Russ Faria reacts to former prosecutor's statements about him

CLAYTON, Mo. — Russ Faria thought his name had been cleared from the 2011 murder of his wife Betsy Faria until he heard former Lincoln County Prosecutor Leah Chaney tell the I-Team her reasons for still believing he is guilty.

“My initial reaction was anger,” Faria said. “I was appalled at everything she had to say.”

Faria’s conviction was overturned, and Pam Hupp now stands charged with the killing.

The case has become the topic of national news coverage, a Dateline special and an NBC miniseries in the making.

In an exclusive interview with the I-Team, Chaney stood by her reasons for charging Faria with the murder and insisted her conduct in doing so was above board, despite accusations of telling witnesses to lie and withholding evidence.

Faria and his attorney, Joel Schwartz, sat down with the I-Team to challenge Chaney’s assertions.

“I’ve got to say that I never thought that anybody could lie as much as Pam,” Faria said. “However, I think (Chaney) proved me wrong on that one because she spent her entire interview telling nothing but lies about me and everybody else and everything to do with this case.”

[ThisLeprechaunWrites]

The Prosecutor should lose her licence to practice law. What a complete egotist.

[jessica-ujbw]

the fact that this woman can’t even admit she made a mistake, and claims that the whole trial was “valid” is absolutely sickening, like damn grow out of your pride and ego, and admit you wronged this poor man, and failed horribly in this case. so so saddening and just infuriating, that she can’t even admit that.

[nthomas]

This prosecutor is a complete narcissist m. She must always be right, even when proven wrong. People like her are dangerous.

[ashlles]

This prosecutor is part of the reason why Lewis Gumpenberger is dead. If she, and police, had done their job correctly Lewis would still be alive today. Though I don't think she'll ever admit it I hope deep down inside she realises she has blood on her hands

[lolacole]

Leah Chaney is so manipulative. She was dating the chief investigator, and close friends with the judge outside of the court.

[Safari-Scarlet]

The most insulting comment she made (of many), was how bad this was for her life. Geez, what about Russ and his family?

[jeanl]

Hey prosecutor, Mr. Faria is not stupid enough to think you would not notice 50 stab wounds. Unfortunately for him, the 911 call reflected his shock at the sight of his wife dead, with slash wounds across her wrists. I imagine he just blurted out the first thing that came to mind, poor guy. Admit it, you got taken in by a con and ran with it. You worked harder at ignoring the facts than you did seeking them. Imo

[unfailingcolt]

How tragic!! This prosecutor sucks!! Maybe they need to look at ALL her cases and see how many more innocent people are in jail!! Shameful!!

[Contribute_TakeCare_Learn_Play]

Mister Schwartz. You are a fucking hero! You saved this man's life. You did.

[lissetteamores]

Is scary how the justice system works, there are many innocents people in jail just because of tunnel vision and prosecutors get immunity, that’s so messed up

[stringsgalore]

This was a huge case, so there’s been some eyes on it and he was railroaded. So I can only imagine how many other innocent people that don’t have highly publicized cases have been railroaded by this prosecutor. It’s disgusting.

[Ultra-Collector]

That prosecutor is as corrupt as it gets!
She’s an incompetent liar not fit to be in the position she’s in!
She’s too ignorant, moronic and corrupt!
She knows exactly what she’s done and the Judge in this case knows what she’s done too!

[SterlingSigurdsen]

What is sickening about this, is how it exposed the judicial system that prosecutors have absolute immunity in this country. It’s a federal law, and allows them to get away with anything they want to get a conviction. Until that is changed, they will continue to do what they want and not what they’re supposed to do.

[jimmac]

Terrible scum bag prosecutor. That poor man God bless him

[sammythompson]

She should be disbarred and prosecuted----she was to make a name for herself and name she has

[vegandogs]

Poor Russ, the 3.5yrs is one thing, but the epic amount of stress of thinking he would serve for life along with the torment of being blamed, with others in her family and community loathing you and not believing him, that is a total nightmare... and for all the kids involved.

[janisbudenz]

She should spend three years in jail for these ridiculous statements.

[Kmcgonigle]

Any lawyer or cop who starts with well he didnt act the way a spouse of someone who did is supposed to react is an asshole. People are complex and grief manifests in different ways

[rebeccahefner]

The prosecutor should not be given immunity! She should have to serve the same amount of time as Russ had to due to her arrogance.

[lowriderhd]

THANK GOD Russ didn’t have to serve more years behind bars! God bless this man!