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
Walking Free Fund
Proving Innocence gives financial assistance when exonerees leave prison with no red tape. Since they often have literally nothing, this gives them some resources they can call their own, giving them some sense of dignity. They receive $750 or $1,000 depending on certain criteria. (Why do they receive different amounts of money?) Please DONATE to PI so that we may continue to help meet Michigan exonerees' financial needs when they need it the most!
Those who have received Walking Free funds are listed below beginning with the most recent. You can search by year, name or description.
Apr 2023
$
750
Kenneth Webb
Kenneth Webb spent 35 years in prison. He is one of the most gentle, sweetest persons you can meet. Ken has issues that make it necessary for him to live in an assisted living home. MIC helped get him established in an environment where he can now enjoy his days and he appears to be in a good place. The supervisor said that he finds it incomprehensible that such a sweetj guy could have endured prison for as long as he did.
Mar 2023
$
1000
Donyelle Woods
A long-time client of MIC, Donyelle received a commutation of his sentence by Gov. Whitmer. When we met him, he was already hard at work with his cousin who founded EnjoyDetroit.org, a nonprofit created to improve people's lives. Donyelle was not able to benefit from classes MDOC gives people about to be paroled and there is a lot for him to absorb after being in prison for 20 years. He has a supportive extended family.
Feb 2023
$
750
Jeff Titus
Jeff Titus spent over 21 years in prison for something he did not do. Owner of some rural property, he was accused of murdering two hunters in the area with virtually no evidence. Jeff now lives with his sister as he tried to get used to living outside prison walls.
There are some great write-ups for more info by clicking on his picture.
Jan 2023
$
1000
Kino Christian
Kino was convicted of murder in Oct 2007, based on dubious testimony and a jailhouse snitch. In 2014, family members FOIAed documents, never turned over to the defense. Discrepancies between the original and later testimony could have been used to question the reliability. The MI Supreme Court said they deserve a retrial, and the county chose not to retry. Kino is working as a paralegal for The National Appeals Clinic.
Dec 2022
$
750
Kelvin Nolen
Kelvin Nolen was wrongfully convicted of a gas station murder. The Michigan Innocence Clinic proved that the killer in the video is significantly taller than Mr. Nolen. They found a woman who was in the video who got a good look at the killer, knows Mr. Nolen and confirmed that the man she saw was not him, providing “new evidence”. With 8 years of his life missing, Kelvin is considering getting his license in order to be a truck driver.
May 2022
$
1000
Tyrone Rogers
The COA granted Tyrone a new trial and vacated his conviction on Dec 17, 2020, but the prosecutor kept him in prison for another 15 months! Tyrone was not actually released until 5 weeks after the prosecutor decided to dismiss the case! Tyrone is using the money to make repairs on his car so he can look for work. He is initially living with his sister's family. Tyrone is very grateful for PI's assistance.
March 2022
$
500
George DeJesus
George and his brother, Melvin, beam with joy after being exonerated after over 25 years of imprisonment. PI's Ken Bernard met with them, giving them each $500 to help them in the beginning of their new life. They are currently staying with their mother, Elizabeth, in Pontiac as they try to figure out the next steps.
Apr 2023
$
1000
Alphonso Clark
Alphonso Clark spend 18 years in prison for something he did not do. He was the childhood friend of another exoneree, Kevin Harrington.
Alphonso is deeply appreciative of all those who have helped him. He intends to get his commercial DL and become a realtor, something he was doing when arrested. He also intends to do what he can to support the Nat’l Org. of Exonerees.
Mar 2023
$
750
Mack Howell
After 7 1/2 years of wrongful imprisonment, Mack is glad to be out and living with his sister. He knows reentry can be difficult but he has a positive attitude and is looking forward to a hopeful future.
This was the first exoneration produced by the new Macomb County Conviction Integrity Unite under the direction of Gail Pamukov. Keep up the good work, Gail!
