THE WALKING FREE FUND 2020

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. Please DONATE to PI so that we may continue to help meet Michigan exonerees' financial needs when they first get out of prison! (Why do they receive different amounts of money?)

For more information, click on their picture

29 Years

Gerry Thomas

$500

Despite not matching the description of the assailant, Gerry (right) spent over 29 years in prison. He was exonerated through the efforts of Innocence Project lawyer, Jane Pucher, and the Wayne County CIU. Gerry is grateful to God for leading him. He is glad that he can live with his older brother, Fred (left), and be of help.

Jan 2020

26 Years

Ramon Ward

$800

Ward, 45, was convicted of killing two women in 1995, based solely on the testimony of a pair of jailhouse snitches and a document a Detroit homicide cop claimed was Ward's confession, which he refused to sign because he insisted it wasn't true.

Feb 2020

8 Years

Carl Bruner $800

Carl had always maintained his innocence and that he was being framed. His appellate defense argues that they were not allowed to cross-examine Carl's accuser because the witness was not present and his testimony in another man's trial was simply read in court.

Feb 2020

17 Years

Kevin Harrington

$500

Kevin's exuberance is immediately apparent. He is grateful to be out of prison, but Kevin is focusing on looking forward. He wants to tell his story to do what he can to change the system. "This has got to stop!", he said, and wants to play his part.

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Kevin is spending 14 days in a hotel after having come from a prison with a high COVID-19 count. He has yet to determine where he will go afterward.

April 2020

17 Years

George Clark

$500

George is now grateful to be living with his family. As he looks forward, he's considering flipping houses, something he would enjoy doing.

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George believes he is the first person in Michigan to file a successive writ of Habeas Corpus in pro per or "in person" without a lawyer. Despite this accomplishment, the judgment was appealed and he was put back into prison. George kept his cool and was eventually released, along with Kevin Harrington by the Wayne County CIU. He wants to express his sincere gratitude to Brandy, Ali and Tiffany of the Jones Day law firm in Columbus, OH.

April 2020