Today, John Smith was released from prison after serving 15 years for a crime he didn’t commit. The Oklahoma Innocence Project has worked on Smith’s case for the past five years to help exonerate him and reunite him with his family.
“We are thrilled to see John go home to his children after 15 years,” said Andrea Miller, legal director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project. “John should never have spent a day in prison, and we’re happy we were able to help bring justice to his situation.”
Smith was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for the murder of Kent Hill. The DNA evidence used to convict Smith was recently proven to be fabricated. At the time of the murder, Smith was in a different town than where the murder occurred.
Smith had two young children at home when he was convicted who are now in their early twenties. His children, along with other members of Smith’s family, enlisted the help of the Oklahoma Innocence Project five years ago. Andrea Miller and her team, including a rotation of students at OCU Law, worked diligently to overturn the improper DNA evidence and wrongful conviction.
“I can’t describe how ecstatic we are to have our dad free again,” said John’s son Conner Smith. “We’ve missed him so much and are so grateful to the Oklahoma Innocence Project team for helping him get home.”
The Oklahoma Innocence Project is dedicated to identifying and remedying cases of wrongful convictions in Oklahoma. Bringing together OCU Law students to work with attorneys and the director, OKIP pursues only cases in which there is credible evidence of factual innocence.