The 1992 case of a gang member, Joshua Kezer, wrongly convicted of murdering a young woman in southeast Missouri, is examined in this work. The author Snodgrass, a civil litigation attorney, was brought in to aid Kezer’s defense after a woman involved with a prison ministry reached out to friends. The book illustrates how pressure to find the killer of a young woman, understaffed rural police, and political ambition all led to the conviction of an innocent man. Snodgrass indicates that the defendant was framed by jailhouse informants seeking leniency for themselves, and the prosecutor knowingly used their false testimony. Furthermore, despite no connection to the victim, no physical evidence, and no proof that he was even in the state at the time, he was found guilty and imprisoned for 16 years. That’s when a part-time deputy who had investigated the murder scene was elected sheriff. He reopened the case and is still searching for the murderer. A state court judge freed Kezer. The book notes what he and the lawyers are doing now. True crime readers will likely appreciate this detailed examination of a flawed case.

Library Journal

In 1992 Missouri, 18-year-old Kezer was arrested for the murder of teenager Angela Mischelle Lawless. Despite Kezer and Lawless being unacquainted and multiple witnesses attesting to him being several hundred miles away during the homicide, Kezer was convicted of Lawless’ murder. He remained in jail until his conviction was overturned in 2009. The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless elevates the true-crime genre by including Kezer as an author alongside lawyer Snodgrass, a member of the legal team that overturned Kezer’s conviction. Kezer’s recounting of a turbulent upbringing and the devastation of a murder conviction add a deeply shattering tenor to Snodgrass’ expert legal perspective. Snodgrass shows how inaccurate eyewitness testimony, irresponsible prosecution and law enforcement, and neglectful legal representation led to an innocent man’s conviction and a murder remaining unsolved. The authors then share how the honesty and steadfastness of Kezer’s supporters and legal team, along with Kezer’s own dedication, allowed him to reclaim his innocence. Readers of legal true crime, along with those interested in criminal-justice reform, will appreciate Kezer’s deeply moving account and Snodgrass’ thorough legal exploration.

Booklist

Josh Kezer's story is yet another tragic account of our failed criminal justice system and further proof that anyone can be wrongfully convicted. Josh was the victim of fabricated testimony by individuals, but more importantly he was the victim of a system that allows such testimony to be used by the government to convict the innocent. There is much to learn from Josh's story and much to do to stop it from happening again.

Justin Brooks, Director, California Innocence Project, Director, Latin American Institute of Law and Justice, California Western School of Law, Author of You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You're Innocent

The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless is a detailed account of the people, events, and murder trial that captivated a small town in Southeastern Missouri. As a volunteer in corrections in the Chapel at the Missouri State Penitentiary and later Jefferson City Correctional Center, I became familiar with Joshua Kezer’s case. Joshua was and remains a complex but compassionate person, always seeking the “why” of any situation. He continues his fight for justice. Our friendship has continued and deepened since Joshua’s exoneration. His faith remains his greatest asset. Details not previously known are revealed and will leave the reader with a better understanding of the judicial system: the good, bad, and ugly. Heartbreaking and intriguing, it’s a must-read and riveting account for crime story enthusiasts and the general reader alike.

James Jackson, former pastor at the Missouri State Penitentiary Chapel and volunteer at the Jefferson City Correctional Center

I have lived nearly my entire life in the shadow of this case and its injustice. Josh has been living inside the injustice of this case nearly his entire life. We are indebted to his passionate pursuit of truth and closure. It is right for him to seek his own justice, but it is honorable for him to also seek justice for our family.

Valerie Ward Lawless, Mischelle Lawless's sister

Undoing a wrongful conviction is like un-baking a cake, there is no recipe. Snodgrass and Kezer show the meticulous analysis and inventive persistence required to reverse this catastrophic error. The honest depiction of prison life offered by Kezer balances the legal insights provided by his lawyer. The contrast of struggles from inside and outside the prison walls provide more education about proving innocence than any textbook could.

Dr. Greg Hampikian, Co-Director of the Idaho Innocence Project, Director of the Forensic Justice Project at Boise State University, Co-Author of Exit to Freedom