Death Row: A Investigators Journey

April 24, 2014
Hosted by Francie Koehler, CPI, CCDI

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Episode Description

One of the most challenging tasks in a criminal defense investigator’s world is investigating a capital case that has already exhausted all of its appellate rights. Called a writ of habeas corpus, it is a death row inmate’s last opportunity for to find relief from execution. There have been 144 death row exonerations since 1973, according to Death Penalty Information Center. Possibly the trial lawyer was ineffectual or incompetent, the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated, or there may even be newly discovered evidence. Regardless of the situation, it is an uphill battle and mostly a thankless, but ever demanding responsibility. Tune in to hear Private Investigator Joseph Thornton, a former Philadelphia Capital Habeas Unit staff investigator discuss his daily life as a post-conviction capital case investigator.

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Francie Koehler, CPI, CCDI

Francie Koehler’s career as a licensed private investigator includes cases that have sparked media projects. "Unsolved Mysteries" portrayed one of her missing person cases. British author Val McDermid featured her capital case in "A Suitable Job for A Woman" and true crime writer Ann Rule chronicled a case she investigated involving a missing nightclub owner entitled "In The Name Of Love." Francie drew on her investigative and retail experience to create the 3-part video, "Loss Prevention - The Big Picture." International results included an invitation to Moscow, where she spoke to Russian nationals interested in privatization. Francie is the former two-term president of both the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS) and the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI). Awarded by each organization for her work, she serves as Legislative Chair for both and regularly testifies before the California State Legislature regarding bills of concern to PI’s. Francie has been recognized by her state regulatory agency for outstanding service to her profession. In addition, she holds memberships in the Council for International Investigators, National Association of Legal Investigators, World Association of Detectives, and California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Francie also works with the Innocence Project and holds certifications as a Conflict Mediator, Legal Investigator, Professional Investigator and Criminal Defense Investigator.

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