Pulitzer-prize winning writer Gilbert King specializes in cases where the criminal justice system breaks down. That's the theme of his new book "Bone Valley." Polk County, Florida resident Leo Schofield was charged with murdering his wife in 1987. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Then another man with a long criminal history confessed to the murder. King said, despite this, the court refused to re-open the case.
"One thing that really disturbs me is this concept of protecting finality in the law. Once a jury reaches a verdict or once an appellate court has spoken, it's over. And in his (Schofield's) case there's all this new evidence coming in that's extraordinarily compelling. And then when you see the circuit court double down on this and say, 'we don't care about that; he's guilty.'"
After 36 years behind bars, Schofield is now free. He and King were in Tallahassee at the FSU Law School on October 15, signing copies of the book and speaking about the case. For Leo Schofield, not giving into despair during his incarceration was a monumental challenge.
"It took a long time to get to where I am today. There was a lot of anger and bitterness and there were many bad days for me in prison. Particularly during the 1st ten years. But somewhere along the line I realized I couldn't let this prison turn me into something I'm not. I didn't come in here a criminal, I didn't become one while I was in it and I didn't come out one."
Schofield says he's also writing a book about his ordeal.
