ABOUT INSIDE DATELINE

Inside Dateline is your Web line into Studio 3B, providing you with a personal behind-the-scenes look at how we bring you our stories.

Whether it's a gripping crime tale, a hidden camera investigation, or a celebrity newsmaker profile -- Dateline correspondents and producers spend days, months, and sometimes even years researching and reporting the story. Learn more about what goes on inside our investigations, and find out more about some of the people we've met.

Ann Curry hosts Dateline. Dateline's producers, correspondents and host post here often. Previews to upcoming stories, more information on our reports, and follow-ups can be found on this blog.



Sterling Spann's story

Posted: Sunday, June 10, 2007 6:51 PM by Dateline Editor

Clover, S.C. was the last place you'd expect a murder. It was the kind of small Southern town where most people didn't even bother to lock their doors.

But a lock probably wouldn't have stopped the murderer in Sunday's story: experts say he seemed to be driven to kill.

Police soon made an arrest, convinced they had their man.

But the killings didn't stop, and, for more than 20 years, neither did the questions - about whether the right man was in prison.

"Anatomy of a Murder" aired Dateline NBC Sunday, 7 p.m., June 10. Click here for a transcript. Share your thoughts on the case, below.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Shame on every police officer, lawyer and judge...every person responsible for this man spending so many years of his life in prison for something he did not do.  It is terrifying that such a thing can happen at all.

Mary Channell, Jetmore, Ks. (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 7:43 PM)

So the police faked his fingerprints.. . and this surprises anyone, how?

Sam Huntington, Kearney, NE (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 7:58 PM)

I get so tired of innocent Black men being imprisoned, railroaded!!

stephanie smith, dayton, ohio (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:04 PM)

I cannot imagine what Sterling went through all those years. This story is very disturbing and unfortunately this has happened in other cases. It is even more disturbing that the South Carolina police would not reopen the case when the new evidence was revealed. It seems as if they continued to try to cover up things such as the how he got the coin. Apparently they found a scape goat and no matter what the real evidence shows they will not admit that there were mistakes and/or a framing.

Sherry B., Chester, VA (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:06 PM)

I think he is innocent, and all of those racists who beleived he was guilty just because he was black should rot in the ground.

Gilbert0 (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:07 PM)

the prosecutors and police in this case should be imprisoned for the same length of time as this unfortunate and quite clearly innocent man.

B Macy, Dixon MO (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:07 PM)

I have a complete understanding of this case, judges and prosecutors have the right to do as they please, just look at Cheny and the wire tap issue.  It is a license to lock people up with no real justifacation

Cathy Jennings, Hilton Head Island, SC (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:10 PM)

Why would a recipe and envelope, with a finger print, be lying on the bed where this poor woman was brutily raped and killed?

Loreen, Simsbury, Ct (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:11 PM)

I really believe that the Clover, Law people are /were so VERY Stupid, ?? Are they not Educated, and what about thePublic Defender,??? He/she should NOT be allowed to practice law etc, enough npw .
Regards .

seamus fogarty, myrtle beach area, SC (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:14 PM)

It's not the first case in south carolina where they framed a black man,and with white mens egos at stake, surely a black man could never fair better.

P. Pizza Baltimore,Md. (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:18 PM)

I am sitting here watching this story,  and I really "Cannot" beleive what I am watching. Do people think we are so naive we cant see through this story? Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee

Sam Brown (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:18 PM)

To Sterling - 'The Lord is my helper,so I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?' Hebrews 13:6

Keep the faith, Mr. Spann!  We are living in a time where dishonesty and true motives of mans' heart wil be revealed!  Hold on to His Promises....we all battles to fight.......know He is with you!!

To city officials of Clover, SC -

We are ALL human and err.........may you find your salvation in His Grace and Mercies!  My youngest daughter recently moved to your capitol....a beautiful town - state!  My oldest daughter (and son) live there......some day, I hope to live there too!!    

My prayers are with you!

