What happens when a desperate story about pregnancy ends in the kidnapping of a newborn—and a woman is condemned to death for her alleged role in the crime? The case of Linda Carty has become one of the most controversial death-penalty stories in America, involving a murdered mother, a kidnapped infant, conflicting accounts, disputed evidence, and years of legal battles.In 2001, a newborn baby was taken from his Houston home after his mother, Joana Rodriguez, was murdered. Investigators soon focused on Linda Carty, a former teacher and U.S. citizen originally from Saint Kitts, who prosecutors alleged had orchestrated the kidnapping as part of a plan involving a supposed pregnancy. Carty was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, but questions surrounding her role, the evidence presented at trial, and the conduct of the investigation have continued to fuel controversy.This book follows the case from the events surrounding the kidnapping and murder through Carty's arrest, trial, conviction, and years on Texas's death row. It examines the prosecution's case, the defense's challenges, witness testimony, disputed evidence, appeals, and the continuing debate over whether justice was served.
What happens when a desperate story about pregnancy ends in the kidnapping of a newborn—and a woman is condemned to death for her alleged role in the crime? The case of Linda Carty has become one of the most controversial death-penalty stories in America, involving a murdered mother, a kidnapped ...