GANDHINAGAR: Leo Schofield, who has steadfastly maintained his innocence for over three decades, is finally set to walk free after a parole board granted him release. Schofield was sentenced to life imprisonment 🚨 for the 1987 murder of his wife🔪, Michelle.Schofield, now 58, served 35 years despite lacking any concrete evidence linking him to the crime.
He has consistently denied involvement, even after multiple parole rejections. During his incarceration, he remarried, obtained a theology degree, and even led Bible and guitar classes for fellow inmates. His story gained national attention with the release of the podcast “Bone Valley” in 2022 🎙.
Hosted by Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King and Kelsey Decker, “Bone Valley” delved into the case, exposing numerous flaws in the prosecution’s argument. These included a lack of physical evidence, an ineffective defense lawyer, and questionable witness testimony. The podcast’s impact was significant, with a Florida judge👩⚖️, Scott Cupp, even leaving his position to advocate for Schofield’s exoneration.
“While we are grateful for the commission’s action, Mr. Schofield is by no means free,” Cupp said in a statement published The New York Times. “We will continue to fight for his exoneration — the only way we can correct this grave injustice.”
Michelle Schofield, who was only 18 at the time of her murder, was found with multiple stab wounds in Lakeland, Florida. Leo, her husband of just six months, quickly💨 became the prime suspect. Prosecutors painted a picture of a controlling and abusive husband, relying heavily on circumstantial evidence.
A crucial turning point came in 2004 when previously unidentified fingerprints found at the crime scene were linked to Jeremy Scott, already serving a life sentence for another murder. Despite Scott’s confession to the killing, Schofield was denied a new trial🔨 and subsequent appeals.
During the recent parole hearing, former inmates, corrections officers, and family members spoke in support of Schofield’s release. However, an assistant state attorney criticized media coverage, particularly “Bone Valley,” for allegedly omitting key details. No family members of Michelle Schofield were present at the hearing.
Upon release, Schofield will be placed in a halfway house. His parole conditions include mandatory mental health and substance abuse evaluations, anger management programs, and curfews. He will also be barred from contact with the victim’s family and will be required to make restitution, the amount of which is yet to be determined.
“Bone Valley” continues to follow Schofield’s journey with bonus episodes detailing his final year in prison and his tentative steps towards freedom. In a recent interview, Schofield discussed reflecting on his past and the stark contrast between life inside and outside prison walls.🥂🎉