Monica Ziefle-Jacobs (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:19 PM)

The fact that Mr. Spann had to have an heroic effort to be saved from state-sponsored murder is amazing.  I can't help but think ill of of a state that thinks a woman (Susan Smith) who brutally murdered her children and invented a story about who did it, got by with a sentence far less than death.

Thomas W. Billing, Springfield, OH (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:24 PM)

It bothers me so deeply that in a country that prides itself as being a democracy that innocent people can have their lives STOLEN from them by individuals who are so busy protecting their egos and names that they blatantly refuse to admit they are wrong. Believe me, my heart goes out to all the victims in this case, but I am so astounded at how fast people are to condemn a person because of their race, ethinicity, or socio-economic status.  

People have to realize that it could be one of their family members or themselves who could be placed in a situation such as this, and when this occurs, they want you to be emphathetic to their cause.  I cannot say if Mr. Spann committed the crimes that he has been accused and convicted of because I was not there, but I am certain we all have heard of situations where evidence has been planted or handled improperly which completely taints the entire judicial process.

As a society, we have to realize that our judicial system has a history of sending innocent people to prison and fabricating information.  When this happens, no one wins because we still have those who are suppose to "protect and serve" that are continuously looking for a way to make a name for themselves while taking the life and livelihood of another. Please do not think I am going off into a frenzy about corrupt law enforcement because we have law enforcement officials who do excellent jobs in the most ethical manner on a daily basis, but we must realize that mistakes occur quite frequently and be able to admit when we are wrong.  

SM, Columbia, SC (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:48 PM)

This man is so innocent and he should sue the entire State of South Carolina! This is an outrage!!!!! How can the prosecutor and state poilce live with themeselves!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hilton Head SC (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:50 PM)

!!!YALL HAVE TOO MANY FREAKEN COMMARCIALS!!!!!

jacq (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:51 PM)

I am so confused in this story- TOo much back and forth... So did he do it? Just tell me the end

Elizabeth, OKC. OK (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:53 PM)

This story is heartbreaking.  This man needs to be given his life back.  Stay Strong Sterling.

Taralee, Toronto (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:55 PM)

Why would Mr. Spann take the Alford plea?  If he didn't do it!  Where were his attorneys that had fought no hard for him.  Then the prison says they make a mistake about time credited? No direct parole!  Who is crazy here!

denise skinner, trotwood, ohio (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:57 PM)

of course he's not guilty. look at where this is, the south, of prejudicy!!!!!!!

jane jae (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:59 PM)

(TO THE FAMOUS DATELINE:)......................

NOT ONLY DO YALL HAVE TOO MANY FREAKEN COMMARCIALS....CAROLINA IS SO RACIST......AND I ALSO FEELS AS THOUGH GRANDMA IS TRASHEY....I COULD OF BEEN SOLVE THIS CASE MY SELF....IN FACT I DID ALREADY SOLVE THIS CASE IN MY HEAD....PATHETIC

JACQ (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:59 PM)

I am in tears after watching this entire show and the injustice this man has suffered.  Those procecuters ar trying only to forward their careers.  The outrage I feel can not be expressed by words.  It makes you wonder what kind of country we are becoming.?!

Kim McAfee, Manchester, TN. (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:59 PM)

Our legal system is broken, many lawyers are not
competent, prosecutors hide evidence that does
help their case -- they don't serve justice but
they want convictions even if means hiding evidence.
Chances are that verdicts are about 50% justified
in the total numbers of people who go to court.
Not particularly for this case, but our system
focuses more time and money on the "criminal" and not the "victim or victim's family."  Our technology
may be advanced, but our view of "the spirit of
the law" is lacking.

Hank Hudson, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:00 PM)

This poor man - what he has endured.  God Bless him and I hope the rest of his free years are filled with peace love & joy.  No one deserves it more than Sterling Spann

Eliza O'Brien (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:01 PM)

Eliza O'Brien Lake Hopatcong NJ (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:01 PM)

Eliza O'Brien, Lake Hopatcong, NJ (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:02 PM)

I missed the end of the last ten minutes...Please help

Renee Harrison (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:06 PM)

We recorded the program and the DVR cut off before the end.  We'd like to know the outcome please.

