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Episode 118: He Lost 21 Years—Then Took the Mic Back. Deon Patrick on The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men

12 Jun 2025

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Today’s conversation is one I will not forget—and I don’t think you will either.Lately, I’ve been down the rabbit hole of wrongful convictions for research I’m doing on a new book project. I’ve been listening to a ton of podcasts, talking to Innocence Project investigators and reading accounts—story after story of people who lost everything because the system failed them. And I’ve been struck not just by the sheer number of these cases, but by how eerily similar so many of them are.The patterns are horrifying—and they’re not rare.But nothing compares to hearing the story directly from someone who lived it.That’s why I’m honored to share this episode with Deon Patrick, one of the co-authors of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, and a survivor of a wrongful conviction that stole more than 21 years of his life. At 20 years old, Deon was arrested for a double murder he had no involvement in. What followed was a terrifying journey through a justice system more interested in closing cases than getting it right.In this conversation, Deon shares:• How he and three others were coerced into false confessions• What it was like to live through more than two decades in prison for something he didn’t do• The emotional process of writing The Hazel Boyz with his co-defendants• How storytelling helped him reclaim his voice—and his sense of power• His ongoing advocacy work and hopes for real change in the justice systemI’ve read about cases like Deon’s. I’ve studied the mechanics. But hearing it firsthand brings an entirely different weight. It’s personal. It’s devastating. And it’s also a reminder: stories like his must be told.This is not your typical writing story. It’s one of survival, justice, resilience—and ultimately, storytelling as a means of reclaiming identity and fighting back.Please take the time to listen to this one. It’s not easy—but it’s necessary.About Deon:Deon Patrick is a Chicago native, musician, and justice advocate who spent more than 21 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Raised by a hardworking single mother, Deon grew up in a home rooted in love, discipline, and resilience. His early passion for music and education was shaped by his mother’s guidance—until her sudden passing left him reeling with grief and responsibility at a young age.In 1992, at just 20 years old, Deon was wrongfully convicted—alongside three other young men —of a double murder in Chicago. The case, built on coerced confessions and systemic failures, changed the course of his life. But Deon never stopped fighting for the truth.Today, Deon is the co-author of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men, a powerful memoir that chronicles their wrongful imprisonment and hard-won exoneration. Through his advocacy, storytelling, and ongoing work to expose injustice, Deon is a powerful voice for reform and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.Connect with Deon:Grab a copy of The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men here:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehazelboyz/Stay updated on Deon’s work here: https://www.thehazelboyzbook.com/Find out more about the Innocence Project: https://innocenceproject.org/You can also search for your local organization here: https://innocencenetwork.org/directoryConnect with Liz:Instagram: @lizmugaveroWebsite: cateconte.com🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe, rate, and review the show to support more creative voices— and to kickstart your own writing journey.

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

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12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

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Get Writing Podcast

Episode 118: He Lost 21 Years—Then Took the Mic Back. Deon Patrick on The Hazel Boyz: The Trials of Four Innocent Men

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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