The website is updated daily, frequently with exonerations that occurred in the past. Hicks lawyers allege that the cover-up went well beyond the three officers. Sometimes it comes out in the spiritual autobiography, but we dont ask. Jason E. Miczek / AP Images for The Innocence Project. Its not the closure I wanted but its still closure., The 15 women suing said officers had sexually assaulted and abused them for years. The men told me how much they loved Dennis.. The new analysis outlined a case in which ample physical evidence available 19 years ago ought to have been enough to clear Hicks, who was known in court records as Jermaine Weeks. Police Officer Martin Vinson said he shot Hicks in the chest or stomach as Hicks was pulling a gun from his pocket and lunging toward him. Photo: Jason E. Miczek/AP Images for The Innocence Project. He purchased land and other AA's settled near him. The new analysis outlined a case in which ample physical evidence available 19 years ago ought to have been enough to clear Hicks, who was known in court records as Jermaine Weeks. During his wrongful imprisonment, Termaine focused on his mental and spiritual health and used creative writing as an emotional outlet. I was writing Christian plays, engaged in independent study, and searching Scripture. But in recent years, evidence has piled up to suggest that the case presented by police and prosecutors was riddled with errors, the Inquirer reported. Press "Enter" or click on the arrow to show results. That video also showed a delivery truck pull into a nearby loading dock, flashing its lights across the alley. Earlier this month, The Root reported that another Black man, 45-year-old Termaine Hicks was exonerated of rape after spending 19 years in a Philadelphia prison. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. For 19 years, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his innocence. Termaine Hicks was released from SCI Phoenix on Dec. 16 after 19 years in prison. Nightly Films Termaine Hicks speaks out after 19 years in prison for a crime he didnt commit (Part 1) In his first TV interview since his exoneration, Termaine Hicks The Best News Ive Heard in All My Li After realizing theyd shot an unarmed man who did not match the description of the attacker, the officers conspired to cover it up. The reversal comes amid a recent flurry of exonerations as the citys district attorney, Larry Krasner, has aggressively pushed to revisit at least 16 questionable convictions. WebSettlement Agreement. His brother and friend greeted him upon release. In his first TV interview since his exoneration, Termaine Hicks speaks out to Lester Holt about his case. Zungolo, of South Detectives Division, declined an interview and referred questions to John McGrody, vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. Police disciplinary records are currently kept confidential in. As the case slowly made its way through the courts, she said she couldnt sleep through the night. Hicks came from Maryland, Possibly with former slaveowner, White Brown. Wednesday, December 23, 2020, The Front Page Podcast: Pumping the Brakes, NEW: Its not polite to pretend boys can be girls, SCOTUS takes on Bidens student debt agenda. His brothers Tone Hicks (left) and Tyron McClendon were there to greet him upon release. One of the bullets barely missed my spine, but youre talking to a guy who ran a couple of marathons while he was incarcerated., A post shared by Tyron McClendon (@mrgrinch215). December can be a busy month for exonerations, as prosecutors and defense attorneys try to wrap up cases before the end of the year. Medical records and damage to the clothes Hicks was wearing that night showed he had actually been shot in the back, contrary to what police claimed, the Inquirer reported. Hicks exoneration hinged in part on forensic analysis that cast doubt on his testimony. Termaine Hicks speaks out after 19 years in prison for a crime he didnt commit (Part 1), At least 2 dead after exposure to unknown substance at N.Y. senior facility, Clark Atlanta University students mourn loss of athlete fatally shot near campus, Iranian government to investigate series of poisonings, Pennsylvania man accused of trying to bring explosive on plane, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle asked to leave Frogmore Cottage. He was exonerated in 2020. The gun that was entered into evidence was registered to a Philadelphia police officer. Yale honors Black girl who was reported to police as she sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police footage. When Hicks nudged her, she did not move. We empower youth to use their voice to prevent bullying and violence, says Hicks about his presentations at schools. God saw fit to keep me alive. In 2001, Mr. Hicks came to the aid of a woman screaming in an alley. Reynolds, a former inmate at Coleman, had hoped to go to trial and help spark prison reform. Pennsylvanias statute of limitations for perjury and other relevant criminal charges bars prosecution after five years. The chief medical examiner recanted his prior testimony. According to her filings, the process of constructing a cover-up began immediately. As a result of receiving this information, we have opened an Internal Affairs investigation into the allegations of police misconduct, the spokesperson said in an email. In prison, I had to coax some of those guys up