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Here’s what’s been going on at the Innocence Project in May.
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Robert Roberson in Polunsky Unit in Texas on Dec. 18, 2023 (Image: Ilana Panich-Linsman/Innocence Project)
How You Can Help a Loving Father Sentenced to Death in Texas for a Crime That Never Occurred
Robert Roberson, has spent over 20 years on death row in Texas for a crime that never occurred. In November 2001, he was granted custody of his chronically ill two-year-old daughter, Nikki, who tragically passed away from prior medical conditions after a short fall from bed. Robert had undiagnosed autism and hospital staff judged his response to his daughter’s grave condition as lacking emotion. He was eventually prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to death on the basis of a now-discredited version of the shaken baby syndrome (SBS) hypothesis. Now, Robert could be the first person executed in the U.S. based on the debunked condition. Read more about Robert’s case and learn how you can show support for him in the face of unimaginable
injustice.
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Yusef Salaam (c) and Korey Wise (l) on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in New York. (Larry Busacca/AP Images for the Innocence Project)
Support FY25 Funding for Innocence and Forensic Science Program
Right now, Congress is proposing funding for the new fiscal year for innocence grant programs and forensic science research. These programs are critical in increasing the accuracy and fairness of the criminal legal system, addressing racial disparities and inequities, generating greater public safety, and more. Urge your members of Congress to support increased funding for innocence and forensic science programs in the FY25 CJS appropriations bill. Call your lawmakers today by dialing 771-444-7882 or click here and fill out the form to get connected.
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Innocence Project Exoneree Advisory Council members Marvin Anderson, Johnny Hincapie, Michelle Murphy, Tyra Patterson, Termaine Hicks, Angel Gonzalez, and Stefon Morant (Image: Matthew Adam Photography/Innocence Project).
5 Magical Moments from the Innocence Project’s 2024 ‘Celebration of Freedom & Justice’
In May, we hosted our annual gala in New York City, and it was truly an inspiring and memorable celebration. We celebrated seven people who were exonerated in the last year and honored changemakers in the innocence community who have helped push our mission forward. It was truly a night to remember! But if you weren’t able to make it, don’t worry — you can still join in the celebration by taking a look at some of the magical moments from our 2024 ‘Celebration of Freedom & Justice’.
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Renay Lynch and her son Rinaldo Moss at the Innocence Network Conference 2024 in New Orleans. (Photo: Claire Bangser)
‘Strongest Person I Know’: How This Mother Modeled Strength and Compassion Despite Decades of Wrongful Incarceration
Renay Lynch was wrongly convicted of the 1995 murder and robbery of her 82-year landlord in Amherst, New York, and sentenced to 25 years to life based on a false confession, police misconduct, and unreliable jailhouse informant testimony. But despite the incredible wrong, Renay never lost faith that justice would ultimately prevail. She not only continued to be there for her children while incarcerated, but she became a source of strength and guidance for other women in prison, with some even calling her “Mama Lynch.” Please, take some time to read more about Renay’s story and then share it with your friends and family online.
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Renay Lynch, who was exonerated in January, tried on a velvet tuxedo jacket with silk lapels during a fitting this month with Ashley Merriman, a partner at Bindle & Keep. (Image: Isabelle Zhao for The New York Times)
Replacing Prison Uniforms With Custom Suits
Prison limits self expression — and that’s particularly true when it comes to clothing. Finding one’s own sense of style post-release can be both thrilling and daunting. So when six of our newly exonerated clients made their way to Bindle & Keep, suit makers in Brooklyn who have been generously outfitting exonerees for years, we watched the magic happen. Read more in this New York Times piece, and then share it online.
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 Tyrone Day
attends his exoneration hearing in the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas, Texas on May 24, 2023. (Image: Montinique Monroe for Innocence Project)
Donate Before the End-of-Fiscal-Year Deadline
Our end-of-fiscal-year deadline is right around the corner — that means what we can raise during this time will help determine what we accomplish over the next 12 months. Will you make a donation right now to help get us over the line? Our work to free the innocent and reunite families starts with you.
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Exonerations Around the U.S.
New York Law School Post-Conviction Innocence Clinic client Stephen Carrington was exonerated on May 16, 2024, after serving 23 years wrongfully incarcerated.
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