The Innocence Project
@innocenceproject.bsky.social
We work to help free innocent people from prison and reform the criminal legal system.
Pinned
Robert Roberson's Execution is Stayed by The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Roberson Was Scheduled to Be Executed on October 16 Despite Overwhelming Evidence of Innocence
innocenceproject.org
BREAKING NEWS: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a STAY in hashtag#RobertRoberson’s case, just seven days before his scheduled execution. innocenceproject.org/news/texas-c...
In a case riddled with racial injustice, Tommy Lee Walker — a Black man — gets posthumous exoneration 70 years after wrongful conviction by a nearly all-white jury in Dallas. He was wrongfully executed for the murder of a white woman in 1956.
Read more about his story here: https://nyti.ms/4renyBq
Read more about his story here: https://nyti.ms/4renyBq
Dallas County Exonerates Black Man Who Was Executed in 1956
An all-white jury convicted Tommy Lee Walker of rape and murder, relying on inadmissible evidence and a coerced confession that he immediately recanted, county officials said.
nyti.ms
January 23, 2026 at 10:30 PM
In a case riddled with racial injustice, Tommy Lee Walker — a Black man — gets posthumous exoneration 70 years after wrongful conviction by a nearly all-white jury in Dallas. He was wrongfully executed for the murder of a white woman in 1956.
Read more about his story here: https://nyti.ms/4renyBq
Read more about his story here: https://nyti.ms/4renyBq
Several new bills aimed at reinstating New Hampshire's death penalty have been introduced.
“I don’t know whether or not we should have the death penalty, but what I do know – and what cannot be argued – is that I, Seth King, want the death penalty.”
https://bit.ly/4r4j7sA
“I don’t know whether or not we should have the death penalty, but what I do know – and what cannot be argued – is that I, Seth King, want the death penalty.”
https://bit.ly/4r4j7sA
Push Is On To Bring Back Death Penalty in NH
Executions could make a comeback in the Granite State because of several bills introduced in the legislature aimed at overturning the 2019 death penalty repeal.
indepthnh.org
January 22, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Several new bills aimed at reinstating New Hampshire's death penalty have been introduced.
“I don’t know whether or not we should have the death penalty, but what I do know – and what cannot be argued – is that I, Seth King, want the death penalty.”
https://bit.ly/4r4j7sA
“I don’t know whether or not we should have the death penalty, but what I do know – and what cannot be argued – is that I, Seth King, want the death penalty.”
https://bit.ly/4r4j7sA
BREAKING: 70 years after his wrongful execution, Tommy Lee Walker is declared innocent.
“The court’s declaration today provides some semblance of belated justice to Mr. Walker’s legacy, and to his son, our client Edward Smith,” said Chris Fabricant. https://bit.ly/3LVoOKA
“The court’s declaration today provides some semblance of belated justice to Mr. Walker’s legacy, and to his son, our client Edward Smith,” said Chris Fabricant. https://bit.ly/3LVoOKA
Tommy Lee Walker Declared Innocent 70 Years After His Execution
Dallas County Commissioners Court posthumously proclaimed Mr. Walker’s innocence in the 1954 racially-fueled capital murder case.
innocenceproject.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
BREAKING: 70 years after his wrongful execution, Tommy Lee Walker is declared innocent.
“The court’s declaration today provides some semblance of belated justice to Mr. Walker’s legacy, and to his son, our client Edward Smith,” said Chris Fabricant. https://bit.ly/3LVoOKA
“The court’s declaration today provides some semblance of belated justice to Mr. Walker’s legacy, and to his son, our client Edward Smith,” said Chris Fabricant. https://bit.ly/3LVoOKA
Late Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele shared a special bond with Texas death row inmate Nanon Williams. “Rob and Michele didn’t want credit for trying to help me,” he said.
Read more: https://nbcnews.to/456CtoB
Read more: https://nbcnews.to/456CtoB
He was sentenced to death. Rob and Michele Reiner loved him like a son.
Nanon Williams was sent to death row for a murder he says he didn't commit. Decades later, through daily emails and weekly prison calls, the Reiners became family.
nbcnews.to
January 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Late Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele shared a special bond with Texas death row inmate Nanon Williams. “Rob and Michele didn’t want credit for trying to help me,” he said.
Read more: https://nbcnews.to/456CtoB
Read more: https://nbcnews.to/456CtoB
Last fall the American Bar Association’s Death Penalty Representation Project honored excellence in capital defense at an awards event in Washington D.C. The event was highlighted with a keynote address by our very own Executive Director Christina Swarns.