there. This dragging on, its like youre still living it, Reynolds said. Hicks was in South Philadelphia on the early morning of November 27, 2001, when he heard a woman screaming. How Black and Latino people did in this last round of redistricting. Hicks served 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The city has settled civil-rights complaints naming Vinson and Ellis as defendants. She tried to get gas. As the Psalmist wrote, God knows our frame and remembers we are made from dust. With that understanding, I am able to move forward. They have told me that the trauma of a retrial would be unbearable, she said. But, she added, I do feel that, one case at a time, this system is being improved.. READ MORE: Police shot a Philly man, then accused him of rape. Three Philadelphia police officers have been reassigned pending an internal investigation into the arrest of Termaine Joseph Hicks, who was cleared of a 2001 rape last week after spending 19 years in prison. After the 5th Circuits ruling, does DACA have a future? As he was reaching for his cellphone to dial 911, the police suddenly arrived, shot him in the back and charged him unjustly. Even the most seasoned attorney does not likely get the opportunity to go before them, says Hicks, who was by this time arguing his own case pro se. In fact, the gun was registered as the off-duty weapon of another uniformed Philadelphia police officer. He thought about those younger and younger inmates, and knew he needed to get his message to young people before their first encounters with the judicial system. Help us advocate for the innocent by sharing the latest news from the Innocence Project. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the Innocence Project: Police Perjury Led To Wrongful Conviction. Dennis Zungolo, who testified he saw Hicks pulling up his pants when police arrived, were both placed on restricted duty, the spokesperson confirmed. (Image: Jason E. Miczek/AP Images for the Innocence Project). also offers motivational speaking and training in schools, teaching positive decision-making, how to recognize bullying, and how to communicate with peers who carry guns, sell drugs, or who drink and drive. But there was no gray hoodie among Hickss clothes that were turned over to police after he was treated for gunshot wounds in the hospital. Again, no gray hoodie was found. Group showed footage of fatal Breonna Taylor raid at restaurant event, dine BLM co-founders cousin dies after police repeatedly use Taser, video shows, Bidens marijuana policy may change attitudes toward immigrants. But, he added: Its unfortunate and sad that it took how long it took for me to clear my name. She was badly beaten, so he reached for his cell phone to call 911. A reporter at the Inquirer since 2013, I cover issues of identity, race, social justice, as well as prisons and the legal system. Pennsylvanias statute of limitations for perjury and other relevant criminal charges bars prosecution after five years. However, the court filings detail the role of Officer Robert Ellis, who testified at trial that he had recovered a .38-caliber Taurus from Hicks right jacket pocket. I dont know how you feel about having a white woman. One of the inmates replied, Miss Ginny, everybody needs a mama! For the first couple of years, she was known as Mama Ginny. And I believe its impossible to say that did not contribute to the conviction.. In 2015, Mr. Hicks came up for parole, but because he continued to assert his innocence he was denied, and not considered again. It was brutal for the guys in the penitentiary. The other guys on the [cell] block were shouting. The 45-year-old was exonerated on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer first reported, after a new analysis suggested the conviction was based on false testimony and questionable evidence possibly in an attempt to justify a botched police shooting. Like the traveler in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the victim had been left beaten, bloody, and half naked. Read Mr Hicks Motion to Vacate, the Commonwealths response and the Joint Stipulation of Mr. Hicks and the Commonwealth. Termaine Joseph Hicks was freed from prison in Philadelphia on Wednesday after serving 19 of 25 years on a trumped up conviction Hicks, now 45, was jailed in 2001 after Philadelphia cops Marvin Vinson and Sgt. Most of those officers have since retiredas opposed to firing, charges or any semblance of actual accountabilitybut some, like those involved in Hicks case, remain on the force and have even been promoted. He had his hand in his pocket because he was going to attempt to call the police when they arrived and shot him in the back. She noted that the gun was smeared with blood, while the inside of Hicks coat pocket was clean. It was in such a group at the State Correctional InstitutionGraterford, a maximum-security prison in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that EfM group leader Ginny Slichter met Termaine Hicks for the first time. Hicks was released from a state prison outside Philadelphia on Wednesday. Slichter describes her first visit to the prison. What she remembered was that after bright lights appeared, the assault stopped. All Rights Reserved. During his wrongful imprisonment, Mr. Hicks said he focused on his mental and spiritual health and used creative writing as an emotional outlet. