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. 

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.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • ShaySha06
    Lies, truth and everything in between...
    Wow. I have never listened to anything as powerful as this story. I cried. I smiled. I laughed. I found myself, numerous times, standing still in the middle of my living room with ear pods in, covered in chills, overwhelmed with emotion and sometimes pure and utter SHOCK. The arrogance displayed from all ends of the Florida justice system will leave you floored. Their egos left me baffled and lead to unethical behaviors that cannot go ignored. King and his team do a phenomenal job…from research, building lasting relationships to telling this true story from the past into real time, well done. Thank you to every person that brought this story to life in the real world. And to Leo…thank you for never letting the system trick you into settling. For never wavering on the facts and standing your ground. You will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life, and I’m sure that is the same for many in this world. Thank you Leo.
  • Jljlb
    Best Podcast Ever
    This was the most amazing podcast I’ve ever listened to. I will have to think back on it for years, and strive to have the strength of so many of the people that are featured- I don’t want to spoil anything, but the sadness that I felt for Leo and Michelle was so raw, and then we get into the story of Jeremy, and I grieve for another life essentially lost. And clearly Justin’s mom is such an incredible person, and passed her compassion and understanding down to her son. Even in her pain she raised such a special young man. Leo’s strength, patience, thoughtfulness, and ability to forgive is incredible and so admirable. And of course Judge Scott Cupp, whose dedication to justice outweighed his career ambitions. Too many heroes in this story to count. Life is so unpredictable, and full of unexpected tragedies and blessing and angels, and I feel like that’s what this this podcast is really about. Wishing everyone involved all the best in life.
  • Janlov654
    Bone valley
    This podcast is so well written. The story is just heart breaking, lots of tears 💜
  • Charlotte, NC Fan
    Amazing
    This has absolutely been one of my favorite podcasts and I listen to a lot of true crime! I binged it over like three days and couldn’t stop listening. Please make more episodes and continue this journey with Jeremey and Justin.
  • philipejose
    Phenomenal
    I listen to so much true crime and this is truly the cream of the crop. 10/10 can’t believe I’m just now discovering this.
  • MamaDuVilla
    More than 5 stars and now what can be done?
    Update: Jake. I have NEVER heard anything more real, compelling, and demanding of attention. Thank you Gilbert. This story changed me. Thank you for Telling this story…. What can we do? WHAT CAN WE DO?
  • shelleyrose*
    Incredibly
    Very well done, by the end I was ugly crying. I really recommend this podcast.
  • Rosco-Oscar
    Good so far.
    I just have to comment I think it’s hilarious how so many of these podcasters comment on confederate flags like somehow you must be dangerous if you have one.
  • H brogan
    This was an amazing podcast.
    I listen to so many true crime podcasts and this is by far one of the top 3 I’ve ever heard. Just amazing!
  • Gr@ndmaof10
    Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time!!
    I listen to A LOT of true crime podcasts and this is by far the most compelling and best presented show I have ever listened to! Gilbert and Kelsey are amazing!
  • podgod12345
    Missing evidence
    Podcast was good but then you read online about all the incriminating info they left out, can’t anyone just make an unbiased podcast ?
  • cakewalk33
    Wonderful
    This podcast is so well done. This should be the standard in which all other podcasts have to measure up to. Gilbert has an easy voice to listen to and has such a gift to make this story come alive. I enjoyed this immensely. Thank you for your amazing work on this case!
  • Southpaw087
    Gut wrenching
    This is addicting to listen to. Still making my way through season 1. I’m so glad I stumbled on this podcast, even though it repeatedly breaks my heart. My heart hurts so much for Leo and i’m absolutely disgusted with our justice system.
  • TiffPsychRN
    Unparalleled
    Profound. Tears through every episode. Just unbelievable. Extraordinary work. What you have all done here is truly a miracle. Award worthy. Thank you ❤️
  • WSGinTexas
    Bone valley 5 stars
    This is one of the best podcasts I’ve heard in a while. Professional and expertly produced. I couldn’t quit listening.
  • fitCB
    Wow!
    Love Bone Valley podcast!!
  • BrittanyKS
    OH, the Humanity😭😭
    A beautiful portrait of an incredibly complicated set of circumstances. The HUMANITY in this season is SO compelling, beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming, inspiring… well done. 😭💛🙌🏻👏🏻
  • CCooney70
    Gilbert King is the king of podcasts!
