#565 Maggie Freleng with Jane Dorotik

#565 Maggie Freleng with Jane Dorotik

From Wrongful Conviction by Lava for Good Podcasts

March 12, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 565

About this episode

The episode discusses the wrongful conviction of Jane Dorotik for the murder of her husband Robert, highlighting issues of forensic science and legal failures.

On Sunday February 13, 2000, 53-year-old Jane Dorotik reported her husband Robert missing after he failed to return home from a jog in Valley Center, CA. An avid runner, Robert’s body was found the next morning. He had been strangled with a rope and his skull was fractured. After investigators found what they purported to be human blood throughout the Dorotik residence, the state developed a theory of Jane’s guilt. She was quickly arrested and tried. The trial, riddled with junk science and faulty forensic testimony, resulted in a jury finding Jane guilty. Despite the defense’s continuous discovery of evidence both during and after jury deliberations, the trial court reinforced the conviction and sentenced Jane to 25 years to life.  To learn more and get involved, visit: https://csw.ucla.edu/research/feminist-anti-carceral-studies/uc-sentencing-project/ https://womenprisoners.org/ https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/390-wrongful-conviction-junk-science-bloodstain-pattern-evidence-update/ Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. ​​ We have worked hard to ensure that all facts…

People in this episode

Host: Maggie Freleng

Guest: Jane Dorotik

Topics covered

  • wrongful conviction
  • forensic science
  • legal system
  • true crime
  • domestic violence

Keywords

  • wrongful conviction
  • Jane Dorotik
  • Robert Dorotik
  • forensic testimony
  • junk science
  • legal system
  • true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lava for Good Podcasts, Signal Co. No1, UCLA, Women Prisoners

Places: Valley Center, CA

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