Read more: bit.ly/3Z2QVdD
Read more: bit.ly/3Z2QVdD
Project Honors Excellence in Capital Defense at 2025 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Event
The Death Penalty Representation Project celebrated its 2025 Volunteer Recognition & Awards Event this fall in Washington, DC. The event honored law firms Bradley and Vorys and attorney Ruth Friedman.
bit.ly
January 10, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Last fall the American Bar Association’s Death Penalty Representation Project honored excellence in capital defense at an awards event in Washington D.C. The event was highlighted with a keynote address by our very own Executive Director Christina Swarns.
Read more: bit.ly/3Z2QVdD
Read more: bit.ly/3Z2QVdD
Thank you to the @newyorkjetsnfl.bsky.social for recognizing the Innocence Project — alongside three other organizations — at an amazing football game last month, and for supporting our work through the NFL’s Inspire Change program.
Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/3wUqnO9
Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/3wUqnO9
January 7, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Thank you to the @newyorkjetsnfl.bsky.social for recognizing the Innocence Project — alongside three other organizations — at an amazing football game last month, and for supporting our work through the NFL’s Inspire Change program.
Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/3wUqnO9
Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/3wUqnO9
This year we freed four clients. From restoring their freedom and putting a stay on Robert Roberson’s execution, to taking our work global — and attending a Coldplay concert — read about top moments that defined our year at the Innocence Project.
https://bit.ly/4st3xbJ
https://bit.ly/4st3xbJ
2025 in Review: A Year of Vindication, Voice, and Unyielding Hope - Innocence Project
A year defined by breakthroughs, hard-won progress, and the unshakeable belief that justice must serve us all.
innocenceproject.org
January 1, 2026 at 5:47 PM
This year we freed four clients. From restoring their freedom and putting a stay on Robert Roberson’s execution, to taking our work global — and attending a Coldplay concert — read about top moments that defined our year at the Innocence Project.
https://bit.ly/4st3xbJ
https://bit.ly/4st3xbJ
As wrongfully incarcerated people spend yet another holiday season away from their loved ones, the Innocence Project is committed to freeing the innocent and fixing the broken systems that robbed them of their freedom.
Donations will be matched today up to $175,000.
https://bit.ly/49EuIb1
Donations will be matched today up to $175,000.
https://bit.ly/49EuIb1
December 31, 2025 at 6:38 PM
As wrongfully incarcerated people spend yet another holiday season away from their loved ones, the Innocence Project is committed to freeing the innocent and fixing the broken systems that robbed them of their freedom.
Donations will be matched today up to $175,000.
https://bit.ly/49EuIb1
Donations will be matched today up to $175,000.
https://bit.ly/49EuIb1
Anna Vasquez was wrongfully convicted and served 13 years for a crime that never occurred before she was exonerated, thanks to the Innocence Project of Texas. For many like her, the @innocencenetwork.bsky.social conference brings community. Support it via this GoFundMe.
https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
December 30, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Anna Vasquez was wrongfully convicted and served 13 years for a crime that never occurred before she was exonerated, thanks to the Innocence Project of Texas. For many like her, the @innocencenetwork.bsky.social conference brings community. Support it via this GoFundMe.
https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
In a big win for the innocence community, last month New Jersey banned the admission of the “Shaken Baby Syndrome” testimony in courtrooms. SBS, now considered as “debunked science” has put hundreds of innocent parents in prison and on death row.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jbNPgK
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jbNPgK
New Jersey Supreme Court Rejects ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’
The first ruling of its kind in the country could give people convicted based on SBS testimony a new shot at freedom.
bit.ly
December 27, 2025 at 6:11 PM
In a big win for the innocence community, last month New Jersey banned the admission of the “Shaken Baby Syndrome” testimony in courtrooms. SBS, now considered as “debunked science” has put hundreds of innocent parents in prison and on death row.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jbNPgK
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jbNPgK
As the year comes to a close, these books and films will change the way you see our criminal legal system.
https://bit.ly/44KfvDw
https://bit.ly/44KfvDw
Your Year-End Watch & Read Guide
These stories reveal the flaws in our criminal legal system and the strength of those impacted — and they’ll fuel you for the fight ahead.
bit.ly
December 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
As the year comes to a close, these books and films will change the way you see our criminal legal system.
https://bit.ly/44KfvDw
https://bit.ly/44KfvDw
This year we advanced critical reforms in the criminal legal system, while also working to protect existing ones. We worked with exonerees and our Innocence Network partners to advance critical reforms that reveal, address, and prevent wrongful convictions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3YHgG2Z
Read more: https://bit.ly/3YHgG2Z
The Breakthrough Policy Wins We Secured That Shaped 2025 - Innocence Project
Motivated by the work of Innocence Project’s tenacious policy team, states took meaningful steps in 2025 to make the system fairer and more accountable.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This year we advanced critical reforms in the criminal legal system, while also working to protect existing ones. We worked with exonerees and our Innocence Network partners to advance critical reforms that reveal, address, and prevent wrongful convictions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3YHgG2Z
Read more: https://bit.ly/3YHgG2Z
In 1989, five teenage boys were wrongfully convicted of the rape of a jogger in Central Park. Today marks 23 years since DNA evidence helped free Exonerated Five. Their legacy continues to resonate across media, government and policy reform.
