A man from Tennessee, Lawrence McKinney, served 31 years in jail for a crime he never committed, thus, he wanted $1 million in reparations but he got just $75. He had no ID and it took him three months to be able to cash the money. In 1977 a woman from Memphis was raped by two intruders and she accused Lawrence McKinney, her neighbor, who was 22 at the time. The man was accused of rape and burglary in 1978 and sentenced to 115 years in jail.
DNA Evidence shows McKinney is not guilty
He was cleared of the charges in 2008 due to DNA evidence, thus, he got his freedom in 2009. McKinney, 60 years old today, was released from prison after DNA evidence showed he is not guilty. He had been sentenced to 100 years for the rape and 15 years for burglary.
Board voted against the exoneration of McKinney
An exoneration could mean $1 million in compensation for McKinney. This is a way to fix all the damage and wasted years but unfortunately, there has been no success until now. The board has not favoured McKinney.
McKinney: Only the strong survive
The pastor and strongest supporter of McKinney, John Hunn, declared that the board mentioned a list of 97 infractions committed by McKinney while he was in prison. It included the alleged assault of a fellow inmate who testified against him. McKinney told the board that only the strong survive in jail.
Last chance to get justice
McKinney knows that this is his final opportunity. This is his second attempt, the first one took place in 2010, but Gov. Phil Bredesen never favoured him. When Haslam became the new governor, McKinney applied again. The governors of Tennessee have given just two exonerations in the past 16 years.
McKinney just wants to be treated in a right and fair way
After he got his freedom, McKinney married a pen pal with whom he corresponded while he stayed in prison. Both go to Immanuel Baptist Church in Lebanon, Tennessee. McKinney takes part in a Bible study five nights per week. Here, he has found a community that supports him. McKinney declares: "Although I've spent more than half of my life locked up for a crime I did not do, I am not bitter or angry at anyone, because I have found the Lord and married a good wife."
