The companion resource to the Wrongful Conviction podcast

The Case of Joyce Watkins

📻 Episode #314 🎙️ Hosted by Guest Host Kemba Smith 📅 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 📍 Georgia
Exonerated

The Case

In the summer of 1987, Joyce Watkins received a call from her sister asking for help caring for their 4 year old great niece who lived in Georgia. Joyce agreed to come pick up the little girl and bring her to her home in Nashville, TN. Joyce noticed almost immediately that the girl was acting strangely and suffering from abnormal vaginal bleeding. Joyce took her to the hospital and learned that the little girl suffered from a vaginal injury and bleeding on the brain. She received emergency care but died the next day. After an investigation that relied on an erroneous autopsy report and little else, Joyce was charged with the sexual abuse and death of the child. She was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Resources & Links

Listen to the Episode

Episode #314 of the Wrongful Conviction podcast — hosted by Guest Host Kemba Smith

🔊 How You Can Help

If Joyce is still fighting for justice, your voice matters. Consider sharing this case on social media, signing any active petitions, or contacting your representatives about wrongful conviction reform.

About the Wrongful Conviction Podcast

The Wrongful Conviction podcast, hosted by Jason Flom and Khaliah Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali), has featured over 500 cases of men and women who spent years — sometimes decades — in prison for crimes they did not commit. The podcast has been downloaded over 70 million times and has directly influenced exonerations, clemencies, and criminal justice reform legislation across the country.