Pamela Colloff
@pamelacolloff.bsky.social
@propublica.org reporter + @nytimes.com Magazine staff writer. Texas-based criminal justice reporter, storyteller, curious person. At work on a book for Knopf
Pinned
Pamela Colloff
@pamelacolloff.bsky.social
· Dec 30
He Frantically Called 911 to Revive His Infant Son. Now He Could Face 12 Years in Prison.
Exonerations and new science continue to raise questions about shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis that lives on under a different name: “abusive head trauma.” Critics say the name deflects scrutiny whi...
www.propublica.org
NEW, from me: Shaken baby syndrome--a diagnosis that has resulted in wrongful convictions across the country--continues to shape criminal prosecutions and child welfare investigations, under the name "abusive head trauma."
My story of what happened to one family.
www.propublica.org/article/shak...
My story of what happened to one family.
www.propublica.org/article/shak...
It's @keribla.bsky.social's first story for @propublica.org! But it won't be her last on the Bureau of Prisons.
Do you work for BOP and have tips, documents, or data you can share to paint a fuller picture of what’s going on inside? You should contact Keri.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Do you work for BOP and have tips, documents, or data you can share to paint a fuller picture of what’s going on inside? You should contact Keri.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
As Federal Prisons Run Low on Food and Toilet Paper, Corrections Officers Leave in Droves for ICE
Many of the problems the agency is facing now are not new, but staff and prisoners fear an exodus of officers could make life behind bars even worse.
www.propublica.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
It's @keribla.bsky.social's first story for @propublica.org! But it won't be her last on the Bureau of Prisons.
Do you work for BOP and have tips, documents, or data you can share to paint a fuller picture of what’s going on inside? You should contact Keri.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
Do you work for BOP and have tips, documents, or data you can share to paint a fuller picture of what’s going on inside? You should contact Keri.
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
This is seismic news. It's hard to overstate how big the implications are for both future prosecutions and wrongful convictions. This NJ decision could reshape how courts across the country treat shaken-baby expert testimony.
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
NJ Bans ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ Evidence in Nationwide First (1)
Criminal prosecutors can’t build murder cases on medical diagnoses that the mere shaking of a baby, without further evidence of trauma, resulted in a child’s death, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled ...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:31 PM
This is seismic news. It's hard to overstate how big the implications are for both future prosecutions and wrongful convictions. This NJ decision could reshape how courts across the country treat shaken-baby expert testimony.
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Page after page after page was redacted. #foia
We got our decision in August.
The AG said Abbott's office must release some emails with Musk. About a month later, we got nearly 1,400 pages of emails.
I was stoked. Until I took a look at the records. They were almost completely redacted. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA
The AG said Abbott's office must release some emails with Musk. About a month later, we got nearly 1,400 pages of emails.
I was stoked. Until I took a look at the records. They were almost completely redacted. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA
November 19, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Page after page after page was redacted. #foia
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Over 20 years ago, Robert Roberson was convicted based on the debunked Shaken Baby Syndrome hypothesis and sentenced to death. Now, the lead detective on his case, Brian Wharton, is fighting to save his life. New for @thenation.com. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Texas Almost Executed a Man Based on “Junk Science.” His Ordeal Isn’t Over.
Robert Roberson, who was nearly killed due to the discredited “shaken baby syndrome” theory, is still at risk.
www.thenation.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Over 20 years ago, Robert Roberson was convicted based on the debunked Shaken Baby Syndrome hypothesis and sentenced to death. Now, the lead detective on his case, Brian Wharton, is fighting to save his life. New for @thenation.com. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Overheard at the coffee shop where I'm working: "That's what's hard about starting a band in NYC, and a band in L.A., at the same time." 🤔
November 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Overheard at the coffee shop where I'm working: "That's what's hard about starting a band in NYC, and a band in L.A., at the same time." 🤔
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
I interviewed the big guy
Now that we’ve all seen The Lowdown—with its efflorescence of Tulsa textures, characters and cultural touchstones—editor-in-chief 2011prius.bsky.social wanted to ask Sterlin Harjo about some of the big-picture themes that run through it.
Read here: thepickup.com/sterlin-harj...
Read here: thepickup.com/sterlin-harj...
Sterlin Harjo Is Proud He Made Tulsa Look Like Tulsa - The Pickup
As ‘The Lowdown’ wraps up, we talked to Harjo about noir, skepticism, telling the truth about Oklahoma, and that land run scene.
thepickup.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:29 PM
I interviewed the big guy
I'm writing a background section that's too dense and complex, and wish I could just write, "Two years later, after a lot of shit went down..."
November 14, 2025 at 7:55 PM
I'm writing a background section that's too dense and complex, and wish I could just write, "Two years later, after a lot of shit went down..."
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
My Friday newsletter for @niemanstoryboard.org:
Featuring @sasha-bonet.bsky.social and @cmtapper.bsky.social, @pamelacolloff.bsky.social, @evrat.bsky.social + Charlotte mag tributes from @michaelngraff.bsky.social @tommytomlinson.bsky.social @ncrabbithole.com
niemanstoryboard.org/2025/11/14/t...
