The number of exonerated Ohio prisoners is growing thanks to the Ohio Innocence Project.
The Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) is a legal organization at the University of Cincinnati College of Law committed to exonerating wrongfully convicted persons incarcerated in Ohio. OIP seeks to identify inmates in Ohio prisons who were falsely accused and found guilty of the felonies such as robbery, rape, or murder.
Since 2003, more than 40 men and women wrongfully imprisoned and convicted in Ohio have had their wrongful convictions overturned. Those wrongfully convicted of felonies, sentenced from decades to life in prison, and even the death penalty have been exonerated, marking a significant victory in the fight against injustice and wrongful incarceration. Each cleared inmate’s story serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of organizations like the Ohio Innocence Project in seeking justice for the wrongfully imprisoned.
Exonerated Prisoners in Ohio
Name | Years in Prison | Year Released | |
1 | Gary Reece | 25 years | 2005 |
2 | Clarence Elkins | 7.5 years | 2005 |
3 | Chris Bennett | 4 years | 2006 |
4 | Bruce Paul | 14 years | 2008 |
5 | Robert McClendon | 18 years | 2008 |
6 | Joseph Fears | 25 years | 2009 |
7 | Nancy Smith | 15 years | 2009 |
8 | Willie Knighten | 12 years | 2009 |
9 | Raymond Towler | 29 years | 2010 |
10 | Teddy Moseley | 10 years | 2010 |
11 | Wally Zimmer | 12 years | 2011 |
12 | David Ayers | 11 years | 2011 |
13 | Roger “Dean” Gillispie | 20 years | 2011 |
14 | Bryant “Rico” Gaines | 9 years | 2012 |
15 | Glenn Tinney | 20 years | 2013 |
16 | Doug Prade | 15 years | 2013 |
17 | Dewey Jones | 20 years | 2014 |
18 | Rickey Jackson | 39 years | 2014 |
19 | Wiley Bridgeman | 39 years | 2014 |
20 | Kwame Ajamu | 28 years | 2014-2015 |
21 | Derrick Wheatt | 18 years | 2015 |
22 | Laurese Glover | 18 years | 2015 |
23 | Eugene Johnson | 18 years | 2015 |
24 | Jim Parsons | 23 years | 2016 |
25 | Evin King | 23 years | 2017 |
26 | Ruel Sailor | 15 years | 2018 |
27 | Chris Miller | 17 years | 2018 |
28 | Charles Jackson | 27 years | 2018 |
29 | Christopher Smith | 12 years | 2020 |
30 | Isaiah Andrews | 45 years | 2020 |
31 | Jerry McMeans | 30 years | 2020 |
32 | Michael Sutton | 14 years | 2021 |
33 | Alfred Cleveland Jr. | 25 years | 2021 |
34 | Eric Brunner | 13 years | 2021 |
35 | Aaron Culberston Jr. | 8 years | 2022 |
36 | David Clark | 30 years | 2022 |
37 | Alan Butts | 20 years | 2022 |
38 | Wayne Braddy | 23 years | 2023 |
39 | Karl Willis | 23 years | 2023 |
40 | Richard Horton | 16 years | 2023 |
41 | Marcus Sapp | 13 years | 2023 |
42 | Marty Levingston | 15 years | 2023 |
Related Article: Cincinnati African American Lawyers accepting new clients
Since 1993, the Innocence Project has received over 65,600 letters from incarcerated individuals seeking help in proving their innocence, often due to injustice. The intake team processes the letters chronologically and thoroughly reviews each case request received, striving to uncover exoneration opportunities for those behind bars.
Innocence is often determined by DNA evidence or other forensic evidence, shedding light on wrongful convictions. Still, it can include several types of new evidence, such as unheard eyewitness accounts and confessions, all vital in the fight against injustice. Recent expert testimony, unseen physical evidence, inept prosecutors, or proof of police misconduct can also be classified as new evidence, providing a glimmer of hope for those wrongfully imprisoned.
According to The National Innocence Project, 375 people, including 21 people sentenced to death and served time on death row, have been exonerated through post-conviction DNA testing as of January 2020, highlighting the critical role of DNA evidence in uncovering the truth. The demographics of exonerated Ohio prisoners are not published. However, nationally, more than 60% of people exonerated are of color (African American, Latino, or Asian), while the remainder are white, underscoring the importance of addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Although exact statistics are unknown, studies estimate between 2.3 percent and 5 percent of death row cases in the United States are wrongly convicted, emphasizing the urgency of rectifying these injustices. For context, if just 1 percent of all prisoners are innocent, more than 20,000 innocent people are imprisoned, highlighting the ongoing need to fight for justice and exoneration.
Related Article: Felon-friendly companies in Cincinnati.
If you know of an innocent Ohio prisoner who has a wrongful conviction, wrongful imprisonment, or failed by the criminal justice system, complete this Ohio Innocence Project Application.
Ohio Innocence Project Application
The Rosenthal Institute for Justice was established at the UC College of Law thanks to the generosity of Lois and Richard Rosenthal.
Additional Legal Resources
Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bar Association
Cincinnati NAACP
Hamilton County Office of Re-entry
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
Ohio Justice & Policy Center
Ohio State Bar Association
Related Article: The Cincinnati Hamilton County Office of Reentry offers programs to assist returning citizens
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
Exonerated Ohio Prisoners image provided by Adobe Stock
Comments are closed.