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WBUR and The Marshall Project join forces to launch new podcast

A 16-year-old's murder conviction, decades-long incarceration, release and unexpected return to prison unfold in a new podcast from WBUR and The Marshall Project . The limited series, Violation , is hosted by veteran criminal justice reporter Beth Schwartzapfel of The Marshall Project.

"The Marshall Project and its team of journalists have a proven record of investigating cases that have huge implications on the integrity of this country's criminal justice system," said Ben Brock Johnson , executive producer, WBUR Podcasts . "This story is also intensely personal and powerful — the kind of story that WBUR Podcasts loves to tackle. This was a rare opportunity to pair The Marshall Project's investigative reporting on an often opaque system with our rich audio storytelling. We're excited for people to experience the twists and turns of this case while learning about some of the underreported flaws in our country's parole system."

Violation 's story of suffering, retribution and privilege will prompt listeners to ask themselves: Who pulls the levers of power in the justice system, is redemption possible and how much time in prison is enough? They'll hear about a 1980s camp trip to the Grand Canyon that ended in a fatal stabbing. They'll learn how, 30 years later, the convicted teenager, now an adult, is released on parole – only to be sent back to prison again. And they'll meet two families connected for decades, first by the horrific crime and then through the bureaucratic system of parole boards.

"Violation is the culmination of years of reporting by The Marshall Project's Beth Schwartzapfel on the parole system and on the tragic story at the heart of this podcast. Listeners who follow along with this multi-layered saga will be asked to consider provocative questions about crime, punishment and power," said Geraldine Sealey , managing editor, The Marshall Project. "We are proud to partner with WBUR on this project. As a public media leader, WBUR represents the highest level of journalistic standards and inventive audio storytelling."

The first season of the original limited series Violation will consist of weekly episodes released every Wednesday in podcast format, and incorporated into broadcast segments during NPR and WBUR's national news program, Here & Now .

The trailer for Violation will be released in the coming weeks and the season will debut in early Spring 2023.

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