Chicago, Illinois – Fifteen years ago, Kelly Harnett faced a harrowing event that would alter the course of her life forever. On July 7, 2010, she witnessed her abusive boyfriend murder a man before her eyes, helpless to intervene and fearing for her own life. In a tragic turn, Harnett found herself imprisoned for over a decade on a murder charge, raising serious questions about justice and victimhood.
The new season of the podcast series, The Girlfriends, co-produced by Novel and iHeartPodcasts, delves into Harnett’s tumultuous journey. Titled “Jailhouse Lawyer,” the series features award-winning journalist Anna Sinfield, who examines Harnett’s life through eight episodes, exploring the complexities that characterize her existence. Harnett identifies herself as a devoted sister, a friend, and a "jailhouse lawyer" aspiring to pursue a career as a DJ. Her life has been shaped by experiences of family violence and addiction, which led her into her own cycles of addiction and abusive relationships.
The turning point came when her partner committed a violent act in her presence. Following this, Harnett faced the unfortunate reality that the legal system treated her not as a victim, but as a perpetrator. The podcast seeks to uncover the layers of her story, challenging the perception of a woman who has endured significant trauma only to be labeled a murderer.
For more than ten years in maximum-security confinement, Harnett fought relentlessly to assert her innocence. During her incarceration, she educated herself on the law, becoming a jailhouse lawyer who advocated for the rights of fellow inmates. Many of these women shared similar narratives of domestic violence, illustrating disturbing patterns in the justice system.
“The Girlfriends: Jailhouse Lawyer” aims to probe the nuanced intersections of victimhood and villainy, questioning what occurs when these boundaries blur. It examines Harnett’s survival in a true crime narrative, focusing on the complexities of her identity beyond the simplistic label of a criminal.
Listeners can tune into the third season starting July 14, with new episodes available each week on Mondays across various podcast platforms.
Novel, the company behind this impactful series, has established itself as a leader in independent podcasting. Their array of acclaimed shows includes the international sensation Kill List, which achieved notable recognition and topped charts in six countries, earning accolades from major media outlets.
As The Girlfriends uncovers Harnett’s story, it raises critical questions about justice and the treatment of those who have suffered at the hands of violence.
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