TO THE READER
This is a work of non-fiction. All the characters and events depicted in this book are real.
The material is derived from my three-plus years investigation of a death penalty case, which includes the reading of a voluminous trial and post-conviction record, estimated at over 156,000 pages. It also stems from the relationship I developed with Joseph ODells post-conviction law firm, as both an investigator and consultant. Other sources of information include interviews with witnesses and jurors, and information obtained through personal knowledge and discussions with Joseph ODell and the lawyers. Referenced in this book are materials that I offer you on my web site, www.loristjohn.com , where I share a variety of never before seen documents and numerous media related materials including TV, radio, video and print articles depicting the wide and international coverage this story received.
Lori St John
THE CORRUPTION OF INNOCENCE
A JOURNEY FOR JUSTICE
LORI ST JOHN
![Copyright 2013 by Creative Production Services Inc All rights reserved No - photo 1](/uploads/posts/book/70399/images/pub.jpg)
Copyright 2013 by Creative Production Services, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be use or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written consent of the author except as provided by the United States of America copyright law.
Printed in the United States of America
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Creative Production Services, Inc.
The Corruption of Innocence, a Journey for Justice / Creative
Production Services, Inc.
ISBN 978-0-9890401-2-9 (hardcover)
Editing by Ann Fisher
Proofreading by Hilary Westwood
Cover Design by Marc J Cohen
Text Design and composition by Marc J Cohen
To place orders
Email:info@loristjohn.com or visit www.loristjohn.com
Book Discounts for bulk sales are available.
Visit www.loristjohn.com for comprehensive material related to The Corruption of Innocence, including photographs, documents and media related articles, TV, radio and YouTube videos
First Edition
For my darling daughter Jennifer, and to the memory of her father, Dr. Walter Urs
Contents
Foreword
A powerful and compelling true story. The Corruption of Innocence takes the reader on an insiders journeya rare telescopic viewof an egregious miscarriage of justice. Lori St Johns intense commitment to shine a light on a compromised legal system portrays a Herculean effort to discover and share the truth in the death penalty case of a man, Joseph ODell, whom she believes to be innocent. And after you descend into the labyrinth of injustices that happen to this man in court after court, Im willing to wager youll think him innocent, too.
The story reads like a thrillera race against the clock. But time is not on Loris side. The setbacks and constant sabotaging of her efforts keeps narrowing the window of time that is needed to prove ODells innocence. The suspense never lets up, and because there are so many twists and turns, it continues to keep the reader riveted to the unfolding story.
I was privileged to work with Lori and to witness her dedication as she led a fearless fight for justice. It is an inspiring and remarkable story of the power of one persons ability to make a difference and a tragic indictment of a flawed and callous court system.
Sister Helen Prejean, csj
Author of the book Dead Man Walking
Cast of Characters
Joseph (Joe) ODell | Death row inmate |
Lori Urs | Advocate for Joseph ODell |
Jennifer (Jen) Urs | Daughter of Lori Urs |
Dr. Walter Urs | Husband of Lori Urs |
Helen Schartner | The victim |
Sister Helen Prejean | Anti-death penalty advocate and Joe ODells spiritual advisor |
Albert Alberi | Trial prosecutor |
Stephen Test | Trial prosecutor |
Paul Ray | Joe ODells trial lawyer (co-counsel) |
Richard Reyna | Investigator who worked with Lori Urs |
Robert (Bob) Smith | Joe ODells post-conviction attorney |
Joseph Moore | The drunk who found Helen Schartners body |
Jacqueline Emrich | Prosecutions scientific expert |
Diane Lavett | Joe ODells scientific expert |
Timothy Bougades (Tim Carmello or Bud) | Witness to Joe ODells alibi (the fight) |
Judge Spain | Trial judge |
Judge Spencer | District Court Judge |
Steven (Steve) Watson | The jailhouse snitch |
Connie Craig | Joe ODells lover and the Commonwealths main witness at trial |
Floyd (Ike) Wright | Helen Schartners boyfriend |
Dr. Joseph Guth | Joe ODells scientific expert |
William Honbarger | Insurance investigator for the County Line Executive Inn |
Joe Jackson | Reporter for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper |
George Allen | Governor of Virginia |
Vito Piraino | Italian Consulate in Virginia |
Luciano Neri | Leader of the Italian Parliaments Campaign to Save Joseph ODell |
Franco Danieli | Member of the Italian Parliament |
Senator Mario Occhipinti | Member of the Italian Parliament |
Calogero (Rino) Piscitello | Member of the Italian Parliament |
Monsignor Gabriele Caccia | Assistant to the Secretary of State at the Vatican |
Rosa Jervolino Russo | Member of the Italian Parliament |
Mayor Leoluca Orlando | Member of the Italian and European Parliaments |
Georgio Morelli | Italian newspaper reporter |
Clive Stafford Smith | Joe ODells post-conviction attorney |
Dr. Michael Baden | Scientific expert who offered an opinion during the post-conviction investigation |
Warden J.D. Netherland | Warden at Mecklenburg Correctional Center |
John Nutter | Joe ODells alibi (man he fought with) |
Barry Scheck | DNA expert |
Prologue
As the daughter of a state Attorney General and wife of a prominent orthopedic surgeon, I would have been aghast at the suggestion that one day I would marry a death row inmate on the day of his execution. But here I am in the death house standing in a circle holding hands with a nun, a minister and Joseph Roger ODell III. On the other side of the world, gathered in the town square of Palermo, Italy, parliamentarians watch by satellite broadcast, surrounded by Secret Service men with dark visors shielding the sun from their eyes, while mine have been seared by the horror of what has led to this day. I am hereI know because cameras are everywhere and the marriage is being broadcast around the world, yet I am numb, almost paralyzed from having witnessed and participated in the ceremonial preparation for his death.
Next page