A Woman′s Fight For A Second Chance At Freedom
In 1987, Richard Turner, Jr. was shot six times at point blank range. Eighteen years later, his former girlfriend Susan Greenburg is fighting to be released from prison, on the basis of "battered woman syndrome." A&E IndieFilms presents the World Premiere documentary film chronicling her groundbreaking case, ABUSED, directed by Oscar® nominated filmmaker Chuck Braverman, on A&E Network, Monday, May 1, 2006 at 9PM ET and PT / 8PM CT.
In June 1987, 19-year-old Susan Greenberg was arrested for the murder of her "alleged-live-in boyfriend," Richard Turner Jr. To prevent the possibility of receiving the death penalty, her public defender negotiated a plea bargain. Susan Greenberg pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years to life for first-degree murder.
In 2002, the California legislature passed a new statute declaring that if evidence of "battered woman syndrome" existed, but was not presented during the original trial, a petition for habeas corpus or for a new trial could be submitted. ABUSED follows the new hearing for Susan Greenberg as she recalls evidence of the abuse that drove her to murder. Two pro bono attorneys with no prior experience trying a criminal case, teamed up with a public defender to present Greenberg′s case. During the hearing, shocking facts were revealed including the revelation that she was "sold" to Turner Jr. who repeatedly beat and raped her. His father Richard Turner, Sr. was also murdered by an ex-wife who claimed to have been a battered woman herself.
Included in the cinema verite documentary film are riveting accounts by experts and Turner′s own relatives about the tragic events that lead to the killing. ABUSED raises provocative and timely questions: Is Susan Greenberg a liar or a victim? Does ′battered woman syndrome′ justify murder?
