Help Me Celebrate “Freedom Day”
On June 28, 2009, I will celebrate my freedom. This date marks the 16th anniversary of my release from prison after serving eight years, 11 months and 19 days for a crime I did not commit. Among family and friends, I still refer to this date as “Freedom Day,” and each year I vow to continue to work hard to prevent the same tragedy from happening to another innocent person.
Twenty-five years ago my life changed dramatically when I was arrested for the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Dawn Hamilton. Due to the nature of the crime, the police were eager to find Dawn’s killer and ease the public’s anxiety and fear. This eagerness led to police “tunnel vision,” botched eyewitness identification procedures, and prosecutorial misconduct. It also led to a wrongful conviction and a death sentence for an honorably discharged Marine with no criminal record.
Read more about my case and the work of The Justice Project.
My case serves as a powerful reminder that the criminal justice system is broken and in serious need of reform. It shows that the system does not correct itself, because it took a series of miracles to reveal the truth in my case. We cannot rely on miracles to make sure that innocent people are treated justly.
Like the hundreds of other men and women who have been wrongfully convicted and sent to prison for crimes they did not commit, I carry those lost years with me every day. It wasn’t until I became acquainted with The Justice Project and had the opportunity to tell my story that I truly began to deal with the horrific life I lived for almost nine years.
As Program Officer with The Justice Project, I now dedicate my time to creating a criminal justice system that is more fair and accurate. With your support, we will continue to educate law makers and public officials about the causes of wrongful convictions and the reforms needed to prevent injustice. A generous tax-deductible contribution to The Justice Project will enable us to continue in this fight.
Your support can help prevent another wrongful conviction.
I never want there to be another “Kirk Bloodsworth.” I thank you for your support and your continued commitment to justice.