Charles Welsh (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:07 PM)

Sterling - god loves you and so do I.  I only pray that you will continue to be the upstanding person that you seem to be to all of the viewers.    

Nina Graber (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:08 PM)

See previous message - forgot city, state, sorry, here it is

Charles Welsh, Kansas City, MO (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:08 PM)

God bless you Mr. Sterling Spann

Beatrice Alaniz (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:09 PM)

It's a blessing that God found a way to get this man released.  Despite what they tried to do to keep him imprisoned.  God Bless him and his family!

Roz, Saratoga Springs, NY (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:09 PM)

I believe that Mr. Spann was wronged in so many ways. However, I also believe that we all have the oppurtunity to make something good out of tragic situations and I believe he is doing that with the ministry he has started. I hope he realizes that GOD knows exactly what he has had to go through, and he will be greatly rewarded for coming out of it so strong. I pray that he can find forgiveness for those who hurt him so terribly so that he can live out the rest of his life in peace and happiness.

Jill fox, Parkersburg WV (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:12 PM)

I too am outraged and saddend by the monumental efforts it took to get justice in this case. How many innocent black, white and others have been imprisoned and killed because someone was trying to futher a career or to simply convict SOMEONE? I'm not sure I could have survived mentally, spiritually or physically, the pain and anguish Sterling so gracefully did. Goes to show what I have always said...for beleivers, THIS is Hell. God Bless Sterling.

Mimi Wenz, Sumterville, Fla. (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:13 PM)

Wayyyyyyyy 2 many damnnnn commercials. I channel surfed during the last commercial and missed what happened after "his promised parole hearing" was said 2 be a mistaken offer. I came in back in where he was working on trucks. I will not not watch another of these long drawn out shows again. Was glad 2 see he got his freedom though. Anyone want 2 fill me in on what happened after the "parole hearing promise" was broken?

Thomas Streffe, NYC, NY (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:14 PM)

I did not get to see the results of the second trial, so what happened?  

Ariell, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:15 PM)

I missed the part of the show that told who actually committed the murders.  Who did it?  I saw the first 35 minutes and the last two minutes of the show.

Vickie (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:16 PM)

When the offer was placed on the table for Mr. Spann to plead guilty with the hopes of being paroled, I believe the prosecuting officials knew from the beginning that they were not going to go through with this.  It is amazing how "out of the blue" it was a mistake on one officials part that he could not be granted parole.  I would ask those who were involved in this unethical and cruel lie, how could you live with yourselves while another human being suffered because of your cowardness? In a case like this where Mr. Spann was blatantly railroaded, those individuals who were involved in robbing this man of his life fail to realize that they have to answer to a Heavenly Father who sits high and looks low, and in conclusion they WILL have to reap what they have sown.

May God continue to bless the true victims in this case, the women who were murdered, their families, and Mr. Spann and his family.  

Mr. Spann

I thank God that you were eventually paroled and want to remind you that there is no pain that God cannot heal. I feel in my spirit that what you have experienced was not done in vain.  God has a tremendous purpose for you, and despite what some men may feel, God will use you for His good.
 

SM, Columbia, SC (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:17 PM)

I, TOO, DID NOT SEE THE END OF THIS STORY. Where can I read or see the rest of it??  THANKS

ANNA MCMANUS, WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:19 PM)

so how did the story end????????  

Chesapeake va (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:20 PM)

I have never in my life taken physical action to comment in response to one of these stories I have watched - no matter how moving. Yet tonight, after having watched Mr. Spann's story, I feel that everyone in the nation should see the injustice that can occur when an innocent man's hands are tied at the mercy of the "law"... especially when he is black. Mr. Spann - God Bless You for never giving up hope, for fighting for what is right, and for working hard even now to have a normal life. You are an inspiration, and believe that your life carries more meaning than many can ever know.

