From Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (http://www.pa-abolitionists.org/):
Two innocent men won court victories last Tuesday. James A. Dennis and Anthony Wright have a lot in common. They are both African American, both were wrongfully imprisoned for over 20 years, both were on the receiving end of prosecutorial misconduct, and both were tried and charged capitally during the reign of former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham, affectionately known as “The Queen of Death.”
The prosecution suppressed multiple pieces of evidence in Jimmy Dennis’ case. Last Tuesday, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that “The withholding of these pieces of evidence denied Dennis a fair trial in state court.” It’s now up to Philly’s current DA Seth Williams to decide whether to appeal the decision, attempt to retry him, or release him.
Anthony Wright, also the recipient of Lynne Abraham’s special treatment, was framed for rape and murder. The prosecution fought against DNA testing for five years. When it was finally tested three and a half years ago, the results not only proved Mr. Wright’s innocence, it also identified the real killer. Not to be dissuaded by such incontrovertible evidence, Philly’s current DA, Seth Williams, fought for a retrial. Sound familiar? When Mr. Wright finally got his day in court, the judge saw right through the prosecution’s ploy and Anthony walked out of prison, free for the first time in 25 years.
You’ll find a sample of the media coverage we generated here.
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