In the 1983 episode of “60 Minutes,” correspondent Morley Safer delves into the case of Lenell Geter, a young black engineer who was wrongfully accused and convicted of armed robbery at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Despite maintaining his innocence, Geter was sentenced to life in prison, sparking doubts about the fairness of the investigation, prosecution, and trial. Safer and producer Suzanne St. Pierre took on the task of uncovering the truth and ultimately saved Geter’s life.
The episode highlights the lack of physical evidence against Geter and the reliance on eyewitness testimony, which can often be flawed. With conflicting accounts from eyewitnesses and alibi witnesses from Geter’s workplace, questions arise about the validity of the conviction.
After the episode aired, Geter was released from prison within 4 days, showcasing the power of investigative journalism in seeking justice. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough research and advocacy in ensuring fairness and upholding the rights of the accused.
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Video “”Lenell Geter’s in Jail” | 60 Minutes Archive” was uploaded on 05/06/2024 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes