Bone Valley

3,244

​​In 1987, 18-year-old Michelle Schofield was found dead in a phosphate pit in Florida. Two years later, her husband Leo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Fifteen years later, previously unidentified fingerprints matched Jeremy Scott--a violent teenager who lived nearby. Jeremy has since confessed to Michelle’s murder. Yet Leo Schofield remains behind bars.

In this groundbreaking podcast, Bone Valley host Gilbert King uncovers startling new evidence that Jeremy is responsible for a string of murders. King is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Devil in the Grove, which led to the exonerations of four innocent men.

Bone Valley is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

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Recent Reviews
  • Realmoyo
    Recommend this podcast to everyone!
    Amazingly well done podcast about an absolutely insane story. Not only the murder, but the life story of everyone involved is incredibly moving, heart breaking, and uplifting in a world where such an atrocity can be allowed to occur. As a fellow Floridian, we are appalled by the blatant dismissive of obvious evidence and the wrongful conviction of Leo. Thank you for making this podcast to tell his and Michelle’s story. We will think about this for years to come and will continue to support Leo’s exoneration.
  • Nifter86
    An incredibly well done podcast
    Really enjoyed this podcast and the story it told!!! It’s heinous how the Polk county prosecutors were able to get away with this!!!! Hoping Leo is exonerated soon!! Please please give an update soon on how he is doing!!!
  • JagelsBagels124
    WoW!!
    As a prison reform advocate I have listened to SO many of these stories. This story is by far the one that has hit me the hardest! I pivoted between anger and tears the entire series! I live in Florida and it’s scary to think this could happen to anyone and does happen. I believe in Leo’s innocence and it absolutely breaks my heart that he has had to go through so much. More importantly, it’s absolutely amazing how humble and strong he is and has remained over the last 36+ years. I really enjoyed Kelsey & Gilbert’s reporting and they did really well together! My prayer is that Leo is exonerated. 💜
  • LSD122070
    So proud!!!
    To everyone who took part in Leo’s release… you deserve so many blessings! Thank you and keep up the phenomenal work for the innocent men & women wrongly convicted. 💙
  • dirty rats
    Justice denied
    Anyone who has listened and did not believe Leo is innocent, is apparently deaf. What a heartbreaking infuriating story. God bless all who stood up for the truth, including Jeremy Scott.
  • Pumpilove
    Superb journalism
    The show gave me chills. As the tragedies and injustices unfold and multiply, I pivot between tears and fury. One of the most remarkable podcasts I have ever listened to.
  • Alli Gaulin
    Outstanding.
    Infuriating. Tragic. Hopeful. Redemptive. One of the best true crime podcasts out there.
  • hobucket
    Simply put, wow!
    Masterpiece by the creators, Leo you’re an inspiration.
  • AliinFl
    Amazing Reporting
    This podcast is extremely well done and so very important
  • ameadows16
    Great Podcast
    Not only is the story very well told and entertaining, but it also is heartbreaking. The last episode was so emotional for me. You can feel how much work went into this project. It’s moving and worth the listen. It’s one podcast that reminds you these are real people and real lives affected by tragedy. Not just a story for us to listen to for entertainment.
  • Taravswa
    So Good
    Great story! Very well done!
  • Nikepro_15
    Bone Valley
    Story had me on the edge of my seat and found myself cheering for the main character made me realize how much work goes into a story like this.
  • Ocgirlsue
    Made me cry
    This latest ep of Leo’s first day, seeing things for the first time, being hesitant about whether he’s “allowed” to do things, really brought tears to my eyes. There’s a lot of change in 36 years.
  • Twicethemom07
    Fantastic podcast! A must listen!
    I started listening to the Prosecutors podcast. Their most recent release was about Leo’s release and they said if you haven’t listened to Bone Valley stop this podcast. Go listen. And then come back. So I did. And I am glad that I did. This was such a tragic and sad case and it maddened me at all the balls that were dropped, the justice system who failed to do their job left and right. It was obvious to so many that Leo was innocent of this crime yet even another man confessing to the murder couldn’t get him out. I still just can’t fathom all this happening that way that it did. Well done Gilbert and Kelsey! Y’all did an exceptional job researching and getting the truth out there.
  • LizRogers
    Send Leo Home!
    Couldn’t stop listening. Heartbreaking life story that is not over. Praying for Leo to persevere until he is exonerated. Excellent work Gilbert and Kelsey! Last episode where you painted a picture of Michelle dancing by the fire just got me! Love the lion Leo drew for Judge Cupp.
  • MissSR13
    First pod I listened to twice.
    This is a heartbreaking and hopeful story about truly magnificent humans. Listen.
  • Scgranger
    🙏 for Leo & family
    Thank you Leo, for allowing your release and time with family to be recorded. We pray you will be exonerated and are glad you are free now.
  • Jeanieeous
    The Humanity
    Gilbert & Kelsey go to it & thru it to dig in all the dark corners, dragging the truth to light. I am impressed and amazed by the grace and humanity they pursue the story and seek to bring Leo his freedom. You can hear the lifetime of regret Leo wears on his vocal cords. As a young man who had no idea how to regulate his emotions, he owns his own faults yet stands solid where others would cave. The transformation to show compassion towards the man who savagely stole his wife’s life is a much bigger gesture than I can imagine giving- but there it is, the unfathomable… Chrissy who steadfastly believes in his innocence…The judge who gave a glimpse of what could be, turning his career and life to do justice… All of the above with the aim of accountability for Nicky’s murder. Telling the story in a compelling and engaging fashion. I cannot recommend this podcast highly enough. Listen now!
  • **Tbird**
    Amazing!!!
    I am bawling!! So happy for Leo, his wife, daughter, whole family Gilbert & Kelsey!!! His release is long over due! Thanks to everyone that worked so hard to get Leo out!! God is great !!! Miracles still happen today!!!
  • Gfdddutrdvtx337
    This was like a page turner book I couldn’t put down
    Excellent reporting and storytelling. Tragic story told on a way that completely engrossed me. Stayed up until 2am to finish it!
  • Freezy good
    Excellent Podcast- a must listen
    This story is heart breaking. I have so enjoyed this podcast, which is hard to say because the content is sad and infuriating, but the story telling is riveting and so well done. Thank you Gilbert and Kelsey for putting your all into telling this story and looking for the justice that is so well deserved for Michelle and Leo! I have loved the updates and admire the dedication to this.
  • EJ848
    One of the best since Serial!
    I can’t even express how incredible that was. RIVETING!! And devastating. And infuriating. I was literally yelling in my car! One of the best podcasts since Serial!
  • j_a_x_
    Fantastic Podcast
    Thank you for updating us! I just sobbed through that last episode. This is an incredibly heartbreaking and complicated story and this podcast does an amazing job telling the story with empathy. Investigative journalism at its finest, excellent sound production. The music is also incredible- bravo Leo. Florida is trash and so is our justice system. I really hope Leo gets justice.
  • S. Royer
    Todays the day
    Sending all my love and prayers and support to Leo and his team today April 17. This is THE best podcast ever made.
  • Colleen OS
    incredible!
    I could not stop listening. I gasped out loud often I shed tears I shook my head. I prayed I imagined myself being in the situation or having a loved one in the situation and what I would do - would I be like Leo ans so diol i’d grace and determination? I also assumed the worst & I played devils advocate, there are so many different emotions, and so many layers in this podcast and in the story. The prayer war room and the way Leo shared and how he leaned on his faith and in the Hope that comes in knowing Jesus was amazing to see play out. Thank you for such a well documented podcast. Obviously this podcast made of huge difference in leo’s case. I applaud your efforts. I also applaud the efforts of all those who have stood by Leo & worked so hard to see him be free.
  • Benhoni
    Updates
    It is so empathetic of the hosts to keep their audience informed and updated on Leo’s progress. Their support and belief in him is a testament to humankind’s existence that we can still do good on this planet.
  • The Mollianus
    Bone rattling and chilling!
    Really good podcast on an, unfortunate, scandalous theme: how short sided government agents ruin the lives of innocent people… Hear me good; I’m not Anti-government person, the opposite! When people who are appointed to enforce the law in contrast make their own rules and keep citizens from experiencing a good working law, system that’s just scandalous, making the US not better than countries like Russia or even north-Korea, and these people should be held responsible. Leo should be a free man and compensated tremendously for the wrongdoing he has experienced all these decades… to that extent a very disappointing cast, without a good ending.
  • Valentinegrammy
    Amazing Journey
    This podcast details an amazing story of injustice due to the wrongful conviction of Leo Schofield. It also provides detailed information about the character of Leo and his perseverance. I cannot even imagine. It would be difficult no to be bitter and resentful. So glad to have learned about this case through The Prosecutors Podcast. Well worth the time to listen and learn. Wishing Leo and those who strive to help him Godspeed! You all are in my prayers.
  • Elaine in Baltimore
    Very well done
    Could not stop listening! Keep recording.
  • Sunshine586
    A must listen
    Amazing and articulate. Highly recommend. I couldn’t stop listening to this unbelievable story!
  • jaggon94
    Riveting podcast
    This is the absolute best true crime podcast I have listened to (and I have listened to hundreds). It is an incredible story and not to be missed.
  • S Rod ATX
    Amazing, Gut wrenching, Powerful
    I’ve listened to hundreds of podcasts and this is among the top 3, probably top 2. Amazing storytelling and production. Some of the interviews with Leo and Jeremy are absolutely gripping! Will recommend to everyone I know.
  • N. A. Brocks 12
    Great podcast! Annoying loud swallowing
    I loved the podcast but is there any way you all could’ve cut out at least some of Jeremy’s loud, wet swallowing? It drove me crazy in the “Coming Clean” episode. It was hard for me to continue to listen haha
  • Hot Mama Karen
    Gut wrenching
    Wow!! You guys know how to pull the emotions out of me. This story really had me feeling everything with you, the tears, the sorrow, the grief- especially after going through the evidence. Thank you for doing this podcast and exposing the injustice done to Leo Schofield. I realize he isn’t a perfect human being, but I truly believe he is innocent and justice was not served for him. I appreciate the judge bringing this case to your attention, and you moving to Florida for the time being to share this story.
  • WheelaFortune
    Blown Away
    I am not only impressed with the production of this podcast, but the story was gut-wrenching and raw and REAL. Thank you to all involved…for bringing to light the all-too-true issues faced by too many undeserving people thrown into an unjust system, for giving humanity to the inhumane, and for delicately navigating the struggle between good vs evil, truth vs falsehood, and forgiveness vs the unforgivable. I will forever be impacted by this story, for so many reasons. You have made me change my opinion of the legal system and those who are falsely convicted…but also those who are responsible for heinous acts. What an incredible journey, with takeaways that will resonate with me the rest of my life.
  • GSmith218
    Well made and heart breaking podcast
    This podcast was very well made. The story is told in a way to honor Michelle and easy to follow as someone new to her case. I hope they are able to free Leo.
  • CripEast
    Gamer Changer
    This podcast is a must listen!! It’s yet another disgusting taste of reality into just how bad our justice system is…across this country. I believed in our system but now I know first hand that we are all just one bad investigator away from being a Leo! We must do something to bring about change bc as it stands the cops and justice system that protect them are more criminal then half the people they set up and lock away!! Sad but listen and see just how often the Injustice system of our country gets it wrong!
  • Relax, Rover.
    Gripping, masterful, infuriating
    One of the best podcasts ever. I had to make myself stop listening to get things done! The wrong done by the state in this case is maddening and infuriating, and their ignoring evidence in this murder (and the other murder) is utterly flabbergasting and criminal. Beyond excellent!
  • MJC1517
    Great podcast
    This case is infuriating. The state and people working for them should be ashamed of themselves. It is scary that these are the type of people that we are supposed to put our trust in to lead our justice system. Also sad for Michelle that they are not interested in real justice for her. What are the odds that a convicted murderer simply stumbled upon her car and left his finger prints from only stealing a radio. Come on.
  • Mamagoose7
    WOW!!! Just WOW!!
    This just blows my mind!! I’ve shed tears over this!! Awesome job! I listened based on the recommend by The Prosecutors. I’m so glad I did. And I signed the petition. I believe Leo is innocent. And I believe Jeremy is telling the truth and that he is remorseful.
  • sdp218
    Incredible
    Could not get enough and can’t stop thinking about this story. I pray people step up and do the right thing someday.
  • FromLkld
    Great podcast, however…
    Did you not think anyone from Lakeland would listen to this podcast? Your journalism skills covering Lakeland and surrounding areas was extremely biased. We’re not all confederate flag flying Combee Critters. There’s Florida Southern College on beautiful Lake Hollingsworth,with architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright, descendants of “Royal” swans gifted by Queen Elizabeth to our city in the 1940s, the great Polk theater where Elvis performed in 1957, our beautiful lakes which the city is named after…? None of those details fit your narrative! Also, your retelling of the escapades of our sheriff, Grady Judd…you reported that our sheriffs department shot a man “who allegedly shot at officers during a traffic stop”…? That’s not what happened! Anglo Freeman ran into the woods near a residential area with a gun. Officer Matt Williams and his canine, Diogi, were in pursuit of the armed suspect. When Williams and Diogi approached Freeland, he executed both of them. Freeland shot Officer Matt Williams execution style! Then our sheriff’s department went on a man hunt and “ran out of bullets” after shooting him 68 times. Your podcast was so in-depth, it’s hard to imagine that you leaving out key details about Lakeland and it’s true history were to fit your narrative that the south is just a bunch of red neck racists. Lakeland is an ever growing city with New York being one of the biggest transplants. Lakeland has made the top 10 of cities to live in within the last five years. I don’t have respect for personal narrative in journalism. Do better!!
  • MoreNuancePlease
    Interesting But Extremely Biased
    Based on the information presented in the show I was thinking Leo should probably get a new trial. I chose to read some trial transcripts and appeals transcripts and realized that Leo was convicted, and later denied parole due to items NOT delved into on the show. The show is a presentation of cherry picked information and framing of information to cast doubt on a convicted man’s sentence and as such is interesting and entertaining. If you are looking for an examination of all of the facts to determine what you as listener think is the truth, this is not the show for you.
  • Barbie Jo D
    Review of this podcast is a 10 out of 10
    Fantastic Emotional On the edge of seat Very well done
  • Upset23232323
    Best podcast I’ve heard in some time!
    I am always struggling to find a podcast that captivates me and I am so glad I stumbled across this. I could not stop listening and binged this until the end! One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to in awhile, definitely recommend listening.
  • hanncakes
    Sickening that this happened
    Truly unimaginable that peoples lives are ruined at the hands of an unethical, dishonest, corrupt person and/or people. I know this is nothing new and it’s still happening, but none the less it’s shocking. Hope the state attorney conscious was clear before died
  • Mars33me
    How?
    How in the world is something like this even possible? Absolutely sickening. Great reporting Gilbert.
  • HowellChicks
    Outstanding!
    This podcast is so good, I wish I could give it 10 stars. Gilbert and Kelsie do such an amazing job! What a heartbreaking story!
  • Nuoget
    Wow….
    Cannot count how many times I said that as I listened. Highly recommend.
  • yes to free
    Nope
    I enjoy the subject of true crime as many other people do. This podcast was so incredibly boring and I just could not get into it. Not for me.
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