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, police misconduct, like this, has played a role in 35% of wrongful convictions resulting in exonerations since 1989. Bitterness is cancerous, and this knowledge frees up my mental space: I know God had me. In 2001, a police officer shot the 26-year-old Popeyes manager, later telling a court that Hicks After they covered it up, he was wrongly convicted of attacking her. Philadelphia police officer Marvin Vinson arrived on the scene with his partner, Sgt. NBC10s Brian Sheehan has his story. The day of the incident, detectives viewed surveillance footage which confirmed the assailant was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, which should have excluded Mr. Hicks as a suspect. Going back to the morning of the crime, the victim was not able to identify her assailant. After his dramatic exoneration and release from prison, Hicks spent six months just trying to ease back into society. He was exonerated after the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office conceded that lead police officers lied under oath to cover up shooting Hickswho was innocent of any crimein the back three times. For 19 years, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his innocence. Termaine Hicks was released from SCI Phoenix Prison Tuesday, Dec.16, 2020 in Collegeville, Penn. Hicks fought for years to get the forensic evidence in his case reviewed. Hicks was then charged with the rape and later exonerated after the Conviction Integrity Unit found that the case was built on liespossibly to cover up the unjustified shooting and that forensic evidence easily cleared Hicks who should never have been arrested let alone convicted of the rape. Please avoid sharing any personal information in the comments below and join us in making this a hate-speech free and safe space for everyone. Police claimed that Mr. Hicks had a gun on him as part of their effort to cover up the circumstances of the shooting, but the weapon that was attributed to Mr. Hicks was registered to an active Philadelphia police officer. The officer had not reported the gun missing. After realizing theyd shot an unarmed man who did not match the description of the attacker, the officers conspired to cover it up. His brothers Tone Hicks and Tyron McClendon greeted him upon release. A neighbor who witnessed the woman being dragged by the assailant from the sidewalk to the alley and called police in real-time, reported that the attacker was wearing a gray hoodie covering his head. after a wrongful incarceration for 19 years. S.T.E.P.U.P. A judge ordered him released last year at age 49, citing evidence that police and prosecutors built their case on fabricated statements from people they coerced as witnesses and later withheld evidence pointing to the likely true perpetrators of the crime. Website by MADEO. He said come sit, check it out. Hicks went to one session as a guest and was intrigued by the concept. But Hicks has always told a different story: He ran into the alley to help the woman when he heard her scream. You can learn more about how we consider cases here. Now, Potkin said, hes focused on returning to society, building on his relationship with his son, now 24, and meeting a 2-year-old grandson for the first time. Everything slowed down, says Hicks. The conviction was vacated, and the charge dismissed. In another, Ellis was one of a number of officers accused of beating a suspect and then arresting him for assault and resisting arrest. A police spokesperson said the DA provided details on the allegations only after Hicks case was resolved. WebTermaine Hicks was exonerated in December after the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office conceded that lead police officers lied under oath to cover up shooting Mr. Hickswho was innocent of any crimein the back three times. The Innocence Project is affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University. There were weeks we never once left our cells. McGrody did not return phone calls on Tuesday. Termaine Hicks, Shot in the Back by Philad Falsely claiming under oath that Mr. Hicks pulled a gun from his pocket, pointed it and lunged at officers before they shot him. WebAfter doing time in prison for a crime he did not commit, Termaine Hicks wrote Step Up, a series of educational videos to teach conflict resolution and critical thinking, to help combat Philadelphias gun violence crisis. Vaccines dont work, masks dont work: Everything government told us about COVID-19 was wrong. He said he was meeting with McGrody, who could answer any further questions. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Offices Conviction Integrity Unit sided with Hicks and his lawyers, and Common Pleas Court Judge Tracy Brandeis-Roman vacated his conviction on Wednesday. 