In fact, the gun was registered as the off-duty weapon of another uniformed Philadelphia police officer. This dragging on, its like youre still living it, Reynolds said. The basics of personal finance, like How to save for a house. Figure out your next step toward financial freedom. Now a free man, The latest Tweets from Termaine Hicks (@TermaineHicks). According to the Inquirer, Hollmans attorneys said he was targeted by police only because he was a Black man driving a white SUV that matched the description of the one seen fleeing the scene of a shooting that killed Penn student Tae-Jung Ho in August 1991. Dennis Zungolo, who was with him at the scene, did not return phone and email messages Wednesday. One witness was threatened with arrest and the other was promised help on his own pending criminal case in exchange for falsely implicating Hollman. Hicks case is yet another example of the pervasive problem of police perjury in the criminal legal system. He said he felt the amount given to his clients was fair. Then the pandemic hit. 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. Termaine Hicks was released from SCI Phoenix Prison Tuesday, Dec.16, 2020 in Collegeville, Penn. But, he added: Its unfortunate and sad that it took how long it took for me to clear my name. Many will have a tale of transformation to share. As the case slowly made its way through the courts, she said she couldnt sleep through the night. And the gun the officers alleged to have found in his pocket was actually the off-duty weapon of another Philadelphia police officer. Termaine Hicks, 47, on West Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia on Dec. 2, 2022. Few will have a story as heart-wrenching as Termaine Hickss. Vinson testified that he fired because Hicks reached for a gun and lunged at him and his then-partner Zungolo testified he saw Hicks pulling up his pants when police arrived. WebOn February 27, 2003, Hicks was sentenced to between 12 and 25 years in prison. I dont serve Black people, an attendant told her. To find an EfM group near you or learn more about EfM groups in prisons, read more here. Its a joyful day for me and my family, Mr. Hicks said after being released. What she remembered was that after bright lights appeared, the assault stopped. A spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office declined to comment on whether it would pursue action against the officers. 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. WebThe Innocence Project and Philadelphia DAs Conviction Integrity Unit found evidence police lied to cover up the shooting of Termaine Joseph Hicks, a bystander who rushed to help The police froze the crime scene and catalogued whatever was there. Only after did they realize their mistake Mr. Hicks was not the right person. Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Tracy Brandeis-Roman vacated the conviction and offered a bittersweet congratulations to Hicks. The man they had just shot did not match the description of the attacker provided by a witness, who saw the assailant dragging the victim into an alley. If he needs access to an editor, publisher, or manager. Hicks was released from a state prison outside Philadelphia on Wednesday. Termaine Hicks, 47, on West Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia on Dec. 2, 2022. That decision comes after an investigation by the Innocence Project and the District Attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit raised serious questions about whether police had fabricated evidence, planted a gun, and arrested Hicks under false pretenses all to conceal a police shooting of an innocent bystander who had rushed to aid a rape victim. 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. After 19 years in prison, hes been found innocent. He served 19 years in prison. Prayer, revival and Jesus Revolution: Is our rotting culture on the verge of something big? Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. The National Registry of Exonerations is a project of the Newkirk Center for Science & Society at University of California Irvine, the University of Michigan Law School and Michigan State University College of Law. But, seconds later, police officers arrived, took him for the rapist and shot him three times. Theres plenty of us who would give him help. The things that are promised to citizens should be delivered: a fair trial, and a fair look at whats being presented.. The Inquirer reported that Hickss lawyer, Vanessa Potkin, said the gun was covered with blood, but the coat pocket, where Vinson claimed Hicks had been keeping the gun, was clean. 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. Heres what that means. In 2003, he was sentenced to 12.5 to 25 years in prison. 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. The Innocence Project is affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University. Hicks says Vinson muttered something like, damn, and then began to cry. But that defendant was acquitted at a re-trial when the defense presented evidence that Officer Ellis planted ballistics and falsely attributed guns to the accused that he did not in fact possess.. He served 19 years for a wrongful conviction. Dennis Zungolo. after a wrongful incarceration for 19 years. after a wrongful incarceration for 19 years. The footage then shows a delivery van arriving, the flash of its headlights flooding the alley. Hicks fought for years to get the forensic evidence in his case reviewed. She assumed those were police spotlights. The trial judge retired and was replaced by another judge, which really set the ball in motion, explains Hicks. Report an error or add more information about this case. The city has settled civil-rights complaints naming Vinson and Ellis as defendants. He says EfM provided him with a firm foundation so that, like John the Baptist, he would not be a reed shaken by every wind. 