TAKING THE STAND tells the story of a crime from the unique lens of the accused as they take the witness stand. Hosted by Dan Abrams each episode will cover everything from first-hand defendant testimony, juxtaposed with the contentious cross examination.
Exotic animal dealer William "Wild Bill" Zelenski is accused of murdering his girlfriend's 18-year-old son, Ryelee Manente-Powell after he stole $27,000 worth of venomous and exotic reptiles.
The Wagners stand accused of murdering eight members of the Rhoden family over a bitter child custody dispute. George Wagner IV will take the stand and try to convince the jury he played no role in the massacre.
An argument between former NFL player Travis Rudolph and his ex-girlfriend escalates into a gunfight with her brother and his friends. Rudolph will take the stand to claim he had no choice but to open fire 39 times to defend himself.
Zachary Wester, a Sheriff Deputy from Jackson County Florida, stands accused of planting drugs on unsuspecting motorists during routine traffic stops. He's been charged with over 65 counts and faces up to 85 years in prison if found guilty.
During a road rage incident, Theodore Edgecomb shoots and kills a predominant immigration lawyer. The state charges him with 1st degree intentional homicide. Edgecomb has decided to take the stand to convince the jury he shot him in self-defense.
A Georgia high school teacher's sudden disappearance in 2005 goes unexplained for 11 years until a surprising statement to law enforcement from a former student, names his friend and former classmate, Ryan Duke, as her killer.
In 2019 Delinord Dumercy takes the stand for the second time, claiming that his decision to shoot and ultimately kill James Peoples was in self-defense and not murder.
After the brutal murder of a mom, her children, and the family dog rocks a picture-perfect Orlando suburb--all signs point to the dad, Tony Todt. Will Tony Todt be able to convince the jury he did not murder his family?
Skiing icon Dean Cummings is on trial for the shooting death of Guillermo Arriola, a local New Mexican rancher who was only armed with a can of mace. Cummings claims the shooting was done in self-defense.
In 2006, Ken Juedes was found dead by his wife, Cindy Shulz-Juedes. For 13 years the case went cold until investigators linked her to the murder. Cindy Shulz-Juedes has decided to take the stand.