It’s a cruel sociological experiment. Lock up a 13-year-old boy for a murder that he swore he didn’t commit. Release him as a 30-year-old man. Then, give him $25 million. New from WBEZ Chicago, Motive is a true crime podcast hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Frank Main, with original reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times.

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While driving a Mercedes convertible, multi-millionaire T.J. Jimenez shoots a man in the legs. It's all captured on video. We begin our story outside the jail in downtown Chicago. 

See photos, video, court documents and more of the reporting behind this episode by visiting the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

A fellow gang member and T.J.'s mom describe the young T.J. before the arrest that put him away for so long. And we hear T.J.'s version of the night of the murder. 

T.J. is charged with murder and sent to juvenile jail. Although only 13 when arrested, he's prosecuted as an adult.

For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

In 1993, a young man was murdered in front of a Honey Baked Ham store on Belmont Avenue. We return to the scene of the crime to find out what happened on the night that put T.J. in prison for 16 years. 

For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

After his conviction is overturned, T.J. leaves prison and begins enjoying his freedom. Meanwhile, Frank receives some emails from a mysterious man telling him he's got the story all wrong.

For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

Brian Nelson was the leader of T.J.'s gang: The Simon City Royals. Nelson spent almost thirty harrowing years in prison. What was left when he came out?

For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

In prison, T.J. becomes a part of the gang hierarchy and dives deep into religion. Not long after inmate number K51114 is released, cracks start to appear.  

For photos, video, court documents and more visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.