In 1998, Luis Vargas was mistaken for the infamous “Teardrop Rapist” and sentenced to life in prison. Despite being completely innocent, three separate victims misidentified him as their attacker. It wasn’t until crime scene DNA evidence was tested—and matched to a known serial rapist—that prosecutors began to question their conviction.

The Luis Vargas case highlights two critical issues within the criminal justice system. The first is how easily eyewitnesses can misidentify an innocent person. The second is the importance of preserving evidence in good condition long after a conviction. Without DNA evidence linking the crimes to a known offender on the FBI’s wanted list, Luis might have spent the rest of his life behind bars.

To hear this harrowing story of suffering and redemption from the man who lived it, tune in to the episode linked above.

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Written by:
Laurence Colletti