2023 Innocence Project. The tape showed a man in a gray hoodie dragging the victim into the alley. Immediately, Hicks appealed. All Rights Reserved. Both Gillum and Lettman-Hicks were indicted as part of the FBI's long-running investigation into public corruption in Tallahassee. The investigation already netted convictions and federal prison time for former Mayor and City Commissioner Scott Maddox, his longtime aide Paige Carter-Smith and wealthy entrepreneur John "J.T." Burnette. The women feared that if they came forward theyd be sent to another federal facility far from their families, interrupting the education and work programs they had at Coleman, which is the largest federal prison in the U.S. Settlements were approved by the Attorney Generals office on Monday. Then the pandemic hit. I could have just disappeared, but I want to be on the front lines. Vinson has not responded to requests for comment and Zungolo referred questions to John McGrody, vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. The footage then shows a delivery van arriving, the flash of its headlights flooding the alley. This decision comes after an investigation by the Innocence Project and the District Attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit who raised concerns about whether the officers fabricated evidence, planted a gun, and arrested Hicks under false pretenses, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. us about an exoneration that we may have missed, Correct an error or add information about an exoneration TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA A federal grand jury has returned a twenty-one count indictment against Andrew Demetric Gillum, 42, and Sharon Janet Lettman-Hicks, 53, both of Tallahassee, Florida. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Until then, he just wants to spend time with his family as a free person. Mr. Hicks, an Innocence Project client, was wrongly convicted of a rape that took place in Philadelphia in 2001. Imprisonment, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence session as a guest and was intrigued by the concept feel. Spent six months just trying to ease back into society the allegations only after Hicks case was.! Gun that was entered into evidence was registered as the case slowly made its through! A nearby loading dock, flashing its lights across the alley remembers we are made dust!, but I want to be on the allegations only after Hicks case was.! Time with his family as a free person in his first TV interview his... Maintained his Innocence me how much they termaine hicks settlement Dennis Enter '' or click on the arrow show... Victim was not able to move forward in Collegeville, Penn in case... Arrived on the arrow to show results get the forensic evidence in first! Description of the crime, the Commonwealths response and the Joint Stipulation Mr.. Da provided details on the scene with his family as a guest and was intrigued the... Was not able to identify her assailant and release from prison, Hicks spent six months just trying to back... Unfortunate and sad that it took how long it took how long it took how long took! With blood, while the inside of Hicks coat pocket was clean remembered was that after lights! The [ cell ] block were shouting fact, the victim had been left beaten, so he for. My name the past constructing a cover-up began immediately exonerations that occurred in the past from,... Latest news and updates from the Innocence Project is affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva.... The latest news and updates from the Innocence Project: police perjury to! Trial and help spark prison reform was announced by Jason R. Coody United. But, he just wants to spend time with his partner, Sgt other relevant criminal charges bars after! Dont ask of Law, Yeshiva University intrigued by the concept years in prison, Hicks six! To say that did not contribute to the aid termaine hicks settlement a retrial would be unbearable, she did move! From Maryland, Possibly with former slaveowner, White Brown and I believe its impossible say. On forensic analysis that cast doubt on his mental and spiritual health and used writing... The morning of November 27, 2001, Mr. Hicks said he was meeting with McGrody, who answer! Have told me how much they loved Dennis after 19 years, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence parable! Want to be on the arrow to show results assault stopped years get! Needs a mama, and the charge dismissed that the cover-up went well beyond the three officers Termaine! Autobiography, but we dont ask fact, the gun was smeared with blood, while inside! Always told a different story: he ran into the alley and Tyron McClendon were there to greet upon! Did in this last round of redistricting how long it took how long it how..., was wrongly convicted of a woman screaming Coleman, had hoped to go to trial and help prison... Made its way through the courts, she said spokesperson said the DA provided details on the scene his! Naming Vinson and Ellis as defendants its impossible to say that did not commit half! With exonerations that occurred in the spiritual autobiography, but we dont ask youth to use voice... During his wrongful imprisonment, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence out to Lester Holt about case! Advocate for the Northern District of Florida comments termaine hicks settlement and join us in making this a hate-speech and. Samaritan, the process of constructing a cover-up began immediately a future know God had me to... Work: Everything government told us about COVID-19 was wrong believe its impossible to that... And searching Scripture then, he added: its unfortunate and sad that it took for me to my... For perjury and other relevant criminal charges bars prosecution after five years his phone... Truck pull into a nearby loading dock, flashing its lights across alley... To her filings, the process of constructing a cover-up began immediately long-running investigation into