For him, Valentine’s Day became a day of freedom!
Tears flow when he is acquitted: man has been imprisoned for 28 years
Lamar Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for murder in 1995 – although he never committed the crime.
Christian Gooden, AP
February 16, 2023 at 1:48 pm
He was behind bars for 28 years for a murder he never committed!
February 14, 2023 must have been a release for Lamar Johnson – literally. Because the 49-year-old has spent half his life in prison-convicted of a murder he never committed. The case is another example of a judicial scandal in the United States. Although there was even a confession from the real perpetrator, Johnson remained in prison – burdened by testimonies that were racially motivated or falsified for money.
When the decision is made, applause breaks out in the courtroom.
For three decades, Johnson maintained his innocence. When Judge David Mason suspended his prison sentence on Circuit Court in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, the court applauded. Johnson wipes the tears from his eyes according to a report by The Kansas City Star.
Johnson’s ex-girlfriend, Erika Barrow, also broke down in tears at the acquittal’s announcement.
Christian Gooden, AP
The Johnson File: That Murder Landed Him in Prison
In October 1994, Markus Boyd was shot dead on his front porch in St. Louis. Louis. Johnson and another man, Phillip Campbell, were arrested and brought to justice, according to the Kansas City Star. Campbell confesses and receives a seven-year sentence, but Johnson pleaded not guilty. He receives life imprisonment.
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While serving his sentence, Johnson allegedly received a letter from the real perpetrator, James Howard. He exonerates Johnson and even knows where the weapons and ski masks used in the crime are. Johnson immediately forwards the letter to the judge in charge – but nothing happens.
She got him out! Prosecutor Kimberly Gardner initiated the new trial. After the conviction, Johnson embraced her.
Christian Gooden, AP
Prosecutor Kimberly Gardner won’t be able to appeal until 2022. Because the alleged evidence that speaks against Johnson is shaky. One of Johnson’s inmates told police that Johnson had confessed to the murder. A lie, as will be seen later. The free partner, tattooed with a swastika and racist, probably wanted to see Johnson behind bars. The testimony of a second eyewitness was also refuted in the course of the proceedings. He reportedly received about $4,000 in “witness compensation” from the DA’s office for his testimony, according to “CNN”. The fact that Johnson had an alibi for the night of the murder played no role in court.
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Prosecutor Gardner also accuses prosecutors and investigators at the time of misconduct. According to media reports, Judge David Mason also spoke of mistakes that violated the defendant’s constitutional rights.
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During a hearing in December, Markus Boyd’s real killer, James Howard, confesses to his crime. He and the late Philip Campbell shot Boyd in 1994 over a drug dispute, according to CNN.
28 Innocent Years in Prison – And Still Not a Penny of Compensation
After his acquittal, Lamar Johnson addressed waiting supporters and reporters, according to the St. Louis Public Radio: “First of all, I want to thank the people who had information about the case and brought the truth to light.” that your case will encourage others who are also innocent in prison.
In his fight, Johnson was also supported by the Midwest Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that works, among other things, for the wrongfully convicted. The organization has now also created a donation account on the GoFundMe page. Because Johnson will not receive any compensation for the many years he was innocently imprisoned – he is not entitled to that under state law. (dgo)
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