Jan 2023
$
750
John Sanders
John Sanders brought his child to the hospital but the child died. He was charged with Shaken Baby Syndrome and spent nearly 12 years in prison before the Mich Innocence Clinic brought in two medical experts who testified the child died of an infection; not abuse.
John intends to finish his Associate Degree in Business Administration and take things from there!
Jan 2023
$
1000
C'Quan Hinton
C’Quan was convicted of murder in Oct 2007, based on dubious testimony and a jailhouse snitch. In 2014, family members FOIAed documents, never turned over to the defense. Discrepancies between the original and later testimony could have been used to question the reliability. On Mar 23, 2023, a very proud C'Quan displayed his Com Driver License!
Oct 2022
$
750
Anthony Kyles
Anthony spent nearly 25 years in prison due to flawed junk science, which they said pointed to arson. This was later debunked.
Anthony is looking ahead. With a supportive family of four children, ages 26 to 38, a sister, brother-in-law and others, he is already looking at options for developing his own business, possibly in landscaping, something he has had experience with.
Feb 2022
$
800
Dennis Atkins
Dennis was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 16 years in prison. His family did not have the resources to drive to the UP to pick him up after his release.
Dennis will receive $800 when he comes back into the Detroit area. PI and other exonerees will help Dennis to get as good a start as possible but he is going to need a lot of help.
Mar 2023
$
1000
Keith Robinson
Keith Robinson has spent 27 years in prison for something he did not do. His sentence was commuted by Gov Whitmer. With that comes a 4-year probation. Consequently, Keith is very careful in everything he does. Fortunately, he has a very supportive family who believes in his innocence. While in prison he received two culinary certificates. When he pulls together the money, Keith's dream is to have his own food truck.
Mar 2023
$
1000
Eron Shelman
Eron was convicted on weak evidence in 1993. He maintained his innocence from Day 1 and, through reinvestigation and a bit of luck, Rachel Wolfe Law, which includes Anthony Legion (who previously received WFF funds) was able to locate witnesses the police did not speak to or disclose. Judge Walker agreed that had the jury heard the new evidence, the trial likely would have ended in acquittal.
Jan 2023
$
1000
Joshun Edwards
Joshun was convicted of murder in Oct 2007, based on dubious testimony and a jailhouse snitch. In 2014, family members FOIAed documents, never turned over to the defense. Discrepancies between the original and later testimony could have been used to question the reliability. The MI Supreme Court said they deserve a retrial, and the county chose not to retry. Joshun is currently looking for work.
Jan 2023
$
750
Dartanion Edwards
Dartanion was convicted of murder in Oct 2007, based on dubious testimony and a jailhouse snitch. In 2014, family members FOIAed documents, never turned over to the defense. Discrepancies between the original and later testimony could have been used to question the reliability. The MI Supreme Court said they deserve a retrial, and the county chose not to retry. Dartanion is now working for Amazon.
June 2022
$
750
Ronnell Johnson
Ronnell has an amazing attitude. So positive and so appreciative for everything. We didn't talk specifics but Ronnell has every intention of leaving a positive mark on this world and for making the most out of his new lease on life. He is grateful to Imran Syed of the Michigan Innocence Clinic and for the new Conviction Integrity and Expungement Unit of Washtenaw County, MI.
March 2022
$
500
Melvin DeJesus
Melvin and his brother, George, beam with joy after being exonerated after over 25 years of imprisonment. PI's Ken Bernard met with them, giving them each $500 to help them in the beginning of their new life. They are currently staying with their mother, Elizabeth, in Pontiac as they try to figure out the next steps.
Oct 2021
$
500
Juwan Deering
Juwan was falsely accused of setting a fire which resulted in the death of 5 children. None of the witnesses saw Juwan and there was some evidence it was caused by faulty electrical. But bad forensics said the fire was intentionally set and a convenience jailhouse snitch sealed Juwan's fate. Juwan immediately picked up a job after being released.