Speaking today: Former Death Row inmate, exonerated with help of UNCA psychology professor

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

1

This is an amazing story. Edward Chapman. Convicted for two unsolved murders. Nearly two years in prison before trial. Lazy police, careless defense attorney. Chapman, convicted, spends 13 years in prison before local attorney Frank Goldsmith, who works with the ACLU, was appointed to represent him on appeal. UNCA psychology chair Pam Laughon signs on to help

Working tirelessly, they prove that an innocent man was sent to prison for something he never did.

One year after walking free, Chapman is still trying to get his life back together. He and Laughon are traversing the state to tell the story. They’re also pushing for a state moratorium on the death penalty.

Amazing story.

Go the the campus of UNCA at noon, Humanities Lecture Hall. Talk begins at 12:15 p.m. Listen.