    Amazing podcast! One of the best I have yet to listen to! Gilbert King delivers such a compassionate, honest, educated and caring voice to this podcast! I hope there are more seasons to come with his true crime stories!
  • SuzPlatt
    Captivating
    I happened to click on this podcast and couldn’t put it down. I am the same age as Michelle would have been. Leo’s innocence is blaring throughout the telling of his story. The fact that Leo comes out the other side with love, compassion and resiliency is nothing short of a miracle. Amazing detective work, writing, delivering the story, and perseverance to Gilbert and Kelsey. Best wishes to Leo and his family.
  • D Fournier
    Great podcast
    Wonderful story telling. I couldn’t stop listening.
  • Injustice Survivor
    Heartfelt and emotional
    One of the most touching podcasts that I've listened to. Leo is one of the cases that made me take a look at our justice system and after nearly learning a similar fate due to lies and corruption decided to return to school and study law. If not for our local law school and their support and dedication I wouldn't be where I am today. I intend to represent those who cannot afford proper presentation and fight for the wrongly convicted. If you need ideas for another season I highly recommend looking into Keith Zon Doolin’s case as that is the other case that still today gives me nightmares and makes me question if teaching our children to be helpful and good Samaritans is a good thing or not. It made me question what I should tell my sons to do if they see a woman or women possibly in danger and what the right advice is to give. I know they say innocent people shouldn't worry but in fact, innocent people should essentially be more concerned about injustices, without physical evidence, circumstantial evidence is all in the way that one perceives it and that can be a tricky and dangerous game to play. And the state all too often agrees to admit that they made a mistake. The same thing happened with Keith, another heinous murder led to a confession and the inability to get it admitted into evidence after not 1 but 2 suicides. Keith is on Death Row and I fear that California will never right this wrong and sickening injustice. Keep up the amazing work that you're doing!! You changed a lot of lives with your podcast and gave us the raw and emotional aspects of what you're doing. I hope you truly know what a blessing you have been for so many people and families.
  • MadieTT
    Best sequel ever!!
    Gilbert, you are not just a writer, not just a podcaster, you are an incredible human! This is a wonderful story filled with imperfect individuals who perfectly intertwine through a horrific event to fill each other with hope, faith and love. It is a story that matters, a story that is worth telling and thankfully you are a brilliant storyteller. You start with the facts, the evidence and then you sprinkle the humanity of it all! Thank you to Leo for being a beautiful example of true christianity and brotherly love. Thank you to Jeremy for being raw and vulnerable and for never giving excuses for his past transgressions but rather for taking responsibility and facing them head on. Thank you to Justin for his desire to know his father albeit with fear but with an empathetic heart and no judgment at all. In the podcast Leo said that his hope was that Jeremy came to know true and genuine love, the kind he may have never experienced. This is my hope as well! God bless you all as you have blessed others with your story! Thank you!
  • shelnal
    Sooo good
    Beautiful complex story told with care, filled with pain and healing.
  • crich5
    Love this show
    I have loved every minute of this emotional story. Well done. Can’t give it 5 stars unfortunately because I’m very disappointed that it required a subscription to finish. Poor taste. I used the free trial and cancelled right away. I’m not willing to play that game with podcasts.
  • BabblingBrookeSchell
    Brilliant
    Gilbert, the work you've done here is incredible. You have truly made a remarkable and beautiful impact on humanity that reaches far beyond what you're even aware of. Thank you for that. I thought I cried hard at the end of season 1, but that was nothing compared to the full sobs that were pouring out while listening to the montage of messages at the end of season 2.
  • Laura__03
    Must listen
    One of the best podcasts I have listened to, period. Amazing reporting of an important story. **Coming back to say that season 2 is some of the most heartbreaking, heart opening story telling I’ve ever heard. Such an important story told in a masterful way. Humanity in all of its complicated beauty.
  • ShanPack
    Riveting
    I just finished bingeing season 2, and it was incredible. Gilbert did a masterful job of humanizing a man who has done evil things, reminding all of us that all humans have worth and that love transforms lives.
  • Andylynn2736
    Amazing
    This story is told so well, Season 1 I was so vested with Leo. This 2nd Season filled my heart with such love. How amazing that so much love has come from something terrible. Leo’s ability to forgive and show grace to Jeremy should teach us all a lesson. Hearing Justin and Jeremy getting to know each other made me cry. It’s so important to love your children, hug them, tell them how much you care and support them. I can only imagine if Jeremy had supports as a child things could have turned out differently for so many. Being loved by your parents is unmeasurable. Thank you for your Amazing story telling. I feel like I know them. I can’t wait for more.
