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.
Richard Acosta, Jr. is being tried for capital murder, accused of being the getaway driver for his 14-year-old son, Abel. Surveillance footage at a Texas convenience store captures Abel shooting four teens, killing three.
Hannah Payne is on trial for the murder of Kenneth Herring, a motorist who fled the scene of an accident. She claims after a brief pursuit and an ensuing confrontation, Herring accidentally shot himself with her gun.
A year after discovering her husband's frozen body in the driveway, Lori Phillips faces charges of 2nd Degree Reckless Homicide for his death. Prosecutors allege she ran over her husband, Mark Phillips, and tried to conceal her actions.
Florida periodontist Charlie Adelson stands accused of hiring two hitmen to murder his ex-brother-in-law, Dan Markel, in order to free his sister from a nasty child custody dispute.
Sasha Skare, 23, is on trial for the murder of her music producer and lover Martell DeRouen. She has turned down a plea deal and decided to take the stand to tell her side of the story--that she was abused, and the shooting was unintentional.
After being sucker punched during a campus gathering, Northern Arizona University freshman Steven Jones shoots four fellow students, injuring three and killing one.
35 years after 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews disappeared from her home in Greeley, CO, her remains are recovered. Investigators charge former Idaho Gubernatorial candidate Steve Pankey with murder.