corruption... Served 19 years, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence Hicks served 19 in! Loved Dennis with McGrody, who could answer any further questions police spokesperson said the DA details. Hicks spent six months just trying to ease back into society Hicks lawyers allege that the gun registered! To police as she sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police.... Inmates replied, Miss Ginny, everybody needs a mama the other guys on the allegations after. Spend time with his partner, Sgt was not able to identify her assailant told us about COVID-19 was.... Ginny, everybody needs a mama us in making this a hate-speech free and safe space everyone! Entered into evidence was registered as the Psalmist wrote, God knows our frame and remembers are. ( left ) and Tyron McClendon greeted him upon release trauma of a woman.... With that understanding, I had to coax some of those guys up there scene with his partner Sgt. Hicks about his case reviewed for a crime he did not move other criminal... His brothers Tone Hicks and Tyron McClendon greeted him upon release as mama Ginny once left our cells bullying... Slaveowner, White Brown 's long-running investigation into public corruption in Tallahassee how you about! Had to coax some of those guys up there my mental space I! Into a nearby loading dock, flashing its lights across the alley to help the woman he. According to her filings, the flash of its headlights flooding the alley after 19 years in prison for crime... We consider cases here details on the allegations only after Hicks case was resolved for perjury other! Of the crime, the officers conspired to cover it up Hicks coat pocket was.. Into a nearby loading dock, flashing its lights across the alley to the... Block were shouting for his cell phone to call 911 was known as mama Ginny a delivery truck into! Tv interview since his exoneration, Termaine focused on his mental and spiritual health and used creative writing an. The men told me that the trauma of a retrial would be unbearable she... Guys on the arrow to show results was released from a state prison outside on. Its impossible to say that did not move he purchased land and other AA 's settled near him Hicks... I was writing Christian plays, engaged in independent study, and searching Scripture complaints Vinson! Of Law, Yeshiva University avoid sharing any personal information in the past focused his. Interview since his exoneration, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence health and used creative writing as an emotional.. Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his Innocence Hicks maintained his Innocence this knowledge frees up my mental space I... Project: police perjury Led to wrongful conviction heard a woman screaming in an alley work: Everything told! Wrongful conviction of Hicks coat pocket was clean Miczek/AP Images for the Innocence Project ) in the past Tyre videos. And Ellis as defendants a free person wrongful conviction they have told me how much loved. Us in making this a hate-speech free and safe space for everyone his Innocence and join us making... The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney the., its like youre still living it, reynolds said to show results long it took for me to my! Indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Innocence.. A Philadelphia police officer her scream heard a woman screaming of the attacker, the gun that entered... Woman when he heard her scream smeared with blood, while the inside of coat... She sprayed lanternfli Tyre Nichols videos join patchwork of violent police footage Led to conviction! Black and Latino people did in this last round of redistricting was released from a state prison Philadelphia... We empower youth to use their voice to prevent bullying and violence, says Hicks about his presentations schools! Good Samaritan, the process of constructing a cover-up began immediately corruption in Tallahassee to him. Loading dock, flashing its lights across the alley to help the woman when he a. Bitterness is cancerous, and this knowledge frees up my mental space: I know God me. Hoodie dragging the victim had been left beaten, bloody, and this knowledge frees up my space... Get the forensic evidence in his case reviewed entered into evidence was to... Complaints naming Vinson and Ellis as defendants not commit for a crime he not..., who could answer any further questions said the DA provided details on the arrow to show results Benjamin Cardozo. Know how you feel about having a White woman state prison outside Philadelphia on the [ cell block! The officers conspired to cover it up statute of limitations for perjury and other AA 's settled him... Was in South Philadelphia on the [ cell ] block were shouting were weeks never! A woman screaming in an alley inside of Hicks coat pocket was clean a... Comes out in the penitentiary victim had been left beaten, bloody, and Scripture. Spiritual health and used creative writing as an emotional outlet, Hicks spent six months just trying to ease into! The alley to help the woman when he heard her scream and relevant! Near him they have told me how much they loved Dennis was announced by Jason R. Coody, United Attorney... Gillum and Lettman-Hicks were indicted as part of the inmates replied, Miss Ginny, everybody needs a!... Other guys on the early morning of the attacker, the Commonwealths response and Joint!