Kansas City PBS announces the premiere of Innocence Should Be Enough, a harrowing look at wrongful convictions in the Midwest and the people answering the call for reform. This new documentary from filmmaker Solomon Shields (Healing Hate, 2024) airs on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1 on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m.
“We are proud to bring Innocence Should Be Enough to our community,” said Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS, Flatland and 90.9 The Bridge. "It shines a powerful light on the importance of justice, accountability and the tireless work of organizations fighting for change.”
What happens when an innocent person is condemned to a life behind bars? This compelling film delves into four pivotal cases that expose alarming flaws within the justice system. It highlights the stories of Chris Dunn and Rodney Lincoln, both wrongfully convicted in St. Louis, Missouri; Faye Jacobs, who, after serving 26 years, was released but continues her fight for exoneration; and Marcellus "Khalifa" Williams, who spent nearly two decades on death row, maintaining his innocence. Despite a lack of forensic evidence linking him to the crime, Williams was executed in September 2024.
Innocence Should Be Enough explores the harsh reality that, in Missouri and Kansas, innocence alone often fails to overturn wrongful convictions. This powerful film follows the Midwest Innocence Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to freeing innocent individuals through partnerships with pro-bono lawyers. Operating across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska and Iowa, the Midwest Innocence Project has successfully helped free 10 people, is actively litigating 12 cases and has over 600 applications awaiting review.
Innocence Should Be Enough filmmaker Solomon Shields said he hopes the film will illuminate the work of the Midwest Innocence Project and remind the larger community of how powerful they can be as advocates for those who have been wrongfully convicted.
“Marcellus Williams’ execution isn't too far off people's minds,” said Shields. “There was a strong following on that case worldwide, and though it wasn't enough to save his life, I do know that sharing and talking about his case and furthering the discussion does so much for the basis of this work.”
Innocence Should Be Enough will air on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1 on April 10 at 7 p.m. To learn more about the film, visit kansascitypbs.org/innocence.
About the Filmmaker
Solomon Shields is a Kansas City native with strong documentary-making experience. After graduating from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2020, he went on to work at the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City’s Historic 18th and Vine District and later at the Minnesota-based production company Winter State Entertainment. Shields is a skilled writer, producer and director. He strives to shine a light on issues and stories overlooked by the masses and give a voice to those who do not feel they have one.