Texas Murder Exoneree Michael Morton Tries to Fix Justice System
April 29, 2012 10:55:43 am
The past few years in Texas have seen a parade of DNA exonerations: more than 40 men so far, says NPR. The first exonerations were big news, but the type has grown smaller as Texans have watched a dismaying march of exonerees, their wasted years haunting the public conscience.
The Michael Morton case in Williamson County, north of Austin, is raising the ante. Morton had been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife. He was released six months ago — 25 years after being convicted — when DNA testing proved he was not the killer. Instead of merely seeking financial compensation, Morton is working to fix the system. His lawyers, including The Innocence Project, want to hold the man who put him behind bars accountable. They want new laws to make sure Morton's story is never repeated.
Posted by jimmy sissom
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 02:01
just hoping someone will look at what has happened to my family and would request documents to prove how much wrongdoing there was in our case
http://jimmysissom.weebly.com/
Posted by Tesia Barnes
Monday, November 26, 2012 03:06
Hi…
I’d like to speak with the author of this story as I’m a volunteer for local non-profit, called A Just Cause, out of Colorado Springs, CO.
Our organization was started when 6 men, who owned a business creating software for law enforcement, had their business raided under false pretenses & were wrongfully accused of wire and mail fraud despite evidence of their innocence, which the jury was not able to see. A Just Cause (AJC) wants these stories and those like them, not only publicized, but to see the accusers held accountable for their actions, especially if/when there’s evidence present to acquit the accused that is purposefully overlooked. There are far to many police officers, prosecutors, judges abusing their power and not applying the law as intended. AJC has seen this first hand and want to shed light on such cases and lobby for reform to a system that has caused so many innocent people to lose their lives.
In the case of the Colorado Springs 6, they’re in prison as they’re bond pending appeal was denied. Oddly enough, they were out on bond before for several months before sentencing and NEVER once violated the conditions of their bond, which are still in effect. They have not committed any violent crime & proved that they were not a flight risk, so the grounds for denying the bond are a mystery. They had their 5th Amendment Rights were violated when a defendent was coerced by the judge to testify, the evidence to prove their innocence was not allowed, nor presented to the jury, and the Speedy Trial Act was violated.
The story is unbelievable…but we’re working to get visibility for this case & others like it to change the ‘justice system’ so innocent people don’t suffer a day in prison.
If you all know of other organizations that can help or if you’re interested in more information about the Colorado Springs 6, I’ve got documents to back up this story. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions.
Thanks,
Tesia Barnes
(719) 287-4342