Minute Files: The Julie Rea Case: Framed for Her Son’s Murder?

Julie Rea was convicted for the murder of her 10-year-old son, Joel Kirkpatrick, after a horrifying attack inside their Lawrenceville, Illinois home. But Julie always said an intruder killed her son — and years later, serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells confessed to the crime.

Was Julie Rea failed by the justice system? This is one of the most heartbreaking wrongful conviction cases we’ve covered.

Watch now and tell us: how does a mother lose her child, then get blamed for it?

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What is Hot Justice Podcast?

Two friends, countless crimes, one big question: why do people do what they do?
In Hot Justice, best friends and true crime obsessives Heather and Ciara dig into cases both famous and forgotten, blending deep research with unfiltered conversation. Expect late-night-theory energy, occasional gasps, and a lot of “wait, WHAT?” moments.

If you love true crime with heart, humor, and humanity — you’re in the right place.