One July night in 1995, Deputy Sheriff William G. Hardy was shot behind the Crown Sterling Suites hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. At the same time as the murder, at least 10 people saw Toforest Johnson four miles away at a popular nightclub called Tee's Place. But detectives zeroed in on him as a main suspect in Deputy Hardy’s murder anyway, ultimately resulting in Toforest being tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. For over a quarter century, Toforest has been confined to a 5’ by 8’ cell on Alabama’s death row.
 
In 2019, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne began covering the case, going down a disturbing rabbit hole revealing many unsettling facts that cast grave doubts about Toforest’s guilt. The facts she found tear at the very foundation of the American criminal justice system: No eyewitnesses or physical evidence tied Toforest to the murder; the state tried to convict a different man for the same crime; and perhaps most disturbing of all, Toforest’s conviction relied on an "earwitness" – a woman who claimed to have eavesdropped on an incriminating phone call, a woman whom prosecutors paid for her testimony, in secret. That payment was not disclosed to the jury, Toforest, or his lawyers until after he had been on death row for 17 years.
 
From the team behind the award-winning hit podcast Bone Valley, Lava for Good’s Earwitness is an eight-episode docuseries that asks the question, “How did an innocent man end up on death row — and why is the state still trying to execute him over the objection of the prosecutor who put him there?” Shelburne’s unprecedented access to key players—the lead detective, lead prosecutor, witnesses, jurors, and the earwitness herself—illuminate a story filled with disturbing twists, frustrating ambiguities, and shocking admissions. The story of Toforest Johnson and the state's enthusiasm for the death penalty in the face of such troubling evidentiary flaws brings to light the failings of a criminal justice system run amok.
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Introducing: Earwitness

In this episode of Lipstick & Lies, listen as Jami Rice and I speak with Criminal Psychologist, Dr. Michelle Ward. Together, we discuss everything from common misconceptions regarding serial killers to red flags people should watch out for in a romantic relationship. Dr. Michelle Ward also weighs in on the Gilgo Beach Murders case which recently had a major update with the arrest of Rex Heuermann who is suspected to be the the Long Island Serial Killer. But before diving into the dark topic of serial killers, Jami and I play a game of “Would You Rather” with Dr. Ward as a warm-up to our deep dive on serial killers. 
 
Follow us on social media and become part of the Lie Detector community:
Instagram: @LipstickandLies 
TikTok: @LipstickandLiesPod
Jami Rice: @JamiOnAir (IG & TikTok) 
Melissa Moore: @LifeAfterCrimee (IG) / @LifeAfterCrime (TikTok) 
 
Follow Dr. Michelle Ward on Instagram @DrMichelleWard. 
 
Leave a 5-star rating for Lipstick & Lies in Apple Podcasts, and drop the name of your favorite lipstick or lip gloss while you’re there! apple.co/lipstick
 
Crime is typically a good ol’ boys club, but sometimes the truth lies behind lipstick. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lipstick & Lies Episode Two Preview!

Join myself and Jami Rice, two crime survivors, as we lift the veil on lurid tales of lady liars and killers who hid their dark intentions behind a veneer of charm and normalcy. On Lipstick & Lies, Jami and I explore a genre once dominated by the whispered tales of 'good ol’ boys’, but sometimes, the truth lies behind lipstick. If you’re intrigued by women who’ve dabbled in the good ol’ boys crime club you’ve found your people...and your podcast! Listen to new episodes every other Thursday.
apple.co/lipstick
Follow us on social media and become part of the Lie Detector community:
Instagram: @LipstickandLies 
TikTok: @LipstickandLiesPod
Jami Rice: @JamiOnAir (IG & TikTok) 
Melissa Moore: @LifeAfterCrimee (IG) / @LifeAfterCrime (TikTok) 
 
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa's New Podcast -  Lipstick & Lies with Jami Rice and Melissa Moore

In this season ending episode of Happy Face Presents: Two Face, we receive the final update from Michelle Leonard, the DNA Detective. Has she found Becky's father and what does Becky do with all of this information after going on a altering journey? We are left with a heartfelt takeaway from Becky, in her own words.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mystery Man

In this bonus episode, we hear the bizarre letter Diane wrote to her post-conviction attorney in full read by an actor.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Letter

Eric Mason recounts Diane Down's strange escape from prison. Her post conviction attorney, Steve Gorham, shares a bizarre letter written after her trial that changes her story of what happened the night of the shooting.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Escape

We revisit Becky's search for her biological father. DNA detective Michelle Leonard presents Becky with thedefinitive answer on her relation to Diane Downs, and we get a surprise match that moves us closer to solving the mystery of Becky's father.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackpot Match

The trial of Diane Downs begins, sparking a media circus as reporters scramble for details. Christie Downs makes a remarkable recovery from her stroke and is able to testify in front of the jurors.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trial

How does Becky plan to uncover her Paternal Lineage? With help from two DNA and genetic experts, we sink our teeth into the reality of trying to track down a parent with limited information. Fortunately, with the DNA kits submitted by Diane's brother, James Fredrickson, and Becky, we have the first piece of the puzzle to find Becky's biological dad.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DNA Detective

Just four days after the shooting Diane participated in a reenactment of the night of May 19th for the police. Her affect throughout the reenactment caused the police and community to look at her as a suspect.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diane

Could Diane’s obsession with a married man be the possible motive? We explore her former marriage and life leading up to the shooting of the Downs children.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Night of May 19th, 1983

After many attempts to speak with Diane's family members, Diane's brother, James, finally agrees to sit down with Becky.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truth and Lies

After a viewing of a TV movie revealed to Becky what her biological mother had done, her life took a turn towards rebellion. Now, twenty years later, she's still dealing with the consequences of that discovery  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Secret

In 1984, Diane Downs was convicted for the murder of her daughter and attempted murder of her other son and daughter. Shortly before her admission to prison, she gave birth to a girl. Now that daughter, Becky Babcock, begins the journey to accept the connection to who her biological mother is, and what that means for her life going forward.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hidden in Plain Sight

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Happy Face Presents: Two Face

How has this journey changed Melissa’s life? And were she and her father tormented by his ghosts or their shared inner demons? Melissa now has an answer.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 12: Aftermath

After getting a PET Scan, Melissa meets with a neuroscientist who believes brain patterns can identify psychopaths. Dr. James Fallon also happens to be a psychopath. He shares his incredible personal story before revealing her results.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 11: Psychopathy

Melissa is conflicted by how her father’s crimes have shaped her life and her career. She’s also conflicted about the paranormal ‘gift’ they both share-- seeing and feeling ghosts. Does this bolster Sam’s psychopath argument? And has she passed this trait to her son as well?   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 10: Ghosts and Letters

Melissa married her husband Sam hoping to find stability and distance herself from her father’s crimes - but her inability to open up emotionally is destroying their marriage - and it leads them both to question whether Melissa is capable of feeling compassion - a psychopathic trait she and her father seem to share.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 9: Normalcy

Keith Jesperson savagely killed at least 8 women between 1990 and 1995. Eluding capture, he taunted law enforcement and media with letters signed with a smile. But the detectives and journalist who helped end his killing spree say his reputation as a macho, murdering mastermind is not what it seems.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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