Once lost to addiction and violence, David Collingsworth spent years behind bars in Texas.Today, he’s free — and his voice echoes inside the same prisons where he once lived.Through The Prison Show, a unique radio program broadcast across Texas prisons for over 45 years, David now connects inmates and their families — including those on Death Row. Every Friday night, messages of love, updates, and hope reach men waiting for their execution.In this new episode of Death Row Stories, David opens up about his journey from chaos to redemption:→ how he faced four life sentences,→ how faith, radio, and mentorship saved him,→ and why The Prison Show remains a lifeline for Texas Death Row.It’s a story about transformation, compassion, and the power of a single voice that refuses to give up on others.🎧 The Prisoner Who Became a Voice for Death Row reveals a side of America’s justice system few have ever heard — from the inside out.Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.Discover our YouTube Channel:
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What happens when a rising singer is accused of a crime he didn’t commit—based only on lies?
In this gripping episode of Death Row Stories, Perry Cobb takes us through his extraordinary life: from performing in Chicago nightclubs to being falsely accused of double murder. With no evidence against him—only the testimony of a witness later exposed as unreliable—Perry was tried five times, convicted, and sentenced to death.
For ten years, he lived behind bars, losing his freedom, his family ties, and his career. But Perry never gave up. He studied the law, rewrote his own legal brief, and opened the door for his release.
At 83 years old, Perry looks back on what was taken from him—his music, his family, his trust in the system—and what it means to survive injustice in America.
👉 If you think you know how wrongful convictions happen, think again. This is Perry Cobb’s story.
🔔 Subscribe for more human stories that reveal the reality of the U.S. death penalty and the lives forever changed by it.
#DeathRowStories #PerryCobb #WrongfulConviction #DeathPenalty #JusticeSystem #Exoneree #Innocence #TrueStories #CriminalJustice #MusicHistory #Injustice #Chicago
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What happens when a sociologist steps into the execution chamber—not just as a researcher, but as someone chosen to witness a man’s final moments?In this powerful episode, Dr. Sandra Joy shares her unique and deeply human perspective on the U.S. death penalty. A sociology professor at Rowan University and longtime death row witness, Sandra doesn’t just analyze the system—she's been inside it. She talks about the families left behind, the trauma experienced by those involved in executions, and the broader consequences of both capital punishment and life without parole.The conversation begins with her personal journey—how growing up in racially segregated neighborhoods in Virginia shaped her early understanding of injustice. She then explores the racial disparities she has observed in her research: while most people sentenced to death are people of color, many of those opposing the death penalty or involved in decisions around it are white.Sandra also shares the moving story of Brian and his mother Marlene—a man who asked her to witness his execution in his mother’s place, to spare her the memory of his death.Later in the episode, she discusses her fieldwork in Delaware, where she documented the experiences of families affected by executions. She also reflects on life without parole, especially for juveniles, which she describes as another form of slow and permanent punishment.📍This episode starts in Philadelphia, in front of Independence Hall.👉 If you think you know what the death penalty looks like—watch this.🔔 Subscribe for more stories that humanize, challenge, and deepen our understanding of life on death row.#DeathRowStories #SandraJoy #DeathPenalty #CapitalPunishment #JusticeSystem #ExecutionWitness #Sociology #HumanDignity #CriminalJustice #TrueStories #PhiladelphiaSubscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.🎧 Discover our YouTube Channel:
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🔎 Who decides who lives—and who dies?In this new episode of Death Row Stories, we dive into the case of Demond Depree Bluntson, a Texas man incarcerated since 2012 and sentenced to death in 2016.His story spans years of legal twists, personal contradictions, and unanswered questions. In May 2025, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a major opinion about it.What did the jury know at the time? And more importantly—what didn’t they?🎙️ This narration is based on official judicial records.📸 Images in this video are artistic interpretations and do not represent real events or people.👉 If this new kind of storytelling resonates with you, let us know. Like, share, and help us grow Death Row Stories.Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.Discover our YouTube Chanel:
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Can discredited forensic science send innocent people to death row?Texas was the first state to pass a law—known as the Junk Science Law (Article 11.073)—giving prisoners a chance to challenge their convictions when the science used against them has since been debunked. But more than a decade later, is the law actually helping?
In this episode of Death Row Stories, we speak with Estelle Hebron-Jones, Attorney and Director of Special Projects at the Texas Defender Service. She explains how Texas courts are dealing with death penalty cases involving outdated, flawed, or unreliable science. We explore infamous cases like Cameron Todd Willingham, Rodney Reed, Robert Roberson, and DeMontreal Miller—some based on fire myths, others on shaken baby syndrome or changing expert opinions.