Featuring @sasha-bonet.bsky.social and @cmtapper.bsky.social, @pamelacolloff.bsky.social, @evrat.bsky.social + Charlotte mag tributes from @michaelngraff.bsky.social @tommytomlinson.bsky.social @ncrabbithole.com
niemanstoryboard.org/2025/11/14/t...
The art of listening - Nieman Storyboard
Sasha Bonét on structuring a memoir. Plus: Pamela Colloff on getting unstuck, European Press Prize, and more
niemanstoryboard.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:28 PM
My Friday newsletter for @niemanstoryboard.org:
Featuring @sasha-bonet.bsky.social and @cmtapper.bsky.social, @pamelacolloff.bsky.social, @evrat.bsky.social + Charlotte mag tributes from @michaelngraff.bsky.social @tommytomlinson.bsky.social @ncrabbithole.com
niemanstoryboard.org/2025/11/14/t...
Featuring @sasha-bonet.bsky.social and @cmtapper.bsky.social, @pamelacolloff.bsky.social, @evrat.bsky.social + Charlotte mag tributes from @michaelngraff.bsky.social @tommytomlinson.bsky.social @ncrabbithole.com
niemanstoryboard.org/2025/11/14/t...
Pro tip: When you get stuck writing a story, read the original pitch you wrote back when you were trying to get your editor excited about the idea. All the answers are there!
November 11, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Pro tip: When you get stuck writing a story, read the original pitch you wrote back when you were trying to get your editor excited about the idea. All the answers are there!
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Today is the publication day for WITHOUT CONSENT, a book I am so proud to share with the world, and that the New York Times Book Review says "is years — decades — overdue."
Read more, and order in your preferred format from your favorite retailer here: www.sarahweinman.com/book/without...
Read more, and order in your preferred format from your favorite retailer here: www.sarahweinman.com/book/without...
November 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Today is the publication day for WITHOUT CONSENT, a book I am so proud to share with the world, and that the New York Times Book Review says "is years — decades — overdue."
Read more, and order in your preferred format from your favorite retailer here: www.sarahweinman.com/book/without...
Read more, and order in your preferred format from your favorite retailer here: www.sarahweinman.com/book/without...
If you'll be at the @texasbookfest.bsky.social this weekend:
On Saturday, November 8th, I'll be interviewing the great Skip Hollandsworth at 3:15 pm at the Texas Tent about his new book, SHE KILLS.
www.texasmonthly.com/press-room/t...
On Saturday, November 8th, I'll be interviewing the great Skip Hollandsworth at 3:15 pm at the Texas Tent about his new book, SHE KILLS.
www.texasmonthly.com/press-room/t...
Announcing Our Newest Book, ‘She Kills,’ by Legendary True Crime Writer Skip Hollandsworth
The curated selection of the writer’s Texas Monthly work features stories of women whose often sensational crimes and circumstances put them on the wrong side of the law.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
If you'll be at the @texasbookfest.bsky.social this weekend:
On Saturday, November 8th, I'll be interviewing the great Skip Hollandsworth at 3:15 pm at the Texas Tent about his new book, SHE KILLS.
www.texasmonthly.com/press-room/t...
On Saturday, November 8th, I'll be interviewing the great Skip Hollandsworth at 3:15 pm at the Texas Tent about his new book, SHE KILLS.
www.texasmonthly.com/press-room/t...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Dissenting from the court's majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner's reversal "calls into doubt the foundation of the trial."
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony
Dissenting from the court’s majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner’s reversal “calls into doubt the foundation of the trial.”
www.propublica.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Dissenting from the court's majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner's reversal "calls into doubt the foundation of the trial."
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Here's a story about Mussa Traore, a dog trainer who for two years has been working at a south Austin dog park. Nobody was a bigger part of the community or was as beloved as Traore was--by both humans and their canines. That didn’t stop ICE from taking him away.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
He Was a Beloved Dog Trainer and an Asylum Seeker. Why Was He Detained?
The humans love him, and so do the canines. What happened when ICE took Seyre Mussa Traore away.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Here's a story about Mussa Traore, a dog trainer who for two years has been working at a south Austin dog park. Nobody was a bigger part of the community or was as beloved as Traore was--by both humans and their canines. That didn’t stop ICE from taking him away.
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Back in June, I gave the keynote address at the American Library Association's Carnegie Awards, and I'm very pleased that @literaryhub.bsky.social has republished the full text of my speech:
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times
Librarians are on the front lines of history and current events, when news and change arrive at a furious clip that only quickens every day. And without libraries, my work would simply not exist. I…
lithub.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Back in June, I gave the keynote address at the American Library Association's Carnegie Awards, and I'm very pleased that @literaryhub.bsky.social has republished the full text of my speech:
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
This is wild. Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony, by @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony
Dissenting from the court’s majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner’s reversal “calls into doubt the foundation of the trial.”
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This is wild. Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony, by @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
“Every medical expert presented at the recent post-conviction hearing — both for the prosecution and defense — agreed this is not a case about abuse. Russell needs to come home. We are not going to stop fighting until that day comes.”
