John —
In 2008, Philip Barnett and three other men — including his brother, Nathan — were wrongly convicted for the 2002 murder of a young woman in Cabell County, West Virginia.
Philip spent 10 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, until DNA proved his innocence and he was released on bail in August 2018.
But it wasn’t until today that Philip was fully exonerated. This morning, all charges against Philip were finally dropped. Charges were also dropped against his co-defendants Justin Black and Philip’s brother, Nathan Barnett. A fourth defendant, Brian Dement, accepted a sentence modification of time served.
Philip Barnett after his exoneration in West Virginia on Oct. 5, 2021. (Image: Chris Jackson for AP Images/Innocence Project)
This is a huge deal for Philip, the other three men, and their families.
“This has been a long time coming. I still haven’t even fully processed it. I just want to go back to living a normal life again,” Philip said.
Can you take a moment today to help Philip and Nathan start over by donating to their Mightycause now?
We’re so glad this nightmare is finally over for Phillip and his family, particularly for his mom, Tammy, who had not just one, but both of her sons taken away by wrongful conviction. She’s been a relentless advocate on behalf of her sons throughout the past 14 years.
“Today my children are finally free. We, as a family, are free,” she said. “The past 14 years have been the most trying and heartbreaking of our lives. Both of my sons had so much stolen from them — from us. No parent should have to endure such a nightmare — no person should have to experience this horror of wrongful conviction. Today, we begin to heal and move forward together.”
Since getting out, Philip has worked as a baker and on a barge, but rebuilding a life after being incarcerated for 10 years is not easy, and he could use your help.
Will you make a donation to Philip and Nathan's Mightycause today so he can finally build the life he deserves after wrongful incarceration?
Thank you for your support,
— The Innocence Project Team
P.S. You can read more about Philip’s story here, and then share it with your friends and family online.
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