Read: https://bit.ly/491s1j7
Read: https://bit.ly/491s1j7
The Enduring Legacy of the Exonerated Five
What began as one of New York’s most infamous cases of wrongful conviction now stands as a testament to survival, solidarity, and systemic change.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 7:48 PM
In 1989, five teenage boys were wrongfully convicted of the rape of a jogger in Central Park. Today marks 23 years since DNA evidence helped free Exonerated Five. Their legacy continues to resonate across media, government and policy reform.
Read: https://bit.ly/491s1j7
Read: https://bit.ly/491s1j7
Join How To Get Away with Murder actor Jack Falahee in advancing our fight to free the innocent. Donations made today will be matched up to $150,000. Double your impact!
bit.ly/3MIJkOF
bit.ly/3MIJkOF
December 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Join How To Get Away with Murder actor Jack Falahee in advancing our fight to free the innocent. Donations made today will be matched up to $150,000. Double your impact!
bit.ly/3MIJkOF
bit.ly/3MIJkOF
A 3-part @nbcnews.com series highlights wrongful convictions based on the now-widely debunked “shaken baby syndrome” hypothesis that has put hundreds of innocent parents in prison and on death row.
nbcnews.to/4s5jwfM
nbcnews.to/4s5jwfM
A medical examiner's testimony put a father behind bars for life. Now he says he 'made a mistake.'
Dr. Bruce Levy's finding that Alex Maze died of shaken baby syndrome was critical in the murder conviction of his father, Russell Maze. Decades later, Levy says he believes Maze is innocent.
nbcnews.to
December 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
A 3-part @nbcnews.com series highlights wrongful convictions based on the now-widely debunked “shaken baby syndrome” hypothesis that has put hundreds of innocent parents in prison and on death row.
nbcnews.to/4s5jwfM
nbcnews.to/4s5jwfM
Manner-of-death opinions are rooted in bias — ex: in determining the manner of death, a pathologist may base findings on police reports. Courts should seriously consider whether to make such statements admissible and instead focus on scientific evidence, a new report states.
Read: bit.ly/4jkGQCt
Read: bit.ly/4jkGQCt
Justice Requires Excluding Manner Of Death As Evidence - Law360
A recent report showing that the unstandardized and subjective U.S. system of medicolegal death investigations contributes to unjust convictions should prompt courts and lawmakers to reject manner of ...
www.law360.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Manner-of-death opinions are rooted in bias — ex: in determining the manner of death, a pathologist may base findings on police reports. Courts should seriously consider whether to make such statements admissible and instead focus on scientific evidence, a new report states.
Read: bit.ly/4jkGQCt
Read: bit.ly/4jkGQCt
Cornelius Dupree was exonerated in 2011 after spending more than 30 years in prison for a crime that he never committed. For him the Innocence Network Conference is a reminder that they’re not alone. Help exonerees like him get to the conference via this Go Fund Me. https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
December 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Cornelius Dupree was exonerated in 2011 after spending more than 30 years in prison for a crime that he never committed. For him the Innocence Network Conference is a reminder that they’re not alone. Help exonerees like him get to the conference via this Go Fund Me. https://bit.ly/4rIpAuF
New Hampshire has a restrictive three-year deadline on requests for new trials. This means that if new evidence is discovered, or a confession proves someone’s innocence — they’re out of luck.
Some lawmakers are trying to change it. Read more: https://bit.ly/44n0wiL
Some lawmakers are trying to change it. Read more: https://bit.ly/44n0wiL
Helping the wrongfully imprisoned
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 4:34 AM
New Hampshire has a restrictive three-year deadline on requests for new trials. This means that if new evidence is discovered, or a confession proves someone’s innocence — they’re out of luck.
Some lawmakers are trying to change it. Read more: https://bit.ly/44n0wiL
Some lawmakers are trying to change it. Read more: https://bit.ly/44n0wiL
This year we kicked off our partnership with Nashville’s oldest coffee company, Bongo Java Roasting Co., and we’re excited to announce an exclusive launch of limited-edition merch!
