underreported crime

This episode pulls back the curtain on the trial of Dondie Tidwell, Greg Dodson's nephew-in-law accused of the crime. The emotional testimonies of Mary Reese and Joy Dodson, Greg's mother and wife, alongside neighbor Vivian Knox, paint a haunting picture of racial slurs and threats from Tidwell. Meanwhile, Chris Stacey's testimony, the man who already confessed to the murder, tries to shift the blame away from Tidwell.

The media often slaps the 'innocent victim' label on victims who fit a certain profile - white and affluent. But victims come from all walks of life, and their stories deserve to be told. Greg Dodson, a 22-year-old father and husband, was no less of a victim because of his race, creed, or socio-economic status. Let's remember Greg Dodson, acknowledge his life, and explore the circumstances of his tragedy. Remember, justice may be blind, but we are not.

Demsky, Ian. “Man convicted of 1996 killing to get new trial.” The Tennessean. December 25, 2002.
Goode, Jennifer. “Police charge victim’s brother-in-law with murder after help from citizen.” The Tennessean. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Informant tip nets arrest in murder.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “2nd arrested in shotgun slaying of man.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Alleged murderers face court hearing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
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Marchesoni, Lisa. “Death penalty sought in killing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 10, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Attorneys sought to take murder trial.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 29, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Insanity defense: Two men face death penalty in murder case.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 30, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murder suspect escapes: Shooting suspect on lam too.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 8, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Defendant’s mental check on way: Man faces death penalty.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 21, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “In-law killer set to join in appeal of penalty: Plans to link with fast-food murderer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. May 22, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Man murdered brother-in-law.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. March 2, 1999.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Trial attorney critical after crash.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. January 22, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Lawyer: Tidwell didn’t kill.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 11, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Wife: Murder suspect racist.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 12, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer claims nephew no killer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 13, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Hate killing nets life term.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 15, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence keeps going.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 23, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Second trial denied in alleged hate crime.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 3, 2000.
Stockard, Sam. “Victim’s mom shows true compassion.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 18, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence reduced.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. November 11, 2004.

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For years, there were no answers to who murdered 8-year-old Marguerita Bejarano, but there's finally a break in the case when a pastor's son, escaped convict, and pedophile confesses. And that all describes one person -- Cozzie Merrill Jones.

RESOURCES
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Barr, Pete and Bushnell, Ace. “Escapee admits Bejarano killing: Suspect in two others.” Tucson Daily Citizen. December 14, 1962.
“Confessed killer takes police to death scene: Lawmen say Jones ‘passes all tests.’” The Arizona Daily Star. December 14, 1962.

For images related to the cases, check out the Instagram.