In Summer 2023, a Delaware County judge held evidentiary hearings, where Derrick and his co-defendants presented new DNA evidence that shows another person committed the crime for which the "Chester Three" were convicted. As the Washington Post reported at the time, "Alan Keel, a consultant in forensic biology and DNA analysis, testified before a courtroom packed with the three men's family and friends that the new tests did not find the men's DNA on a range of items in Nickens's apartment."
More on Derrick Chappell's Case
The judge overturned their convictions and ordered a new trial. The prosecution is appealing this decision. A bail hearing was set for May 2024, but it was canceled. The community has gathered to support Derrick and his co-defendants while they endure this next phase of their journey through wrongful conviction - a lengthy appeal process.
This case has generated a lot of publicity. We have compiled several links to media coverage below and will continue to round up links to more information. Keep up with case updates here:
Derrick Chappell and co-defendants Sam Grasty and Morton Johnson were convicted for the 1997 murder of Henrietta Nickens in Delaware County. Derrick was just 15 years old at the time of the crime and still a teenager when convicted. He and his co-defendants have maintained their innocence throughout more than 25 years of incarceration.
Nilam Sanghvi represents Derrick Chappell along with Amelia Maxfield of the Exoneration Project, John Lyons of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, and David Haase of Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP. The Innocence Project represents Morton Johnson and Centurion represents Sam Grasty.