Claim OwnershipEmpire on Blood
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In the Bronx, in the early 90s, two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” They lived large, wearing mink, drinking champagne, getting rich. Then their fraught relationship fell apart, dead bodies piled up, and one accused the other of a double homicide he didn’t commit. Or did he? We hear from the cops, the DA, the terrified eyewitnesses, the dealer doing life, and the dealer who put him there. They all tell their stories to award-winning journalist Steve Fishman, who has spent seven years untangling the twisted web of justice in the Bronx, and chronicling one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence.
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26From Panoply, award-winning journalist Steve Fishman chronicles his seven-year investigation to uncover the truth behind a Bronx double homicide, a betrayal, and a drug kingpin's journey to overturn his life sentence. Subscribe now to get all 7 episodes on March 28.
A story of murder, betrayal, and a man who fought the law for two decades. Calvin Buari, who once drove BMWs and dealt crack from a violent corner in the Bronx, has served 22 years of a life sentence. The charge: double homicide. Cal insists he’s no murderer — someone else even confessed to the crime. Things are looking up for Cal when a legendary defense lawyer agrees to take on his last appeal. But then something terrible happens.
Allen Karen was one of the best homicide prosecutors in the Bronx. He devoted his life to fighting crime… and to rescuing the 20 or so turtles and tortoises that roam around his house. We hear how Karen used his formidable skills to put Calvin Buari away on a difficult charge — a double homicide case that was already three years old.
Calvin Buari’s former protégé in the Bronx crack trade, Dwight Robinson, loved and admired Cal. But then, feeling shunned and nursing his own ambitions, Dwight charted his own course — first with guns, then with lies, and finally as an instrument of the criminal justice system.
Cal has been in prison a few years when Dwight, lording over the Corner on Blood, “catches a body” and is sentenced to 25 years to life for murder. Not long after, Cal and the man who put him away meet in prison, something that’s not supposed to happen. Both Cal’s and Dwight’s worlds are turned upside down, and prosecutors in the Bronx are alarmed.
Joe Barry is Cal’s private investigator, hired in desperation when Cal’s case seems all but dead. Joe’s a hard drinking, Bible-toting P.I. who’s not afraid to lie in the service of the truth. He connects with new witnesses. And they give Cal a ray of hope.
Cal’s last-shot hearing finally arrives: his new lawyers are in place, the new witnesses ready to testify. Turtle Man has called their written affidavits worthless “toilet paper.” Will he come out of retirement to make sure Cal stays locked away?
In the aftermath of the court’s decision, Cal must adjust to his new reality.
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I started listening to the first episode earlier and 4 hours later, still at it. I'm not sure if I missed something or if he jumped around a little. At one point after the hearing with Dwight's lies it sounded like that was the end of the appeals or hearings. Then the next episode is the PI and 2 witnesses. I thought the lawyer died long before this but it was after, I think. One question. Why does this journalist tell the prosecutor everything Cal and team are compiling for hearing? And also making friends with Dwight the snitch? thanks for any answers to straighten my confused brain out
Great job to all involved. To Calvin, continue to do as your mother instructed- never give up!
Thank you for this series.
with all this being said ...really should've signed for the 3..I know I know, 'I didnt do it'...but the situation went from 'they dont have nothin' to 'I have life'. it's messed up, the feeling of no hope, but that's the same feeling the families have that have lost loved ones who were providers and good people...wtf is fair? it's a perception. nothing more, nothing less
Xcxxbx
Im sad that he is homeless!!!
awsome!!!!!
Awesome podcast. Best I've heard so far. That damn Dwight was the ultimate definition of a snitch.
ep 1: thats not snoop dogg rapping in the clip included. it's a guest rapper.
Amazing podcast. Thank you for sharing this.
great first episode
As a family member who has seen the prison system up close and personal, I appreciate the real look into Cal's time served and freedom, thank you.
great podcast, love your voice!
The story is great. The narrator is hard for me to listen to. Not every word has that much meaning, ease up a bit.
thos was my first ever podcast that I listen to as someone told me about this podcast. this was so sad yet amazing...
oh my....this was a great podcast..sad story. had me crying, laughing, jaw dropped a few times..just a great story told. keep us posted if anything else happens!
does this get better after the first episode, im bored already
I enjoyed this podcast, so happy for Cal and good family.
This was such powerful podcast. Thank you so much for sharing and walking the journey with Calvin Buari.
intrigued...😀