On the morning of September 9, 1985, Paul Hildwin, low on money and out of gas, was hitchhiking

along US-19 when a squabbling couple, front-zettie cocks and William Haverdy picked them up.

As their argument reached a fever pitch, the couple pulled over and got out of the car.

Paul used this opportunity to take a few things from the car, including Miss Cox's checkbook

before leaving the couple in their roadside scuffle.

Four days later, on September 13, Miss Cox's nude body was found stuffed in the trunk

of her car, tucked into some woods.

Initially, Haverdy became the obvious suspect until the investigation led to one of her

checks having been cast by Paul Hildwin, and a search of his house, turned up the stolen

items from the car.

Paul's trial council was woefully inadequate and was further handicapped by a team of prosecutors

who buried witness statements that claimed Miss Cox had been alive up to 48 hours after

Paul had seen her.

Among many other pieces of misleading testimony, junk science, and outright lies, an FBI

serology expert falsely stated that fluids bound at the scene matched Paul, which led

to a 34-year fight to free him from death row.

This is wrongful conviction with Jason Flom.

Welcome back to wrongful conviction with Jason Flom.

That's me, of course I'm your host.

And today, I'm really excited because we have a woman who is in our wrongful conviction

community considered a legal legend.

Her name is Leanne Gowdy, a renowned defense attorney who has done phenomenal work on this

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