My latest: on Friday, a Tennessee appeals court ruled that new evidence didn’t prove Russell Maze's innocence--even though the medical examiner whose testimony helped convict Maze recanted and concluded Maze’s son died of natural causes, not from being shaken.
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony
Dissenting from the court’s majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner’s reversal “calls into doubt the foundation of the trial.”
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
“Every medical expert presented at the recent post-conviction hearing — both for the prosecution and defense — agreed this is not a case about abuse. Russell needs to come home. We are not going to stop fighting until that day comes.”
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
NEW: A Tennessee appeals court ruled that the evidence didn’t prove Russell Maze's innocence, even though the medical examiner whose testimony helped convict Maze had recanted and concluded Maze’s son died of natural causes, not abuse.
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony
Dissenting from the court’s majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner’s reversal “calls into doubt the foundation of the trial.”
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:16 PM
NEW: A Tennessee appeals court ruled that the evidence didn’t prove Russell Maze's innocence, even though the medical examiner whose testimony helped convict Maze had recanted and concluded Maze’s son died of natural causes, not abuse.
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
By @pamelacolloff.bsky.social
My latest: on Friday, a Tennessee appeals court ruled that new evidence didn’t prove Russell Maze's innocence--even though the medical examiner whose testimony helped convict Maze recanted and concluded Maze’s son died of natural causes, not from being shaken.
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
Appeals Court Upholds Shaken Baby Conviction Despite Medical Examiner Recanting Testimony
Dissenting from the court’s majority, one judge sounded the alarm about ignoring recanted forensic testimony, saying the medical examiner’s reversal “calls into doubt the foundation of the trial.”
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:11 PM
My latest: on Friday, a Tennessee appeals court ruled that new evidence didn’t prove Russell Maze's innocence--even though the medical examiner whose testimony helped convict Maze recanted and concluded Maze’s son died of natural causes, not from being shaken.
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
www.propublica.org/article/tenn...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
First review of my new book LONDON FALLING, from Kirkus. At a moment when every day feels like a month and every month feels like a year, April 7 is still a very long way off. But the book is available for pre-order now. 🙏
September 29, 2025 at 12:44 PM
First review of my new book LONDON FALLING, from Kirkus. At a moment when every day feels like a month and every month feels like a year, April 7 is still a very long way off. But the book is available for pre-order now. 🙏
Did you know that rape within a marriage was not a crime until relatively recently?
@sarahweinman.com has written a stunning exploration of this hidden history and the landmark case that changed everything.
@sarahweinman.com has written a stunning exploration of this hidden history and the landmark case that changed everything.
At long last, I’m thrilled to announce that my new book, WITHOUT CONSENT: A Landmark Case and the Decades-Long Struggle To Make Spousal Rape a Crime, will be published on November 11, 2025 and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold! www.sarahweinman.com/book/without...
October 29, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Did you know that rape within a marriage was not a crime until relatively recently?
@sarahweinman.com has written a stunning exploration of this hidden history and the landmark case that changed everything.
@sarahweinman.com has written a stunning exploration of this hidden history and the landmark case that changed everything.
Another powerful and deeply reported investigation from @hannahdreier.bsky.social, which comes alive in this visually stunning interactive story:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Inside the Poisonous Smoke Killing Wildfire Fighters at Young Ages
Across the country, wildfire fighters work for weeks at a time in poisonous smoke. The government says they are protected. We tested the air at one fire to find out why they are still dying.
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Another powerful and deeply reported investigation from @hannahdreier.bsky.social, which comes alive in this visually stunning interactive story:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
Child abuse pediatrics is a subject of particular interest to me, so I'm VERY excited for this three-episode podcast series from Serial: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/p...
From Serial Productions: The Preventionist
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Child abuse pediatrics is a subject of particular interest to me, so I'm VERY excited for this three-episode podcast series from Serial: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/p...
Reposted by Pamela Colloff
The new Cheap Fix single is out today! Get your copy of Soul Tune b/w Dead Mouth at your local record store or download it from our Bandcamp. Beautiful colored vinyl with an original cover from the esteemed @olaf-jens.bsky.social, every copy is one of a kind! cheapfixatx.bandcamp.com/album/soul-t...
SOUL TUNE, by Cheap Fix
2 track album
cheapfixatx.bandcamp.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The new Cheap Fix single is out today! Get your copy of Soul Tune b/w Dead Mouth at your local record store or download it from our Bandcamp. Beautiful colored vinyl with an original cover from the esteemed @olaf-jens.bsky.social, every copy is one of a kind! cheapfixatx.bandcamp.com/album/soul-t...
Texas public schools are closing because of insufficient funding, yet the state still has $775,000 to spend on execution drugs.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
In Texas, new details about its execution drug underscore a closely guarded secret
A state law shields its source of pentobarbital, the sedative used in lethal injections. But documents reviewed by NBC News offer a glimpse into its most recent supply.
www.nbcnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Texas public schools are closing because of insufficient funding, yet the state still has $775,000 to spend on execution drugs.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...