Despite the law’s promise, many claims are still denied—not on the facts, but because of procedural barriers, legal technicalities, or the reluctance of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA). Estelle reveals why the system often blocks relief, even when innocence is plausible—and how lawmakers are now pushing for reform.
Listen now to discover what happens when science fails in the courtroom—and whether justice can still be served.
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Anthony Graves spent 18 years behind bars—12 of them on death row—for a crime he didn’t commit.Wrongfully convicted based on false testimony, Graves endured solitary confinement, relentless pressure to accept a plea deal, and the unimaginable weight of being labeled a murderer. But his story didn’t end with his release. Instead, it marked the beginning of his mission to expose the flaws of the justice system.Discover how a dedicated journalist, a determined prosecutor, and Graves’ own unbreakable spirit led to his exoneration. Then, see how his experience became a powerful force in stopping the execution of Alfred Dewayne Brown, using the very lessons he learned on death row.This episode isn’t just about survival—it’s about purpose, resilience, and the fight for justice.✨ Watch until the end for the unexpected twist that changed everything.#DeathRowStories #AnthonyGraves #WrongfulConvictions #CriminalJusticeReform #Exoneration #TrueCrimeSubscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.
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How Texas Sent an Innocent Black Man to Death Row | Anthony Graves’ Shocking Story
Imagine being taken from your home, accused of a brutal crime you didn’t commit, and sentenced to die—all without a shred of evidence. This is the unimaginable reality Anthony Graves faced.
In this powerful third part of our exclusive interview, Anthony shares the harrowing moments of his sentencing, the pain of hearing his family testify to save his life, and the shocking racism that infiltrated the justice system. He also reveals chilling details about life on death row: the daily fight to survive, the heat that killed inmates, and the humanity stripped from those condemned to die.
Anthony’s story is a searing indictment of a broken system—and a reminder of the strength it takes to survive against all odds.
Don’t forget to subscribe for the final part of Anthony’s story, where a shocking twist will leave you speechless.
If you believe in justice, share this video to help others learn the truth.
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Sentencing and Death Sentence
Anthony’s attorneys urge him to let his family testify to save his life, but he resists, seeing the trial as a farce. His mother describes him as the family’s strength, his sister explains how he helped her, and his sick son pleads for his father’s life. Despite this, the jury sentences him to death within 90 minutes, with no evidence. He condemns the jury for nearly murdering an innocent man.
Psychiatrist’s Biased Testimony
Dr. Walter Quijano testifies that Anthony is a future danger simply because he was convicted. Years later, Quijano is exposed for giving racially biased testimony in multiple death penalty cases.
Life on Death Row
Anthony arrives in 1994 at 29 years old. At first, he isolates himself, believing he doesn’t belong there. Over time, he realizes many inmates are human beings who made mistakes, had poor legal defense, or were mentally ill. He watches more than 400 executions.
Drugs, sex, and money circulate in prison. Female officers and inmates form relationships, and some men prey on weaker inmates, including cases of rape.
He makes friendships, and many inmates choose him to say goodbye before their executions. Some are relieved to die, too exhausted to keep fighting. On execution days, the prison is silent, and many inmates refuse meals in protest.
Extreme Heat and Son’s Stroke
Texas summers make the cells unbearably hot, sometimes 20 degrees hotter than outside. Anthony and others strip naked and pour water on the floor, but it quickly becomes boiling hot. He witnesses a man die of heatstroke.
His mother writes to tell him his eldest son, who has sickle cell anemia, had a stroke and was in a coma. The boy miraculously wakes up on the day doctors planned to declare him dead. Anthony is allowed to call his mother and learns that his son is recovering.
Encounter with Robert Carter
Years later, Anthony is placed in the same recreation group as Robert Carter, the man whose false testimony put him on death row. Carter apologizes, admitting he lied and tried to tell the truth. Anthony forgives him—not for Carter’s sake, but for his own peace of mind. Carter is executed in 2000.
Carter’s Dying Words
Before his execution, Carter uses his final words to declare Anthony’s innocence. Despite this, it takes nearly 10 more years for Anthony to be freed.
The Overturning of His Conviction
In 2006, a guard hands Anthony a note from another inmate. Assuming it’s bad news, he opens it to find out the Fifth Circuit Court has overturned his conviction. He wants to celebrate but stays silent out of respect for those still sentenced to die. Instead, he lies on his bunk, crying in relief.
Realizing he has been given a second chance, he commits himself to exposing the injustices of the system and making sure his story is never forgotten.
"I Was Framed for MURDER!" In this gripping second part of the tenth episode of Death Row Stories, Anthony Graves shares the nightmare of being wrongfully convicted of a brutal crime he didn’t commit.
Anthony was living a normal life in Brenham, Texas, when Texas Rangers showed up and arrested him out of the blue. He had no idea why.