  • J Hurls
    Well worth the listen
    I have not listened to a podcast quite like this. It is remarkable. The narrator is compassionate, tenacious, thoughtful, kind and never stops asking the hard questions. I don’t know if there are awards for podcasts, but this deserves one. A story of heartbreak, consequences, justice miscarriage, forgiveness and healing.
  • melmerrell
    11 out of 10!
    It is so beautiful to witness such profound change in so many lives.
  • V’Ness
    Beware! This podcast will change you!
    I have listened to season one five or six times. I get excited every time I convince someone to listen so I can follow alongside. Season two already has me hooked in wish I had the willpower to wait so I could binge the entire series.
  • Kaymy725
    Bone valley
    Just finished Leo story and wow!! Loved the podcast looking forward to season 2!!!
  • Indigo Pilot
    Good with fairly minimal bias
    Fascinating case and story beautifully told. So fascinating that I read the court transcripts myself. Upon reading the court transcripts, I felt the podcast was biased in a few places - certain trial details were downplayed in my opinion. I’d still recommend it, but reading the transcripts offers a fuller perspective.
  • Arees~Mama
    Great story!
    This is such a heartbreaking important story to tell. So many injustices present here. Thank goodness for the podcasters who are shining a light on how broken the system is.
  • Hannah1900’s
    Favorite Podcast of all TIME
    This podcast told this story so well, to where I feel like I know these people. I’ve cheered them on and on the day Leo got out I cried. It’s truly a love story, I know that doesn’t sound right but it is. It’s a love story in so many ways, I’m thankful that it was shared with us and I can’t wait to hear what’s to come.
  • 458 miles
    Fantastic
    This podcast is a masterpiece. Everyone needs to listen to this.
  • Docteacher
    Incredible
    This is an unbelievable story covered in great detail with true compassion. I literally cried my eyes out As I was making dinner for my family. The willingness and ability to forgive is beyond belief. Thank you for telling this story
  • Charleywv
    Excellent podcast of another tragic injustice
    Until there is a wholesale reeducation of prosecutors and accountability for their misdeeds, these tragedies will never end. They are programmed to value convictions rather than truth and justice. Victoria Avalon is exhibit A and a disgrace to the profession and humanity.
  • User11222333999
    Best Podcast I’ve Ever Listened To
    Breathtaking story. An absolute must listen.
  • Xxxlauraxxxx
    Unbelievable Story and Journalism
    I got emotional during episode 8. I couldn’t believe that this was actually happening to Leo in the modern day. He is so clearly innocent. The manipulation, coercion, deception, incompetence…the list goes on, that the prosecutors and detectives in this case have exuded is surreal. Incredible story…. But listener beware: you will be infuriated with the justice system after listening to this podcast.
  • BH572
    Leo makes me want to do better!
    This is an incredible story, full of ups and downs and absolutely heartbreak. It also shines a light on our justice system and how quickly we throw people away and forget about them. It made me want to take action and look for ways I can be an advocate for those whose voice has been silenced.
  • keeks0208
    Incredible Story
    Leo’s story is so incredibly sad and was told beautifully. Bone Valley is a podcast I’ve been following on Apple Podcasts and knew I’d eventually get to it. I finally did and binged it in less than 24 hours. I’d like to say that what I heard was insane, but it’s extremely obvious at this point to me that not only is our justice system beyond broken, but so are the people running it. I know that there’s probably thousands of Leo’s in this country. The fact that we got to hear his story is why podcasts are such an incredible vehicle bc without it… I don’t think he’d be home rn. Finding out he was coming home brought me to tears bc it was truly looking so bleak and hopeless. His spirit, his strength, his patience… I don’t know how he did it. I’d love to hear an update. I hope all the good things for Leo
  • Rach- hach
    Amazing podcast
    This is an amazing podcast, but it’s physically painful for me to listen to it. I can’t believe that these things go on, and it’s beyond infuriating. I admire Leo for his unbelievable strength. I haven’t finished listening, and I pray Leo gets justice! Please!! Thank God for the makers of this podcast.
  • mama-mag
    Great podcast!
    I only just found this podcast. What an amazing story. Gilbert and Kelsey have told it so well! I hope Leo gets everything he deserves!
  • 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.
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