A short term, daily podcast from Molly Conger, covering the three-week trial of James Alex Fields.

Everyone listening to this podcast already knows what James Alex Fields is accused of. 

In August 2017, Nazis marched on our streets. They came with shields and guns and hate. They came ready to commit violence, and some of them did. Some of these men have already been convicted.

The Trial of James Alex Fields is about the attack that changed the meaning of the word Charlottesville.

This trial belongs to the people of Charlottesville. Convicting Fields would not heal the people he hurt nor bring back the life he took. But by bearing witness to these proceedings, we'll make whatever closure is possible accessible to more people than will fit in that courtroom.

Heads up: coverage of this trial will include graphic descriptions of the events that happened in downtown Charlottesville on August 12, 2017.

The Trial of James Alex Fields

A short term, daily podcast from Molly, covering the three-week trial of James Alex Fields. Episode Zero is a preview of the upcoming trial.

Everyone listening to this podcast already knows what James Alex Fields is accused of. 

In August 2017, Nazis marched on our streets. They came with shields and guns and hate. They came ready to commit violence, and some of them did. Some of these men have already been convicted.

The Trial of James Alex Fields is about the attack that changed the meaning of the word Charlottesville.

This trial belongs to the people of Charlottesville. Convicting Fields would not heal the people he hurt nor bring back the life he took. But by bearing witness to these proceedings, we'll make whatever closure is possible accessible to more people than will fit in that courtroom.

Heads up: coverage of this trial will include graphic descriptions of the events that happened in downtown Charlottesville on August 12, 2017.

An approximate transcript of this episode is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-LPJYHtQXDY9mK2gzo_26W55tvvrkLkN2RSBF00NXUo/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial Of James Alex Fields - Nov 24 - Episode Zero

This episode covers the first day of the trial. Jury selection is moving along slowly and is expected to continue through Tuesday, possibly into Wednesday morning. 

This episode also contains discussion of possible witnesses for the defense & their possible testimony. Please be aware that there is some explicit discussion of the events leading up to the attack which may be distressing to some listeners. 



A transcript of this episode can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JMUyXgEPiY6EmWFiuvQrc6tb2qROWOJUG7V_qV6PfrA/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 1: November 26

Just a short (and fairly uninteresting) update tonight -- we're on day two of jury selection in the trial of James Alex Fields. We're still ten jurors short of the 28 required before the final 16 jurors can be chosen. Jury selection is expected to conclude tomorrow.

The episode transcript is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X9LlAZACBE78loqzoQ5YRoMLk4xj4iomSD8fN0LEKNA/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 2: November 27

CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of extremely graphic testimony from victims of the august 12th car attack. 



With jury selection completed, we started the morning with peremptory strikes. A final jury was sworn in and we heard opening statements beginning just before 11am. We also heard from the commonwealth's first seven witnesses. 



A transcript of the episode is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JicdeP2aBfqVAKSHRqa5MIZinN_L8YDcCwUexSQ0ssQ/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 3: November 29

CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of extremely graphic testimony from victims of the august 12th car attack, including descriptions of death.



A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IDlkEcnmUxclFZ6aDExK6WJeZdk9Tq3RcCP6LI-yE70/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 4: November 30

CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of extremely graphic testimony from victims of the august 12th car attack, including descriptions of death.



This episode covers the testimony of the 9 witnesses for the commonwealth who testified on December 3, the third day of testimony in the commonwealth's case, including several victims and the medical examiner.



a transcript of the episode is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nb8ABJCBgGXW_GMPvERJTYejaZRHkKZQywPgH7soL0Q/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 5: December 3

CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of audio and video of statements made by james alex fields in the immediate aftermath of his vehicular attack on august 12, 2017. while it does not contain any detailed descriptions of the attack itself, discussion of his statements may be distressing.


Today was the last day of witnesses in the commonwealth's case and the first day of witnesses for the defense. We also heard the judge's ruling to admit several pieces of evidence, including two phone calls between the defendant and his mother after his arrest. 



A transcript can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYraMhP6Qut0WGFUd3IPCPAh_x_cMtsCIBysYWspzjU/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 6: December 4

This episode covers the final two witnesses for the defense, jury instructions, and closing arguments. 



General content warning for discussion of the events of August 12, 2017. While there is little to no specifically graphic testimony, closing arguments contained both sides' summary of their case which necessarily includes descriptions of the attack. Some listeners  may also find the defense's closing argument, which contains some explicit victim blaming, distressing to hear. 



An approximate transcript is available here: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15UIQ7szD_DThfTWkj2pCOmAGgGLJCiqFxGdNKxhVCSE/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 7: December 6

This is a short but important update: James Alex Fields, Jr was found guilty on all counts. We'll hear victim impact statements & the defense's mitigation witnesses next week before the jury deliberates on sentencing recommendations.

As always, a general content warning for discussion of the events of August 12, 2017. This episode contains passing reference to some of the injuries received by specific victims, but it is relatively brief and non-graphic.



A transcript is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G2zmhUvdLR4jkZGH6wSIVQ36l9eZsZA7GcuQKO7TXPs/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 8: December 7

This final episode of the podcast covers the last two days of the trial -- the victim impact statements, the defense's sole mitigation witness, and the jury's sentencing recommendations. 



As always, a content warning for discussion of the events of August 12, 2017. This episode contains discussion of the victim impact statements, which includes descriptions of injuries, medical complications, and death, as well as discussion of mental illness and treatment. There are brief mentions of suicide and violence against women.

An approximate transcript is available here: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DzgMu3HZo2zeLwTWq18rSL3MSja4B3zvb1qGOxxleUE/edit?usp=sharing

The Trial of James Alex Fields - Episode 9: December 10-11

WTJU is the University of Virginia's community radio station, bringing people together through excellent music and conversation. Our podcast network, Virginia Audio Collective, nurtures a creative community through audio storytelling.

Donations here benefit WTJU and its Virginia Audio Collective.