From NBI Studio, this is Truth and Justice, a crowdsourced investigation in real time.

I'm Bob Brum.

Statement from Christian Smith and Robert Pate to the listeners of the Truth and Justice

podcast.

Now that this season of Truth and Justice is winding down, we'd like to take the time

to thank everyone who has been an active listener of Bob's podcast.

While deciding what to say and how exactly to phrase it, we first thought what we wanted

to do was thank everyone who supported us no matter what.

Because everyone appreciates those who, in spite of whatever incredibly terrible things

may be said, has their back regardless.

These allies who have accepted our innocence from day one stuck with us through thick and

thin, and without whom this tribulation would have been insurmountable.

They undoubtedly have our gratitude.

However, the greater purpose of this letter is to recognize the listeners who came into

this with an open mind.

Those who are willing to analyze the information in an objective manner in order to make informed

decisions free from bias or prejudice.

Everyone likes unconditional support.

But what we need are opinions that represent the end of a long path that was meticulously

paved with often what some might consider mind-numbingly boring details.

The bias born of loyalty to us or disdain for the justice system that too frequently lets

us down only serves to create a different sort of problem, one which undermines the purpose

...