Episode 4: State of Michigan vs. Efren Paredes Jr.

By: Rebecca Evans, Ross Dinerstein

Narrated by: David Rudolf, Sonya Pfeiffer

Efren Paredes Jr. received a juvenile life without parole sentence in 1989 at the age of 16. Prosecutors presented circumstantial evidence amidst a media circus of a case, in a predominantly white neighbourhood, to convict a young Latino boy of murder. A court psychologist found him irreparable and unable to rehabilitate. But is he even guilty?

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Free Efran Paredes

This is one of the most touching podcasts I've ever heard. I feel that every juror and the judge should have to hear this. What kind of world are we living in where a child's parents can account for his whereabouts, and it doesn't stand up in court? I've had the honor and pleasure of meeting Efran. He is currently the advisor for Flikidz Arts Academy. Which is a youth arts academy in Flint MI. I am the CEO and founder. He wrote the mission statement, the vision, and the Bio, and perfected the logo for the organization. I couldn't have done this without him. The passion and genuine love and concern that he has for the community and the betterment of our youth is opulent. He is a role model and a hero and manages to continue to educate himself and stay motivated no matter his circumstances. I've never encountered anyone like Efran in my life, and after meeting him there's no way I could ever believe he's capable of the things he was falsely accused of. Free Efran!!! Everyone that was involved or had a hand in trying to destroy his character should be ashamed of themselves. This young man comes from a loving family that instilled greatness into him. He was an honor student, and the owner of the store entrusted him so much that he hired him to work there. That says a lot within itself. If the executive of this podcast is reading this, you need to make this available on more platforms so it can be shared. This is his life, and he has served half of it incarcerated for something he didn't do. Free Efran!!!!!! I know of individuals who have taken ownership of monstrous crimes, and they are home, free and while they were incarcerated, they didn't attempt to accomplish what Efran has accomplished. Seriously let's think about it for a minute. Prior to him being defamed he was an honor student, a great son, an amazing brother, and a trusted employee, honestly, do you think a store owner of his caliber, out of all the kids he could have hired would hire a Latino boy? He saw something in Efran, he gave him rides home. Efran respected him and looked up to him. Efran took the fall for the poor decisions made by peers who knew pinning Efran was an easy way out. " Let's blame it on the honor student, let's blame it on the person closest to the owner. let's blame it on the person who won't see it coming, let's blame it on the person who lives in a predominately white neighborhood and is of color, let's blame it on the person that most matches with the Central Park 5 case. The demolition of men that are black and brown has been prevalent for so long. When do we as a people bring injustice to a STOP! After listening to this podcast, it doesn't take a blind person to see this was a setup. right down to Efran jury. There was only 1 person of color on the jury. You can believe they brought in their personal beliefs as well as the media falsifications that were presented prior. Blood on a shirt? Which ended up being shoe polish. ETC. He's served 36 years and has accomplished 10 times more than most people walking free. That's not something you do because you want to prove a point. That's innately within him. That's indicative of his true character. What more could one want of a person to give? Life? well he gave that. Time? He gave that. Freedom? he gave that. However, his innocence. That can and will not be taken because it's not up for grabs. Only God can judge him, and those who have judged him erroneously will have to stand before a much higher judge and repent for what they have done. I scream it loudly and proudly FREE EFRTAN PAREDES NOW!!!!