John,

In 1993, Herman William’s ex-wife, Penny, went missing in Gurnee, Illinois. During the investigation, local police and the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force focused on Herman as the only potential suspect and ignored other leads in the case.

Herman always maintained his innocence. But based on a fabricated confession, scientifically unsupported forensic pathology, and a trial in which the prosecution suppressed evidence and the defense was wholly inadequate, Herman was wrongly convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in February 1994.

After spending nearly three decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Herman was finally exonerated earlier this year.

While Herman is happy to be free and reunited with his family for his first Thanksgiving home, transitioning after 29 years of wrongful incarceration is never easy. And that’s why we’re reaching out to you today.

John, would you make a donation to Herman’s personal fundraiser to help him rebuild his life after decades behind bars?

Herman, a decorated member of the U.S. Navy, is now 58 years old and could really use support from this community as he starts his new life.

Thank you so much,

— The Innocence Project Team