15% of proceeds help free innocent people from prison.
Shop here: https://bit.ly/4psGyvp
15% of proceeds help free innocent people from prison.
Shop here: https://bit.ly/4psGyvp
Grounds for Innocence Coffee Blend | Sip for Justice & Reform
Support justice with Grounds for Innocence coffee. 15% of every purchase funds the Innocence Project & Tennessee Innocence Project. Taste honey, orange, milk chocolate, and spices in every medium roas...
www.bongojava.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This year we kicked off our partnership with Nashville’s oldest coffee company, Bongo Java Roasting Co., and we’re excited to announce an exclusive launch of limited-edition merch!
15% of proceeds help free innocent people from prison.
Shop here: https://bit.ly/4psGyvp
15% of proceeds help free innocent people from prison.
Shop here: https://bit.ly/4psGyvp
For Renay — and hundreds of other exonerees — The @innocencenetwork.bsky.social Conference is more than an event. It’s a safe haven, a community of support, and a reminder that they are not alone.
December 9, 2025 at 7:06 PM
For Renay — and hundreds of other exonerees — The @innocencenetwork.bsky.social Conference is more than an event. It’s a safe haven, a community of support, and a reminder that they are not alone.
This holiday season, your gift supporting our work to free the innocent will be doubled by a generous group of donors. Help us transform the legal system today!
https://bit.ly/48LjctS
https://bit.ly/48LjctS
December 8, 2025 at 6:04 PM
This holiday season, your gift supporting our work to free the innocent will be doubled by a generous group of donors. Help us transform the legal system today!
https://bit.ly/48LjctS
https://bit.ly/48LjctS
WATCH: Innocence Project presents its new short film “What I Didn’t Know.”
Three exonerees speak about the inner strength that carried them through years of wrongful incarceration, and how they navigate their newfound freedom.
Watch here: youtu.be/Mt_prlNPCbM
Three exonerees speak about the inner strength that carried them through years of wrongful incarceration, and how they navigate their newfound freedom.
Watch here: youtu.be/Mt_prlNPCbM
December 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
WATCH: Innocence Project presents its new short film “What I Didn’t Know.”
Three exonerees speak about the inner strength that carried them through years of wrongful incarceration, and how they navigate their newfound freedom.
Watch here: youtu.be/Mt_prlNPCbM
Three exonerees speak about the inner strength that carried them through years of wrongful incarceration, and how they navigate their newfound freedom.
Watch here: youtu.be/Mt_prlNPCbM
In January, Scott Minton walked free after 30 years behind bars in Tennessee for a crime he didn’t commit.
Every victory we achieved last fiscal year was the result of an unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice.
Take a look at the impact we made in FY25: https://bit.ly/4pHrkCh
Every victory we achieved last fiscal year was the result of an unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice.
Take a look at the impact we made in FY25: https://bit.ly/4pHrkCh
December 3, 2025 at 6:55 PM
In January, Scott Minton walked free after 30 years behind bars in Tennessee for a crime he didn’t commit.
Every victory we achieved last fiscal year was the result of an unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice.
Take a look at the impact we made in FY25: https://bit.ly/4pHrkCh
Every victory we achieved last fiscal year was the result of an unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice.
Take a look at the impact we made in FY25: https://bit.ly/4pHrkCh
Jimmie “Chris” Duncan was released on bail a day before Thanksgiving, after 27 spending years on death row. Mr. Duncan was released on a $150,000 bond, and his vacated conviction is still being reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Read more about him: https://bit.ly/3KA3QAg
Read more about him: https://bit.ly/3KA3QAg
Louisiana death row inmate released on bail after decades behind bars
A Louisiana man who spent nearly three decades on death row is out on bail
abcnews.go.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Jimmie “Chris” Duncan was released on bail a day before Thanksgiving, after 27 spending years on death row. Mr. Duncan was released on a $150,000 bond, and his vacated conviction is still being reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Read more about him: https://bit.ly/3KA3QAg
Read more about him: https://bit.ly/3KA3QAg
This Giving Tuesday, all donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Make a gift that goes twice as far in the fight to free wrongly convicted people, fix the broken systems that robbed them of their freedom, and advance the innocence movement.
bit.ly/4aqhv7s
bit.ly/4aqhv7s
December 2, 2025 at 1:18 PM
This Giving Tuesday, all donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Make a gift that goes twice as far in the fight to free wrongly convicted people, fix the broken systems that robbed them of their freedom, and advance the innocence movement.
bit.ly/4aqhv7s
bit.ly/4aqhv7s