the wrongful conviction of steven truscott
now in a new paperback edition
>READ ABOUT THE CASE > READ AN EXCERPT >WATCH THE MOVIE > THE DOCUMENTARY
“UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD”
the wrongful conviction
of steven truscott
In 1959, a popular schoolboy, just 14 years old, was convicted and sentenced to hang for the rape and murder of his 12-year-old classmate. His sentence was commuted to life in prison but the debate over the case contributed to Canada abolishing the death penalty. Four decades later, with the help of his wife Marlene and his family, investigative journalists and lawyers, Steven Truscott fought to prove his innocence. First published in 2001, Julian Sher’s book revealed new witnesses, leads and evidence never presented to the courts and helped Truscott clear his name.
"A chilling search for the truth."
-Hamilton Spectator
"Julian Sher has uncovered new evidence and written a compelling story detailing how Truscott's 1959 murder trial was horribly flawed, his conviction gravely tainted.”
- Vancouver Sun
"Passionate, thorough and highly readable…a weighty indictment of our criminal system and the terrible results when it goes wrong."
- The Kitchener-Waterloo Record
watch the movie ‘marlene’
Based on Julian’s book, this fictional drama starring Kristin Booth as Steven’s wife Marlene chronicles her battle for justice.
Available on all the major streaming services.
Read more about the movie and behind-the-scenes photographs here
WATCH THE ORIGINAL CBC DOCUMENTARY
A two-year investigation by CBC in 2000 first brought the story back into the public eye and laid the groundwork for the case to be re-opened.
Produced by Julian Sher for The Fifth Estate, Canada’s premier investigative TV program.