His case exposes the harsh realities of racial prejudice and systemic injustice in America. How could an innocent man be accused and convicted without evidence? Anthony recounts his powerful journey of resilience, the fight for truth, and the impact this ordeal had on his life.
This is more than just a story—it’s a call to action. Watch now to hear Anthony’s voice and learn the urgent truth about wrongful convictions in America.
In this powerful episode, we begin uncovering the extraordinary life of Anthony Graves, a man who faced unimaginable circumstances after being falsely accused. Arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, Anthony's journey through the justice system will leave you speechless.
Anthony is the author of Infinite Hope, a memoir that delves into his harrowing experience.In this first part of his story, we start at the beginning of his nightmare. How does someone go from an ordinary life to being accused of something so heinous? And what happens next?
This is a story of resilience, courage, and the fight for truth that everyone needs to hear.
Don’t miss this compelling narrative—subscribe to our channel to support the show and ensure more people discover these vital stories.
Key topics covered in this video:
Falsely accused and arrested
Justice system failures
Anthony Graves' story of survival and hope
Join the conversation in the comments!
What do you think about Anthony’s story so far?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you won’t miss the next part of this incredible story.
Explore Anthony’s book, Infinite Hope, to learn more about his fight for justice.
#DeathRowStories #AnthonyGraves #TrueCrime #FalselyAccused #JusticeSystem #DeathRow #InfiniteHope
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What drives someone to witness over 400 executions? In this ninth episode of Death Row Stories, meet Gloria Rubac, a retired teacher who has spent decades outside the Huntsville Unit on execution days, vocally opposing the practice when lethal injections are carried out. She has become a determined and unwavering figure in one of the world’s most controversial practices. What compels her to return, time and time again? Is it protest, compassion, or something deeply personal? Watch as we uncover the untold story of a woman whose life is intertwined with the stark reality of death row.
By subscribing, you support the creation of impactful content that sheds light on these compelling narratives. Hit the subscribe button and join our journey into the complex world of life, justice, and death row.
In this unforgettable finale of Pamela Perillo’s story, she opens up about the harrowing reality of life on Death Row. From the looming shadow of execution to the resilience it took to survive, Pamela shares raw, emotional moments that will leave you speechless. What does it feel like to be days away from death? How did she find hope in the darkest of times? This is not just a story of survival—it’s a journey of redemption, faith, and the power of second chances. 👉 Don’t miss this powerful conclusion to her story. Subscribe for more eye-opening accounts from Death Row Stories. #DeathRowStories #TrueCrime #Survival #PamelaPerillo #JusticeSystem #TexasDeathRow Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.
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Harris County, Texas, known as the Death Penalty Capital of the World, just elected a new District Attorney. With Sean Teare taking office, questions arise: Will this shift bring any change to the county’s long-standing approach to capital punishment?
In this episode of Death Row Stories, I uncover what Sean Teare has said about the death penalty, explore the impact of Harris County’s DA on its implementation, and share a glimpse of my conversation with Estelle Hebron-Jones from the Texas Defender Service.
Could this new DA signal a turning point—or is it business as usual?
Watch now to uncover the realities behind this high-stakes election.
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more from Death Row Stories.
#DeathPenalty #HarrisCounty #DeathRow #Justice
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A shocking crime. A divided community. Two churches at odds. This episode delves into the complex case of Steven Nelson, whose death penalty trial became a battleground for fairness, justice, and love. With his execution scheduled for February 5, 2025, this case has resurfaced as a pivotal moment to discuss the death penalty, its impact, and the questions it raises. Filmed in Arlington, Texas—where the tragic events unfolded—this story brings together voices deeply connected to Steven’s journey. His girlfriend, Hélène Noa Dubois, opens up about their relationship, while Reverend Jeff Hood, Steven's spiritual adviser, shares insights into faith and redemption. How did a crime shake an entire community and pit two churches against each other? What does this case reveal about love, faith, and the fight for fairness in the justice system? Watch now to uncover the gripping details of a story that continues to resonate. Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told. Discover our YouTube Channel:
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In this gripping sixth episode, filmed live at the Texas Tribune Festival, we dive deep into the harrowing journey of Kerry Max Cook, a man who spent two decades on Texas Death Row, relentlessly fighting to prove his innocence. Wrongfully convicted at just 21, Kerry endured decades of trauma, brutality, and heartbreak, all while battling a system determined to label him a killer. Recently declared actually innocent by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, his journey has been one of unimaginable endurance and resilience. Kerry’s story is not just about survival but about confronting a deeply flawed justice system. Join us as we uncover the emotional scars left by his time on Death Row, the intense legal battles, and his inspiring message of hope for others who might be caught in the system's crosshairs. 👉 Watch now to hear from Kerry himself as he reveals the raw truth of his ordeal, his quest for exoneration, and the family he’s fighting to protect. ✊ Help us spread Kerry's story—like, comment, share, and subscribe. Together, we can bring awareness to wrongful convictions and support justice for those still fighting. 🔔 Stay updated with more powerful stories by subscribing to our channel. Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told. Discover our YouTube Channel:
