John,

Today, I’m reaching out to you and asking you to show support for the Innocence Project by helping them reach their 1,000-donor goal. But first, I want to tell you about my journey as a wrongfully convicted father. [[link removed]]

I was just 19 years old and the father to two young daughters when I was arrested for a crime I did not commit.

My attorney told me that I could face a life sentence if I went to trial and lost, but if I took a plea deal, I would likely be released on parole after four years in prison. At the time, I was having health issues that weren’t being properly treated in county jail, and I was terrified of not being able to hold my daughters again if the case was taken to trial — so I took the deal.

Tyrone Day at Restorative Farms in Dallas, Texas. (Image: Montinique Monroe/Innocence Project)

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Tragically, that four-year sentence my lawyer said was likely to happen was not the case. I ended up spending 26 years in prison, locked away from my family before I was released on parole and required to register as a sex offender, which significantly impeded my ability to rebuild my life and live freely.

These were the hardest years of my life. Not being able to be there for the major moments of my kids’ lives is something I wouldn’t wish on any parent. So I decided to write to the Innocence Project in 2000 and ask for their help. During my time in prison, I never lost hope that one day I’d be free — but when the team at the Innocence Project agreed to take on my case, that hope only grew stronger.

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Last year, after 33 years of wrongful conviction, I was finally exonerated. It was a long, hard journey for my family and me, but I’m so grateful that I get to hold my kids again and spend time with my grandkids. Every Sunday, the whole family gets together for dinner — it’s truly the highlight of my week.

I now get to focus on my family and my passion for sustainable farming, as a food justice advocate and horticulturist at Restorative Farms. And none of this beautiful life would have been possible without the relentless efforts of the team at the Innocence Project.

So please, in honor of all of the wrongfully convicted fathers out there, consider making a donation to help them meet their goal before the end of this month. [[link removed]]

Thank you so much, and happy Father’s Day!

Tyrone Day
Exonerated in 2023
Innocence Project

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The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, the organization is now an independent nonprofit. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism.

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