In 1985, John Thompson was wrongfully accused of murder and attempted armed robbery, and sentenced to death row. In the past 14 years he has had his execution date set seven different times and watched many of his death row friends be put to death.
But now, 14 years later, and just a matter of weeks before his newest set execution date, Thompson's attorneys have found new evidence that prove his innocence. During the trial, the blood type of the real murderer was found, but never surfaced to the defense. It turns out that this blood type does not match Thompsons, and he was set free.
After getting out of prison, Thompson sued and won $14 million in a case arguing that the district attorney failed to train prosecutors on the obligations to turn over evidence. But when brought up to the supreme court,1 has denied Thompson those $14 million dollars in damages. Majority agreed that a single incident could not prove that argument. Thompson doesn't seem to care about the money, hes just angry that no one will have to be held accountable for the years he has spent on death row.
Since his release, thanks to private grants, Thompson has opened a group dedicated to helping those in similar situationa who have been found innocent after death sentences. His group also runs a transition house for former inmates to teach them important job skills to help make up for and get the most out of those lost years of their life.
"to help make up for.." I honestly believe NOTHING, not even the 14 mil, would be able to make for what this man has lost. Spending that much time behind bars knowing that you're innocent can take a toll on anyone. Sadly, this happens often and it seems like the justice system doesn't even care. No one wants to take the blame for putting a person through something like this and it's good to see that he has opened up a group to help others like him because there isn't many places for these inmates to go to get help. I'm glad you shed light on this issue a little bit because I think that alot of people don't want to believe that innocent people are behind bars. But, they really are and it's sad to say. No one wants to think that our justice system has flaws and that they convict innocent people to DEATH ROW but THEY DO.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought when I read this was, "WOW!!! That poor guy!" To be wrongfully accused of murder and put on death row then released and win $14 million then get it denied! That is horrible! Just shows how messed up our justice system is, and it's really sad. I don't see why he shouldn't be given the money because 14 years of his life have been wasted for somethng he didn't do. But it is good to hear that he has started a program to help others in that position. John Thompson is a VERY good man to be turing his life around and helping others.
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