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A ruined life: Exonerated, but kept in prison anyway.

This is the case that led to formation of this group. Bennett Barbour was convicted of a 1978 rape. He had a verified alibi. He did not look like the description of the attacker. He had a disease that made him incapable of the attack. Even so, Barbour served 5 years in prison. He lost his family and any chance for a livelihood. DNA testing exonerated him of the crime, but he was unaware of that exoneration for 2 years, still living with the fact that he was a convicted "rapist". The state of Virginia has still not formally declared him innocent, despite the flimsy conviction and the DNA exoneration. In fact, the state denied freedom of information act requests.

The linked Slate article makes for some hard reading. It looks like there are more than 70 other DNA exonerations in Virginia. The state appears to be dragging its feet. Only 4 have been officially exonerated.

Justice has not been done. In fact, it looks like there is a conspiracy to keep innocent people labeled as convicted felons.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard ∑wald on March 18, 2012 at 11:47pm

Sadly, he is one example of many, …all who seem to share the same tint of skin, many on death row.

A state, and those serving as its proxy (especially), guilty of such a wrong-doing are guilty of a crime against humanity, that's how I see it.

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on March 19, 2012 at 12:01am

You are speaking my thoughts as well. I admire the Innocence Project for their activism.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on March 19, 2012 at 12:13am

I live in Texas where capital punishment is routinely carried out. DNA has cleared some from execution. So the question is .. How many we're wrongly accused and given the death penalty?

Permalink Reply by Richard ∑wald on March 19, 2012 at 12:13am

This is one of those things that transcends any belief system, it's just plain injustice.

…I just thought of another exception to my stance on Capital punishment… (just kidding, …sorta')

This page at The Innocent Project sums up my thoughts in a nutshell.

Permalink Reply by Richard ∑wald on March 19, 2012 at 10:58am

Speaking of "evidence of guilt" and in some reference to my "thought experiment", and those who conspire against innocent citizens in regards to ignoring/dismissing evidence that would exonerate them.

What, if any "justice/consequences" should apply to those knowingly investigating/prosecuting/incarcerating an innocent as a convenient "case closer"?

Permalink Reply by annet on March 20, 2012 at 10:30am