I cried silent tears as I read the story of a man recently released from prison. His name, Jeffrey Deskovic. As he says, “I served 16 years in prison for a murder and rape that took place in NY.  All 16 years, I fought to prove my innocence.  At the innocent age of 16, I was arrested based upon a coerced false confession obtained from me following 7-1/2 hours of police interrogation.  I was convicted DESPITE DNA evidence which showed that semen found inside of the victim did not match me.  In addition, hair found on the victim did not match me.  I was sentenced to 15 years to life, notwithstanding the judge commenting, ‘Maybe you are innocent.’

“Through a twist of fate In 2005, a letter I had written was delivered to anti-death penatly activist and amateur investigator, Claudia Whitman.  She suggested that I re-contact the Innocence Project and she urged them to take my case.” 

Well, the Innocence Project, co-founded by Barry Scheck, did indeed take his case and were given permission by the new district attorney to compare the crime scene DNA to the state DNA database. And – tada! -- the actual perpetrator was located.

But Jeffrey tells of the difficulties as a 32-year-old who has been away from the world since age 16. As I wrote, “I can only imagine how you must feel. As a lifelong Liberal and champion of the ‘underdog,’ I find it absolutely disgusting that for so many years law enforcement and the judiciary system have colluded to operate so callously. They maliciously robbed you of wonderful years of life but also robbed the country of your potential contributions.

“I am so sorry this happened to you and want you to hang in there. Please keep speaking and writing! And insist on getting Liberal/ Progressive thinkers elected and maybe we can bring this country into enlightenment.

“Signed with love and caring.”

From the left here's Jeffrey, a free man,
project attorneys and Barry Scheck.

Positively.
Carolan