On The Record with Catherine Carlson
A small and fragile transgender woman sits behind bars in solitary in a men’s section of an Idaho county jail for crimes sparked by years of mental and emotional torture brought on my a malicious parent, cruel state actions, and a savage legal system that refuses to recognize the most personal part of an individual’s identity, gender.
Meet Catherine Carlson, a 56-year-old, on her way to prison after years of what she describes as being terrorized by her family, the State of Idaho and the police.
Read her story and listen to Catherine’s emotional courtroom testimony and exclusive jailhouse interviews of why she says she finally came to the end of her rope and snapped.
On July 11, 2010 she set fire to her home and truck and was later arrested walking down the highway naked.
Convicted of first-degree arson, possession of a hoax destructive devise and indecent exposure, Catherine is facing up to 40 years in prison.
In this compelling and heart-wrenching story about one woman’s quest for simple respect and human dignity, Catherine talks exclusively to investigative journalist, Jody May-Chang from the Payette Country Jail as she awaits sentencing.
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Earlier Reporting On This Story:
- Payette Woman: “You Want to Know Why this Mobile Home Went Up in Flames?”
Originally published on BoiseWeekly.com 08/26/2010 - Payette Transgender Woman Awaits Arson, Weapons Trial in Isolation
Originally published on BoiseWeekly.com 12/07/2010 - Catherine Carlson’s day in court; Advocates suggest a hospital over prison
Originally published on Boise Weekly News Feature 04/06/2011 - Catherine Carlson’s Emotional Day in Court
BoiseWeekly.com 04/13/2011 - Carlson Guilty on All Counts
BoiseWeekly.com 04/14/2011 - Catherine Carlson Found Guilty On All Charges
As I See It… 04/14/2011 - Carlson Talks After Guilt Verdict
Originally published on BoiseWeekly.com 04/19/2011