Clay revealed that Karl couldn’t be interviewed for the documentary for fear of repercussion from the courts (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock, Netflix)

The Innocent Man creator Clay Tweel has revealed that the Netflix true crime documentary was missing key player Karl Fontenot over fear his involvement in the series could jeopardise his freedom.

Over the course of the show, Clay and his team interviewed the men who were convicted of the murder of Debbie Sue Carter, and Denise Haraway.

While Tommy Ward, who was convicted alongside Karl Fontenot for the death of Denise after an apparent confession on camera, was seen on screen, Karl was only spoken to briefly over the phone to proclaim his innocence.

Karl (left) and Tommy Ward were arrested after confessing to the murder of Denise Haraway (Picture: Netflix)

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Clay explained: ‘Karl, we were not given access to go talk to Karl both for the Oklahoma corrections, and his lawyer who’s great.




‘She helped us in whatever way she could, she just…there’s a real sense that federal judges could potentially not take kindly to lawyers trying to try the case of public opinion and put things out in the media.

‘She wanted to protect Karl, and we were respectful of that, and we were grateful to use whatever we could.’

Tommy Ward was seen on camera talking about his conviction. (Picture: Netflix)

‘That’s worst case scenario, right? You don’t want to do something that’s gonna further incite sort’ve spite or vengeance from one side that keeps these guys in jail longer, or pits the system against them,’ he added.

‘You have to be really mindful and think these things through.’

Karl is currently still serving life without possibility of parole, and is waiting on news of a federal appeal.

Clay has maintained contact with both Ward and Fontenot as they remain in prison (Picture: Todd Williamson/WireImage)

He is 54 years old and has been in prison for the past 34 years, with an increasing demand for his release.

Denise’s body was finally recovered a year and a half after Ward and Fontenot’s ‘confession’ – and revealed that nothing in the original statements made by him and Ward were accurate.

This included the way she died, the location of her body and even the clothes she was wearing.

The Innocent Man is available now on Netflix.

More: Netflix Danny Masterson makes first court appearance after being accused of rape by three women Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown is all about empowerment as she talks Enola Holmes Ratched on Netflix: Who is Nurse Ratched and is she based on a real person?

Got a showbiz story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

MORE: Who was Ted Bundy and when is Conversations With A Killer released on Netflix?

MORE: The Umbrella Academy are here to slay as Ellen Page and Mary J Blige go to war in exclusive trailer first look