Stories

We are proud to walk alongside our incarcerated, freed, and exonerated clients and to support the great courage, strength, and resilience that they demonstrate in the fight for justice and on the long path to healing.

Since we opened our doors in 2009, we have welcomed more than 30 clients home. Together, they lost more than 800 years of their lives to wrongful convictions. Browse some of their stories below. Each person’s name is featured alongside the date they were released after decades of wrongful incarceration. Several stories include links to where you can learn more about these stories or hear from clients in their own words.

Thank you for joining us in the sustained fight for justice. Together, we are unlocking the truth and freeing the innocent.

Featured Story

James Kelly

July 18, 2024

On July 18, 2024, James "Jim" Kelly walked out of Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Somerset after serving almost three decades in prison for a crime he did not commit. Jim walked free from Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Somerset after Judge Glenn Bronson granted the Commonwealth’s motion to dismiss all charges, resulting in his release and exoneration.

James, a proud father and veteran was most excited to return home and see through his dream of having a modest house, a steady job, and spending plenty of time with his grandchildren. Jim’s innocence claim was backed by many over the years, including his former cellmate, George Bussinger, who raised money to help Jim obtain legal assistance. George’s efforts led to former Chester County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Lawrence Wood joining Jim's quest for freedom.

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