Episode 26: Guest Aimee J. Zmroczek: The Gary Bennett Exoneration Case

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, host Lacey welcomes guest attorney Aimee Zmroczek to discuss the exoneration of Gary Bennett, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 18 years in prison before being acquitted in a retrial. Amy was part of the pro bono defense team that helped prove Gary's innocence.

Amy explains how she got involved in Gary Bennett's case through the South Carolina Defense Lawyers Association. She gives the details of the brutal murder of Marie, who worked at Taco Bell with Gary's wife, along with the critical timeline evidence that established Gary's alibi.

Physical evidence at the crime scene was mishandled by investigators. The co-defendant falsely implicated Gary to secure his own deal. Forensic evidence proving the killer was right-handed while Gary is left-handed Aimee discusses the jury's reaction to the co-defendant's testimony and outburst during cross-examination, along with the impact of 18 years of wrongful imprisonment on Gary's life and relationships.

Aimee also talks about Gary's life after exoneration. Lacey and Aimee discuss the importance of jury duty and critical evaluation of testimony from co-defendants or "snitches" who may be motivated to lie for their own benefit.

Aimee Zmroczek is a defense attorney in Columbia, SC, who worked pro bono on Gary Bennett's successful retrial and exoneration.

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