Freeing Wrongfully |
"Imagine the worst day of your life. Then imagine living that day every day of your life. That's what it feels like when you are innocent in prison" - Marvin Roberts of the Fairbanks Four
Innocent people are convicted of crimes they did not commit. It’s a tragedy that can happen to anyone, but factors such as income and ethnicity put some of our population at a higher risk. Our data shows that Alaska Natives from remote, rural communities have the highest chance of being wrongfully convicted.
Wrongful convictions impact not only the individuals convicted, but their families and the communities around them. These preventable mistakes deny innocent people of their basic human liberties, rob years of companionship from their loved ones, and with the $60,000/year for the cost of imprisoning one Alaskan, makes a substantial impact to our state's finances. Further, the victims of crime do not receive justice when the actual perpetrator(s) is not held accountable, and they are often emboldened to re-offend. The Fairbanks Four case is a sobering example of this; the actual perpetrators of the John Hartman murder were involved in the deaths of six more people. If the correct people were convicted and incarcerated, these deaths would have been prevented.
The Alaska Innocence Project (AKIP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by a group of advocates concerned that Alaska had no entity to represent inmates who claimed actual innocence. As the number of convicted individuals found innocent through use of DNA or other forensic evidence grew nationwide, the need for a project in Alaska grew and AKIP was born.
Wrongful convictions impact not only the individuals convicted, but their families and the communities around them. These preventable mistakes deny innocent people of their basic human liberties, rob years of companionship from their loved ones, and with the $60,000/year for the cost of imprisoning one Alaskan, makes a substantial impact to our state's finances. Further, the victims of crime do not receive justice when the actual perpetrator(s) is not held accountable, and they are often emboldened to re-offend. The Fairbanks Four case is a sobering example of this; the actual perpetrators of the John Hartman murder were involved in the deaths of six more people. If the correct people were convicted and incarcerated, these deaths would have been prevented.
The Alaska Innocence Project (AKIP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by a group of advocates concerned that Alaska had no entity to represent inmates who claimed actual innocence. As the number of convicted individuals found innocent through use of DNA or other forensic evidence grew nationwide, the need for a project in Alaska grew and AKIP was born.
The Alaska Innocence Project offers complimentary (pro bono) legal services to innocent Alaskans, working directly with the client to get wrongful convictions overturned. We provide educational opportunities for advocates and the public to foster a culture that champions the defense of the innocent. We also suggest and implement policies, practices, and reforms to prevent future wrongful convictions.
Our services are primarily funded from small individual donations, with additional support from gracious local organizations.
We couldn't do what we do without help from Alaskans like you. We appreciate your ongoing support!
Our services are primarily funded from small individual donations, with additional support from gracious local organizations.
We couldn't do what we do without help from Alaskans like you. We appreciate your ongoing support!
Take a look at our Fall/Winter Newsletter 2023!
akip_fall-winter_newsletter_2023.pdf | |
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Podcast Featuring AKIP’s Client T.J. Edwards
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In May 2001, Talalelei “TJ” Edwards, his wife and son were sharing an Anchorage, AK apartment with a woman named Melissa along with Melissa’s 1 year old son, Derrick. Talalelei often watched the boys on the days when other sitters were not available. On the morning of May 8, Derrick slept for a few hours until Talalelei noticed his odd breathing. Trained in child caregiving, Talalelei responded by blowing air on the child’s face, and performing CPR. When he did not respond, Talalelei took Derrick to the hospital. He passed away later that night. Based on the now discredited science of Shaken Baby Syndrome, Talalelei was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Maggie talks to Talalelei "TJ" Edwards, Salome Inoke, Talalelei's sister, and TJ's attorney, AKIP Legal Director Bill Oberly.
Maggie talks to Talalelei "TJ" Edwards, Salome Inoke, Talalelei's sister, and TJ's attorney, AKIP Legal Director Bill Oberly.
Wrongful Conviction Explained
How many people are wrongfully convicted in the United States? What are the primary causes of wrongful conviction?
On Wrongful Conviction Day 2022, this animated explainer by illustrator Michael Buchino answers these questions and more.
On Wrongful Conviction Day 2022, this animated explainer by illustrator Michael Buchino answers these questions and more.
Organizations That Support Our Cause
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