This Saturday, CBS’ 48 Hours (10 p.m. ET/PT) focuses on Northwestern University journalism professor David Protess and his students’ investigation into the convictions of two men in the 1986 murder of an Illinois couple.

Randy Steidl and Herb Whitlock were convicted by separate juries for the murders of Dyke and Karen Rhoads of Paris, Ill., who were stabbed to death and their house set on fire. Prosecutors explained the deaths as the result of a drug deal gone bad, and with their checkered pasts, justice was swift for the two suspects. Steidl was sentenced to death, Whitlock got life in prison, and though they continuously maintained their innocence, no one wanted to listen. That is until 1999 when Northwestern University journalism professor David Protess reviewed the case and, skeptical of the evidence, assigned four of his students to reinvestigate.

After a number of appeals based on the findings of this investigation, both men were set free, although it remains to be seen whether the judge will declare a new trial.

Coverage on this case from The Daily Northwestern.

2000: After 48 Hours story, prosecutors expected to not to oppose appeal

2000: NU snoops catch CBS eye

2000: Protess team disappointed by another stumbling block

2001: Death penalty stay debated

2008: Wrongfully convicted man acclimating to freedom after release