Type(s) of wrongful conviction: False Confession 

Wrongful Convictions News™ Case Rep: Liz Franklin

Case Advocate: Helen

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On January 18, 2025, CBS's "48 Hours" aired a new episode titled "Unraveling the Case Against Melissa Calusinski," where correspondent Erin Moriarty investigated potential evidence manipulation in her case. The episode presented new details and interviews that examine the controversy surrounding her conviction.

Currently, Calusinski has served 16 years of her 31-year prison sentence at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Illinois. Her fate now rests in the hands of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has the power to grant her clemency and secure her release. A clemency hearing was held in July 2024, where her defense attorney, Kathleen Zellner, presented their case.

The push for clemency is based on what her legal team argues is new evidence in the case. According to CBS News, Calusinski continues to maintain her innocence in the death of Benjamin Kingan. However, it's worth noting that prosecutors have countered these claims, stating that "no such new evidence has been presented to our conviction integrity unit or in this clemency process."

The case continues to draw attention due to the ongoing questions about the evidence used to convict her, and her supporters are awaiting Governor Pritzker's decision on her clemency petition. The recent "48 Hours" episode has brought renewed national attention to her case and the continuing debate over her conviction.

02 Mar 2012, Fri Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Illinois) Newpaper.com  https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/9993722/