John: In 1998, Renay Lynch was convicted and wrongfully accused of a crime she didn’t commit. She was separated from her children for nearly 26 years before finally being exonerated one year ago this month, making her the 250th person to be freed by the Innocence Project.

Renay prided herself on being a good mother — she would sacrifice anything for the well-being of her children. Losing over two decades of her life to a wrongful conviction was difficult. But despite the painful days spent without seeing her children grow up, without holding her grandchildren, she never lost hope. Now a free and exonerated woman, she’s grateful to have this weight lifted.

“Some feelings you just can’t describe with words. I’m here with my children, my grandchildren. And what you thought was going to happen to me, God had greater plans.”
— Renay Lynch

Today, she remains committed to advocating for incarcerated women — a majority of whom are mothers themselves — and ensuring that they have access to education and programs that promote their safety and well-being. 

John, Renay Lynch is just one of our recent exonerees who inspired our new series, “Homecoming: Rebuilding a Life after Wrongful Conviction” in which exonerees share what life was like before their wrongful conviction and what returning home means to them. To hear more from both her and other recent exonerees, click here:

Thank you,

Innocence Project