First and foremost, I wish to thank Caitlyn O’Donnell, my best friend, who continues to keep me grounded and make all that I do worthwhile. And I thank my family for making this possible through their unwavering support.
This research would not have happened without the kind and passionate people who opened up to me about their work and their lives. To all of those at Centurion Ministries, the Innocence Project, the Northwestern Center on Wrongful Convictions, and elsewhere who were willing to spend time with me and share their perspectives, I thank you and continue to admire the work you do.
This project benefited greatly from the insight of the many incredible scholars, teachers, and mentors with whom I have had the pleasure of working over the past few years. Whether through informal advice, random conversations, or feedback on the manuscript, this book is undoubtedly better due to their input. I am particularly thankful to James Acker, Alissa Worden, Allison Redlich, Frankie Bailey, and Richard Leo for their invaluable guidance and comments on earlier versions of this manuscript. I also wish to thank, in no particular order, Catherine and Vin Bonventre, Saundra Westervelt, Jon Gould, Marvin Zalman, Daniel Medwed, Christopher Dum, Jamie Fader, Kelly Socia, Andrew Davies, Giza Lopes, and Justin Pickett, all of whom, in various ways and whether they realize it or not, had an important impact on this work. I am also grateful to my research assistant, Carmen Lowe, who helped me get this manuscript across the finish line.
In the midst of this project, I moved to North Carolina to begin a new job at Appalachian State University. While the stress of moving and starting a new phase of my life seemed overwhelming at times, I was helped immensely by my wonderful new colleagues and friends. In addition to helping Caitlyn and me adjust to mountain life, they never failed to help me negotiate my professional transition and offer support for this research endeavor. In particular, I am indebted to my department chair, Phillip Ardoin, Cathy Marcum, Jeff Holcomb, Marian Williams, Derrick Lail, Will Hicks, Kevin Mullinix, Mark Bradbury, Adam Newmark, and Katy Dewhirst.
The development of this work from proposal to book has been possible thanks to Ilene Kalish, my editor at NYU Press, who was willing to take a chance on a first-time book author. She has been wonderful to work with, offering encouragement and constructive criticism throughout the process and helping make this book the best product it can be. I also owe great thanks to Caelyn Cobb, who has been immensely helpful in answering questions and keeping me on track, and Andrew Katz, who found and fixed my many errors and oddities.
Finally, I must acknowledge those about whom I write. It is one thing to read about wrongful convictions, but getting to know exonerees and their families, who withstand unimaginable suffering but manage to endure, as well as the advocates who work tirelessly on their behalf, has truly been inspiring. The struggles they face and the injustice they fight provide a daily reminder of why I do what I do.