Theophalis Wilson
Theophalis Wilson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
In 1993, Wilson, then 17 years old, was convicted of killing three people that he did not commit. Wilson was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The accusation was based on the testimony of a six-time convicted first-degree murderer. At a 2013 hearing in the case, the witness admitted that he had lied at trial in exchange for a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty.
Forensic experts also proved that physical evidence refutes the testimony of the witness. In 2020, after 28 years in prison, the court dropped all charges against Wilson, and in May 2021, Wilson filed a lawsuit against the city and the police department seeking compensation.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Wilson’s trial was infected by serious prosecutorial misconduct, Brady violations, a critical witness who supplied false testimony, and ineffective assistance of counsel,” said Conviction Integrity Unit chief Patricia Cummings.
Equal Justice Initiative
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to Wilson.
