"Conviction: The Bingo King Murder"

KSAT-TV
04/29/2020

"Conviction: The Bingo King Murder" is an examination of the failures within the criminal justice system in a notorious, 20-year old crime in San Antonio, Texas.  The six-part documentary series explores how the missteps and mistakes by those entrusted to uphold the law, bring uncertainty to the American principle of justice.

The story begins with the 1998 murder of San Antonio businessman Eddie Garcia, known locally as “The Bingo King.”  The story goes on to explore the evidence and case against James Legate, the man convicted of the crime.  Police and prosecutors believed justice was served – but was it?

That’s the question KSAT-TV reporters set out to answer in an investigation that spanned 14 months, three states and crossed international lines.  The reporting would ultimately expose new information that law enforcement failed to pursue.

Presented as a six-part investigative documentary, “Conviction: The Bingo King Murder” is more than an examination of the trial of James Legate – it is an examination of the criminal justice system and its failures to seek truth.  Beyond exposing these flaws, the documentary explores the consequences for those involved.  

In addition to the investigative work behind “Conviction,” team member interviews immediately followed each episode.  These short interviews — entitled “The Making of Conviction” — provided insight into our editorial decisions and added transparency to our reporting.  These interviews were part of the original broadcast and therefore included as part of this entry.

For detailed information on our entry and additional insight into the scope and impact of our work, please see attached cover letter.

LINK to content online

PDF of cover letter

Submitted by Isis Romero.