The first of two stories in this episode features Roena Ashing who was charged with murder in 1992. Roena was born and raised in Granite City, Illinois. After 17 years of marriage, she divorced her husband and, as a single mother of three, worked as a cab driver.

One of her customers, a 57-year-old disabled man named Tom Bauer, accused her of stealing $500. According to police reports, Roena had enlisted the help of her 25-year-old boyfriend, Jeff Ramsey, and a group of his friends to stop Bauer from going to police about the alleged theft by murdering him.

The following day Bauer was found dead in his home, which had been engulfed in flames. Two members of Jeff’s crew confessed to police and implicated Roena as the mastermind. Fearing the death penalty, Roena pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Her term has been reduced to 20 years and she is expected to be released in 2012. She maintains she had nothing to do with the murder.

Connie Keel, who grew up in Santa Monica, California began dating Ricky Keel when she was 15. At 16 she became pregnant with her daughter. The couple married in 1979 and shortly after had a son. The marriage was full of conflict because Connie claims Ricky was into drugs and was committing armed robberies. Fearing for her children’s safety, Connie tried to leave the marriage several times but always came back.

On 26th February 1980, Connie and Ricky and his cousin Jeffrey ended a night out by going to a local liquor store. According to Connie, despite her pleas to the contrary, the two men robbed and murdered the liquor store clerk, while Connie waited in the car. All three were arrested, charged and convicted of armed robbery and murder. Connie was given 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole while Ricky and Jeffrey were given life without the possibility of parole.