On Tuesday, June 12, ViolaDavis presents The Last Defense a 7-part documentary premiering on ABC; at 9 pm CST examining the death row cases of Darlie Routier and Julius Jones.

The docu-series explores and exposes flaws in the American justice system through in-depth examinations of the death row cases of Darlie Routier and Julius Jones. The series will seek to trace the path that led both Routier and Jones to their places on death row, while taking a deep look into their personal stories.

In 1997, Darlie Routier, wife and mother, was sentenced to death for the brutal stabbing murder of her two young sons, a crime she insists she did not commit. Now 20 years on death row in Texas, the contentious debate over the fairness of her trial is more polarized than ever.

In 2002, Julius Jones, a 21-year-old African-American college student with an academic scholarship, was sentenced to death for the carjacking murder of a white father of two, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Twenty years later and having exhausted his appeals, Jones maintains his innocence.

Beginning Tues.,  June 12, the first four episodes will examine Darlie Routier‘s case.

On Tues., July 10, the Julius Jones’ case will be examined in the final three episodes.

More information about The Last Defense is available online.