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Stories of Innocence

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recent cases

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Greg Cooper stands outside Avenal State Prison on the day of his release

Greg Cooper

Convicted of:

  • Arson, Mayhem

Arrest:

  • 2005

Release:

2024
Greg Cooper was wrongly convicted of arson and mayhem. His conviction was the product of ineffective assistance of defense counsel, junk forensic science,...
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Stephen Patterson

Convicted of:

  • Murder

Arrest:

  • 2006

Release:

2024
Stephen Patterson was wrongfully convicted of a gang shooting and murder in South Central LA in 2007. Despite an alibi and two very...
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Gerardo Cabanillas

Convicted of:

  • Murder, Sexual Assault

Arrest:

  • 1995

Release:

2023
On January 16, 1995, two armed men committed a litany of crimes in Los Angeles. Ultimately, Gerardo Cabanillas was wrongfully convicted based on...
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Anthony Vasquez

Convicted of:

  • Attempted Murder, Murder

Arrest:

  • 1995

Release:

2023
Anthony Vasquez was wrongly convicted of murder and attempted murder in 1994. His conviction was the product of a misidentification and police misconduct....
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Jermaine Smothers moments after walking out of prison

Jermaine Smothers

Convicted of:

  • Murder

Arrest:

  • 1995

Release:

2023
Jermaine Smothers was wrongly convicted of a shooting in San Diego. While incarcerated, evidence came to light pointing to the true perpetrator. Smothers...
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shawn schweitzer and ian schweitzer after ian's exoneration

Shawn Schweitzer

Convicted of:

  • Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual Assault

Arrest:

  • 1999

Release:

2023
Shawn and Ian Schweitzer were wrongly convicted of the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of Dana Ireland....
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Rodney Patrick McNeal looks on in court.

Rodney Patrick McNeal

Convicted of:

  • Murder

Arrest:

  • 1997

Release:

2022
In March of 1997, Rodney Patrick McNeal, a San Bernardino probation officer, drove home to pick up his pregnant wife, Debra, to take...
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Marilyn Mulero and Justin Brooks after her release from prison

Marilyn Mulero

Convicted of:

  • Murder

Arrest:

  • 1992

Release:

2022
Marilyn Mulero was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death on a plea deal. Mulero's case involved disgraced Chicago Detective Reynaldo Guevara,...
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