Dennis Powers Productions, Inc.

DOCUMENTARY WORK

“16 Boxes”

The Story of Craig Coley and Mike Bender

Craig Coley arrest, 1978
Craig Coley arrest, 1978

Dennis Powers Productions has completed filming of this feature documentary, directed by Sam and Jack Powers, examining the events leading up to Craig Coley’s arrest in 1978 for a double homicide for which he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced for life. While imprisoned, the relationship Coley forged with Detective Mike Bender became, ultimately, instrumental in helping to exonerate Coley.

This documentary explores the ongoing investigation to find those responsible for the murder for which Coley was convicted, as well as the flawed California criminal justice system that led to his arrest, prosecution, and 39-year imprisonment. Coley was pardoned by Governor Jerry Brown in 2017.