in Travell Coleman's case after receiving a letter from the original prosecutor expressing remorse for the outcome and a desire to see Travell released. Steve submitted a clemency application on Travell's behalf and highlighted his unique story of turning himself in after many years. Although there is no set timetable for a decision on the clemency application, Steve hopes that Travell's case will capture the attention of the Governor's Office and lead to a just outcome. For Travell, the possibility of clemency represents an opportunity to reunite with his adult children, be a part of their lives, and rebuild his life outside of prison.
This episode continues where Episode 237 leaves off.
17 years after he shot a man, Trevell Coleman walked into a police station and tried to turn himself in. He’d never been a suspect in the case, and had kept the secret for years. He also never knew if the man had lived or died — but after turning himself in, he finally found out.
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