Women Behind Bars Tuesdays at 10p|9c

Diane Fleming


Two things have gotten me through this ordeal for the past 7+ years: First is the firm belief that there is no way I could spend 30 years in prison for something I did not do. Initially, I was assured by my attorney that there was practically no chance of being convicted. Of course there could be no “proof” that I did something I didn’t. So when the jury returned an unexpected “guilty” verdict, I was more stunned than anything. My only thought was that it was going to be a bit more complicated getting the situation straightened out. My attorney comforted me by assuring me that I’d be out on my first appeal- 6 months at the most. All these years I’ve had hope that each step in the post conviction appellate process would get me back home. The other thing that keeps me going is my faith. I believe that God has a purpose for everything that happens to us. Every trial and every person who crosses our path offers a learning opportunity. Good or bad, there is a lesson to be learned. Apparently there is something I am meant to gain from this ordeal- a lesson to be learned. This experience has been quite an education. If it weren’t for the heartbreak of being separated from my wonderful young daughter Meagan, I wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned for anything. Not only have I gained more insight into human nature, but I have discovered how naïve I was to have trusted in our legal system. Also, through my job here as an administrative aide/tutor in the printing class I have learned so much. My job is the one positive thing here. Something like this also really shows you who your true friends are. I found they weren’t necessarily the people with whom I thought I was closest. On the other hand, some others have proven to be real faithful friends. I am so blessed to have them in my life. I am also fortunate to have “met” many new people, all over the world, who support and pray for me. I am so thankful for my family, who has stuck by me- even relatives I’d hardly seen in years, back in Missouri. My two grown sons, Chuck and Jeff have never doubted me. Chuck still lives in the area and visits regularly. Once I am freed, I hope to be able to help some of the women, who remain, that get very little help from the outside. Also, several deserving women, who have served 20+ years, are eligible for parole, but our current parole board won’t give them a chance. I hope to become an advocate to help them and innocent people like myself, for whom the system isn’t working. I am confident that Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati’s investigation into my husband’s death, which proves my innocence, will prompt a reversal of my conviction. His 30 page peer-reviewed report was published in Medical Veritas, and can be found at www.medicalveritas.com.