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8 Black People Who Were Sadly Executed, But Evidence Shows They Were Innocent

Dont_Execute_troy-Davis_585x400Troy Davis, Georgia: Convicted in 1991, Executed in 2011

Troy Davis, despite a compelling presentation of testimony casting doubt on his guilt in the 1989 murder of a police officer, was denied clemency on Sept. 19, 2011, and put to death two days later, after several postponements, as lawyers fought to prove his innocence. Brian Kammer, one of Davis’ attorneys, said, “I am utterly shocked and disappointed at the failure of our justice system at all levels to correct a miscarriage of justice.” Davis’ claims of innocence received international attention, and calls for clemency were made by Pope Benedict XVI, former President Jimmy Carter, former FBI Director William Sessions, former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Norman Fletcher and others. Doubts arose when many prosecution witnesses changed their stories, including accusations pointing to another suspect as the murderer of the police officer in Savannah, Georgia. The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles heard testimony from a juror in Davis’ original trial who said she had too much doubt about his guilt and would change her verdict. The board also heard from a witness who originally testified against Davis but has since recanted her testimony. The U.S. Supreme Court delayed the execution to consider final appeals, but then denied a stay. His story is told in the moving book, “I Am Troy Davis.”

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