The Alley: DC's 8th an H Case—All Episodes

On October 1st, 1984, Catherine Fuller was brutally murdered in the H Street Corridor of Washington, DC. Her death shattered the city, leading to the wrongful arrests of 17 young Black men—the largest number in DC history for a single murder. Eight of them were sentenced to life in prison. They’ve always maintained their innocence.

Years later, hidden evidence came to light, prompting a reevaluation of the case. Almost 40 years after their convictions, the accused men share their harrowing stories of false confessions, years behind bars, and the failures of a flawed justice system. Along the way, experts, attorneys, journalists, and reform advocates shed light on the deep-seated biases still present today.

This is The Alley: DC’s 8th and H Case.

Featured Episode

Episode 11: Meet Charles Turner
In this first episode of a six-episode arc, we highlight Charles Turner from the 8th and H Case. A resilient man, Charles mentors youth through Free Minds Book Club, leads a custodial team, and volunteers at homeless shelters. Get a glimpse into his life beyond the wrongful accusations.

All Episodes

Episode 1: October 1st, 1984 - July 19, 2023: Shannon Lynch revisits the 1984 murder of Catherine Fuller that rocked Washington, DC, and the nation.

Episode 2: Prisoners of Their Initial Hunch - July 26, 2023: An anonymous tip leads to a flawed theory and wrongful convictions in Washington, DC. How did the justice system fail?

Episode 3: False Confession Trap - August 2, 2023: Coerced confessions and flawed interrogations lead to 17 arrests. Experts discuss why innocent people confess to crimes.

Episode 4: Like Dominoes - August 16, 2023: Seventeen young Black people arrested for Fuller’s murder. Most maintain innocence while preparing for a historic trial.

Episode 5: Fox Guarding the Henhouse - August 16, 2023: Key evidence withheld from the defense team during trial. A violation of the Brady rule and a push for reform.

Episode 6: Through the Trenches - August 23, 2023: What’s it like to be wrongfully imprisoned for decades? The accused share their experience and the long-term impacts.

Episode 7: Revival - August 30, 2023: After 20 years, the Fuller case reopens with support from reporters, lawyers, and the Innocence Project, going all the way to the Supreme Court.

Episode 8: One Last Shot - September 6, 2023: Six accused men adjust to life outside prison while considering a last-ditch effort to clear their names—a presidential pardon.

Episode 9: Signed, Sealed, Delivered - October 23, 2024: The accused submit presidential pardon applications in 2024. Learn about the process and how you can support it.

Episode 10: Pardon Pursuit - December 4, 2024: The six men discuss how their lives are still impacted by felony convictions long after prison, and their fight for justice continues.

Join the Fight for Justice

As we continue the fight for justice, we invite you to join us on this journey. The battle for a pardon is far from over, and the men of the 8th and H Case still need your support. By listening, sharing their stories, and advocating for change, you become part of a movement that seeks not only to right the wrongs of the past but also to challenge the systemic flaws that persist today. Together, we can ensure their voices are heard and their fight for justice is not in vain. Join us in pushing for accountability, fairness, and a future where such miscarriages of justice are no longer allowed to happen.