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In Part 4 of our in-depth interview with Pamela Perillo, we delve further into the harrowing realities of life on death row and the moral challenges Pamela faced. After being sentenced to death for her role in two murders, Pamela recounts emotional exchanges with the victims' families, moments of forgiveness, and the heavy toll it took on her soul. This episode explores her refusal to save herself by testifying against a co-defendant, her battle with cancer, and a shocking legal twist that could have changed her fate. Despite everything, Pamela's story remains one of redemption and introspection as she reflects on her faith, the impact of her crimes, and her ongoing prayers for the families she affected. As the first woman facing execution in decades, Pamela's story is filled with surprising decisions and profound regret. Stay tuned as we continue unraveling Pamela's life, piece by piece. #DeathRowStories #PamelaPerillo #TrueCrime #DeathPenalty #Forgiveness #Redemption #JusticeSystem #InmateStories #TexasDeathRow #DeathRowInmate #TrueCrimePodcast Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told. Discover our YouTube Channel:
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Howdy! Isn’t the death penalty the ultimate symbol of Texan strength and justice? Some conservatives are starting to think differently. In this episode, Nan Tolson, a lifelong Texan and director of Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty, explains why she and others from her conservative community are questioning the death penalty. Grounded in pro-life values and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, they argue that capital punishment risks executing innocent people, places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, and perpetuates harm for families on all sides. Tolson’s perspective offers a unique look at how some conservatives are rethinking the role of the death penalty in Texas, sparking a broader conversation about justice and the value of life. #DeathRowStories #Texas #DeathPenalty #ConservativeVoices #Innocence #JusticeForAll #TrueCrime #ProLife Music from Franck Lepagnol. Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told. Discover our YouTube channel:
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In this gripping third part of Episode 4 of Death Row Stories, we follow Pamela Perillo as her life spirals in unexpected ways. After fleeing California, she finds herself in Houston, where events take a dark and dangerous turn. This episode captures her shocking confessions, intense psychological struggles, and the critical moments that follow. Pamela’s raw and emotional journey will keep you on the edge of your seat, raising deep questions about survival, guilt, and finding faith in the darkest of times. Don’t miss this powerful episode—subscribe now and uncover the twists in Pamela's story. Your support through comments and rating our podcasts helps bring these impactful stories to even more people! Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.
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Discover our podcast: On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-row-stories/id1754379361 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xDKhLb0evGfwsJKjjQ0SA On Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/47642512-7d12-4814-8145-127f6b32ba3b/death-row-stories #TrueCrime#DeathRow#ShockingConfession#CrimeStories#TexasCrime
In the fourth episode of Death Row Stories, Pamela Perillo recounts her tumultuous journey from Southern California to Texas. After a difficult youth in Linwood, California, marred by abuse and addiction (as covered in Part 1), Pamela continues her raw and heartfelt storytelling, revealing the struggles that led her from Compton—one of California’s toughest neighborhoods—to the streets of Houston. Her story offers an unfiltered look at life on the edge, navigating crime and survival across state lines. Be sure to listen the first part of the episode first. Pamela shares the beginnings of her story, setting the stage for the harrowing journey that follows. Subscribe to stay informed and engaged with the stories that need to be told.
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In this first part of the 4th episode of Death Row Stories, we begin an emotional and gripping journey with Pamela Perillo, a woman whose life has been marked by unimaginable hardships, including severe abuse and addiction. From a tumultuous childhood to life-changing events, Pamela’s story, as shared in Salvation on Death Row, gives us a raw and inspiring glimpse into survival and resilience. While this episode focuses on the early years of her journey, stay tuned for future parts where Pamela shares her unique perspective on life inside death row. Her story is one of hope, redemption, and incredible strength.
Subscribe now to follow Pamela’s full story as it unfolds in the coming episodes!
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Join acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on September 7, 2024, as he uncovers the devastating reality of Texas prisons. Linklater's personal involvement in a groundbreaking lawsuit against the 'baking' of prisoners’ organs in un-air-conditioned cells is revealed. Learn how a chance visit to his friend Bernie, from his 2011 movie, led to this pivotal legal battle.
In this episode, you will also hear from Dr. Amit Dominic, founder of Texas Prisons Community Advocates, who is working to support incarcerated people and their families. You'll also meet Marci Marie, a former Texas inmate and now an advocate with a massive TikTok following, as she shares firsthand experiences of the extreme heat behind bars.
Listen this episode of Death Row Stories to uncover the untold reality of the Texas prison system and the fight for dignity. And don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories!
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