Jennifer, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:20 PM)

Mr. Spann,
I thank God that you are free and that you and your wife are together.  I wish you could get those years back, that the terrible ordeal could be erased from your life, but unfortunately it can't.  Use the rest of your life for good, enjoy the life God has given back to you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

sue bowser murrells inlet, sc (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:21 PM)

NBC can you please show this case again? i almost cried when his mother died and he couldn't go to her funeral

toyin, marietta, GA (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:21 PM)

It's very sad. In the end, Sterling had no choice but to plead guilty to save himself from the death penalty. I am a white woman, but I too see this as a clear case of racism.

In Canada our justice system makes stupid mistakes too, but at least they apologize later when the truth comes to light and give the wrongly accused a few million for their pain and suffering in jail.

It was obvious to me from the beginning that Sterling was not a serial killer because he had a soft heart towards women and was not the type to torture, rape and kill elderly females.

Some justice was served when a rich white couple stepped forward to fight for his freedom.

Darlene Kaus (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:22 PM)

I missed the last 5 minutes, why was he set free (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:24 PM)

I too missed the last few minutes.  What did the DNA evidence show?  What happened?!

Sally Johnson, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:24 PM)

I do not believe the police planted evidence.  As Sterling mowed the victim's lawn one would expect his fingerprints to be found.  Perhaps he handed her a recipe from the mailbox?  In fact, I would be surprised if none were found anywhere.  If he is innocent, then I would not expect them to be found in her bedroom, and none were found there.  

This man was a teenager at the time of the crime.  It is unfathomable to me that officers would think he had the state of mind to get rid of the plethora of other fingerprints, much less hairs and fibers that should have been found during a violent rape and murder.

One drop of blood, that may or may not be Sterlings.  What do they think?  He commits a VIOLENT crime and cuts himself as he leaves the house?  No drops were found inside the house.  Maybe a first responder got a nosebleed.  There are other explanations because it was only one drop and it was found outside the residence.  It doesn't make sense.

As an African American, there should be hairs and fibers belonging to that race in the rooms where the violence occurred (at a minimum).  None were found and that says something.  We all leave behind hairs and fibers, that is a fact.  Do they think he had the presence of mind to vacuum the place up?  Where are the other hairs!

The lack of evidence in this case is astounding.  

As a retired law enforcement officer, I want to say that felony cases are typically conducted in a thorough and methodical manner.  No one wants an innocent person to go to jail, no one.  I am dreadfully sorry for Sterling and the challenges he has had to face over the last three decades as he was convicted on flimsy evidence and supposition.

We have the best system of justice in the world, but it is not perfect.  I believe he took the plea because he was terrified to put his fate and his very life, in the hands of 12 people.  Considering what happened last time, how can you blame him?

Darlene, Amarillo, TX (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:24 PM)

Hmm.  Last telling detail that I recall in this story is the poor Mr. Sterling pled GUILTY to the crime of murder.  NBC just gave a loud voice to a confessed rapist and murderer of the elderly.  NBC crowned the confessed killer and rapist the Winner.  Great job.  I'm sure the families of the Raped and Murdered little old ladies appreciate the confessed killer and rapist crying on TV at the very end of the broadcast.  NBC should be so very proud!

richard mckinley, lees summit, mo (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:25 PM)

dear mr. spann once again it was easier to put an innocent man on death row. my heart goes out to you and your family.i am sure your mom is looking down on you with the biggest smile.god bless

jessie oconnor new glasgow nova scotia (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:25 PM)

I live in Clover, 2 yrs now.  This is the first time I've heard about this story.  I'm outraged.  Every week I look at the "police blotter" in our local newspaper and usually the worst crime is public drunkeness.  Now, I'm afraid and will make sure my doors are locked because honestly I don't trust that the law enforcement truely have any idea what to do with a real criminal.  It's not like they are so busy around here with other crimes.  Why couldn't they just do this investigation the right way?

Lisa C. (Sent Sunday, June 10, 2007 9:25 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=220032