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Trace of Doubt
- Narrated by: Samantha Weinberg
- Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins
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Trace of Doubt
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Summary
In the summer of 1985, a brilliant young British DNA scientist Helena Greenwood is found murdered in her front garden in a quiet suburb in California. The police believe they know the killer’s identity but there’s no evidence against him, and the only thing linking him to the crime is the fact he’d been charged with sexually assaulting Helena just a few months previously. Fifteen years later the case is reopened and after a breakthrough in DNA evidence, David Paul Frediani is re-investigated, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. It was almost as if Helena was pointing to her killer from beyond the grave, using the very scientific technology she had spent her life working on. Author Samantha Weinberg has been fascinated by this case, writing an award-winning book about the tragic sequence of events. She’s spent time with the man convicted of the murder and was utterly convinced of his guilt. But, in 2018, she received a letter from a jailhouse lawyer, a fellow inmate of Frediani that would blow the case apart. Together, they reopen the investigation, embarking on a shocking journey to discover the truth - in the process uncovering systematic failings and abuses in the American criminal justice system.
Content Warning: This series contains strong language and graphic descriptions of violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. If you have been affected by any of the themes in this series, please find below links to organisations that can help you:
sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/#support
rapecrisis.org.uk
www.thesurvivorstrust.org
www.rainn.org
Episode 1: DEAD WALKING TALKING
In August 1985, Dr Helena Greenwood’s body is found in the front garden of her cottage in southern California. The police believe they know who killed her, a handsome financial advisor named David Paul Frediani. But there is nothing to tie him to the murder scene. The case is filed: unsolved.
Episode 2: POETIC JUSTICE
There have been extraordinary breakthroughs in DNA science. Fifteen years after the murder, the sheriff’s cold case team reopens the investigation, and, using DNA, they catch their killer. Samantha Weinberg becomes fascinated by the case. She returns to San Diego for Frediani’s trial.
Episode 3: SEEDS OF DOUBT
Samantha visits Frediani in prison, where he is serving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. He insists he didn’t kill Helena Greenwood, and that he was framed. Buried deep in the investigation files, she finds a letter which suggests his conviction may be unsafe.
Episode 4: THE JAILHOUSE LAWYER
In 2018, Samantha is contacted by Dustin, a jailhouse lawyer, who has himself been in prison for 45 years. He is helping Frediani, and says that, using the letter Samantha found, he thinks he can get Frediani’s case reopened. Dustin and Samantha launch parallel investigations.
Episode 5: THE PUNCHBOWL
Samantha returns to San Diego. She learns about suspect practices at the sheriff’s department crime lab, and delves into the case of Jane Dorotik, who was convicted of murder at around the same time as Frediani, and who has just been exonerated, because of mistakes at the same lab. Does it help to understand Frediani’s case?
Episode 6: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY
Samantha and Dustin pick through the case files and each find bits of evidence that don’t add up. Doubt about Frediani’s conviction keeps growing. Dustin is trying to get him a new trial.
Episode 7: BROKEN DOWN
Samantha visits Frediani in prison. He’s ill, but still protesting his innocence and excited about Dustin’s work. The cops open the old files for her, and some of her questions are answered. But two witnesses throw a new light on what happened.
Episode 8: CALLING TIME
Frediani’s health is failing. He is waiting to hear about his new trial. But Samantha has some tricky questions for him. Dustin has positive news. Samantha pays her respects at Helena’s grave, in the New Forest. And comes to a surprising conclusion.
Now available in Dolby Atmos on Audible
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What listeners say about Trace of Doubt
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-11-23
Gripping!
What an incredible story, brilliantly plotted and told. Amazing music and production, I listened in one go because it was so well paced and engrossing. The last episode made me cry. Great podcast.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mrs E.
- 23-11-23
Compelling listening
Guilty as charged but the opposing evidence gave food for thought. Samantha portrays all the moral and legal dilemmas surrounding this case including her own doubts and questions very well.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Verveine
- 27-11-23
An excellent listen
A compelling story, sensitively and thoughtfully read by the author. I was gripped! Makes you wonder about the US legal system!!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Warren Reidy
- 26-12-23
Potentially Very Good
Excellent story, good narration but dear lord, the continuous & wholly unnecessary music that plays in the background is a monumental disaster. It will drive you mad.
The listener has bought this audiobook to listen to THE STORY not some ridiculous & overpowering music.
Turned off after 3 chapters even though it was good.
Avoid if you think you’ll be the same.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Katt Winter
- 29-11-23
Really pleased I took the time to listen to this
There are a lot of true crime podcasts out there but this is different. I’m not spoiling anything here so go and have a listen. Pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 09-12-23
Interesting & thought provoking
Samantha has a refreshingly natural approach, neither dramatically sensationalist nor bleakly factual. It’s a shame there isn’t more of her work available. Step aside Louis Theroux!
There are a few strings left untied but that’s what raises the questions, not just about this case but the US judicial system in general. What’s left loudly unsaid, speaks volumes without accusing anyone of malpractice. Overall a very subtle exposé which remains in the pursuit of truth rather than exoneration. Really morally inspiring!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ER O.
- 14-12-23
Flawed science
The story was compelling and the fact that no definitive result one way or the other is at the end only makes it more compelling. Samantha’s persistence is incredible and her personal commitment to following every lead is emotional. Very compelling listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Susan F-J
- 08-12-23
great listen
loved the way the evidence was written and edited for the listener and the overall story had enough doubt in it to make it to keep your interest
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-12-23
Absolutely phenomenal
My first review and I wouldn’t have unless I listened to this. You won’t be bored, just hit the button!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Christine Tamlin
- 13-02-24
Riviting
From start to finish it kept my interest and made me think a lot about the justice system. A lot about the woman who was murdered and how justice was served, but mainly due to DNA. It is well worth a listen.
The narration was superb and in this case ensured the listening experience was second to none.
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