BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In fulfilling its mission and vision, Proving Innocence collaborates with others dedicated to addressing wrongful convictions and relies on a thorough screening process to determine that the individual's claim of innocence is credible and can be substantiated upon rigorous investigation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In fulfilling its mission and vision, Proving Innocence collaborates with others dedicated to addressing wrongful convictions and relies on a thorough screening process to determine that the individual's claim of innocence is credible and can be substantiated upon rigorous investigation.
PROVINGINNOCENCE
RAYMOND GRAY - RELEASED!
CASE SUMMARY
In 1973 in Detroit, two men burst into the home of Ruben Bryant, a local drug dealer. The men intended to rob him of his drugs and money. Things went awry and Brian was shot dead. Ray’s only connection to the crime was that his ex-girlfriend bought drugs just before the men entered the home and it was thought that she was part of a setup. Though none of the surviving occupants claimed to be able to identify the invaders, Ray became a focus of the investigation.
Police tunnel vision, corruption, faulty identification procedures, suppressed evidence, failure to investigate other suspects and more culminated in this tragedy.
CURRENT STATUS
WHERE WE ARE
May 25, 2021: After 48 years, Ray was given the choice of pleading "No Contest" to second degree murder, which carries a sentence of 15 to 40 years. Though not the exoneration he wanted, Ray would be able to accept the verdict from the state without confessing to something he did not do, and was therefore able to leave prison, having served the maximum time.
Abut 10 years ago, several PI board members were able to attend Ray's parole hearing. Afterwards, Bill Branham was in a state of shock According to Branham, "I was blown away that those representing the State of Michigan could act so unprofessional. In front of 25 concerned citizens who attended the hearing, they bullied and harangued this gentle man. The main parole board member constantly used sarcasm and rolled his eyes in a demeaning way. The attorney representing the state made conclusions of his "obvious" guilt because Ray could not recall some details such as how long the trial lasted, even though it was 30 years ago! I have never felt so ashamed and embarrassed of being a citizen of Michigan as on this day."
INFORMATION
CONTACT DETAILS
Raymond Gray MDOC #135481
2400 S. Sheridan Drive
Muskegon, MI 49442
Though protested by hundreds of family members, the Mound Facility, which put most of the inmates within 30 minutes of family and friends for visitation, was closed. Ray was moved to Muskegon, MI, a full 6 hour round trip for his wife and supporters.