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 timing was uncanny. Until then, he just wants to spend time with his family as a free person. Then, Hicks lawyers say, Vinson used his police radio to contact dispatch. PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Three Philadelphia police officers have been reassigned pending an internal investigation into the arrest and shooting of Termaine Hicks, who was cleared of a 2001 rape last week after spending 19 years in prison. In 2001, a police officer shot the 26-year-old Popeyes manager, later telling a court that Hicks The gun was also registered to an active-duty police officer who had not reported it missing. A Pennsylvania court has vacated the rape conviction of Termaine Joseph Hicks, freeing him from prison after almost 19 years. The spokesperson declined to confirm the identity of the third officer under investigation. This is my ministry, he says. After his dramatic exoneration and release from prison, Hicks spent six months just trying to ease back into society. Hicks was convicted of rape and weapons offenses, with 20 officers testifying against him. The agreement announced Wednesday is the latest in a string of seven-figure settlements stemming from claims of misconduct by city police in the late 1980s Officer Martin Vinson, who testified that he fired because Hicks was reaching for a gun and lunging toward him, and his then-partner Sgt. During that time, Hicks worked his way through the local trial court, the appellate, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, until he only had one option remaining: the U.S. Supreme Court. Termaine Hicks case marks the 16th exoneration since 2018 attributed to the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office Conviction Integrity Unit. He was exonerated after 19 years. Now, he hopes to produce work for the wider community, including a play about his own life and performances inspired by the oldheads who shared their wisdom over decades in prison. In 2015, Mr. Hicks came up for parole, but because he continued to assert his innocence he was denied, and not considered again. First, they had to show new evidence in order to ask for a new trial. Reynolds, a former inmate at Coleman, had hoped to go to trial and help spark prison reform. The Innocence Project and Philadelphia DAs Conviction Integrity Unit found evidence police lied to cover up the shooting of Termaine Joseph Hicks, a bystander who rushed to help a rape victim. Surveillance tape from that night could reconcile her account with Hicks. The men told me how much they loved Dennis.. So, I could see the sun, or take a shower, or have a phone callbut only one. WebSettlement Agreement. Press "Enter" or click on the arrow to show results. During his 19 years in prison, Hicks noticed how new inmates entering into the penitentiary were younger and younger. Hicks had been exonerated. Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude. But no officers were prosecuted. How Black and Latino people did in this last round of redistricting. Tell The woman had His brothers Tone Hicks (left) and Tyron McClendon were there to greet him upon release. Termaine Hicks was released from SCI Phoenix Prison on Dec. 16, 2020, in Collegeville, Penn. I was already a devoted Christian, reading my Bible daily. Based on these lies, Mr. Hicks was convicted of rape, aggravated assault, possessing an instrument of crime, and terroristic threats in 2002 and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. 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. 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. One of the bullets that entered the back of his arm lodged in his chest, collapsing a lung and requiring emergency surgery. 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. This article was published more than2 years ago. You can learn more about how we consider cases here. During that time, in the fall of 2008, Hicks joined the EfM group. I could have been paralyzed; there are still fragments of that bullet near my spine. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the Innocence Project: Police Perjury Led To Wrongful Conviction. Now, under the scrutiny of a new investigation, the case against Hicks has fallen apart. I do feel that, one case at a time, this system is being improved.. 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. Thank you for visiting us. I cant imagine the hurt in your heart and the million reasons you would have to hate someone but instead you are just happy and thankful. Hicks lawyers argue that was the light that caused the attacker to flee before Hicks, and then police, arrived. Jason E. Miczek / AP Images for The Innocence Project. Abram Depp Settlement The farm of Abram and Lucy Depp was the first of this settlement of African Americans. WebHicks Settlement Settled by Tobias Hicks and sons about 1800. The Registry also maintains a more limited database of known exonerations prior to 1989. 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 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. Hicks exoneration hinged in part on forensic analysis that cast doubt on his testimony. Yet, forensic examiners found no blood inside of Mr. Hicks jacket pocket. At one point, Mr. Hicks was considered for parole, but was ultimately denied because he refused to admit guilt, and continued to maintain his innocence. California residents do not sell my data request. Bryan Busch, who represented 11 women, and Phil Reizenstein, who represents one woman, said they did not want to comment on the settlement amounts until funds were released. Twice a month, his attorney, Vanessa Potkin, would call from the Innocence Project. Police shot a Philly man, then accused him of rape. In another, Ellis was one of a number of officers accused of beating a suspect and then arresting him for assault and resisting arrest. (Philadelphia, PA December 17, 2020) Termaine Hicks walked out of Pennsylvania prison SCI Phoenix yesterday. 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. Step up to it!. A police spokesperson said the DA provided details on the allegations only after Hicks case was resolved. on our list, Other For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The presumption of innocence., Demographic changes: How the racial makeup of where you live has changed since 1990, Newsletter: Subscribe to About US to read the latest on race and identity, George Floyds America: Examining systemic racism through the lens of his life, Resources: Understanding racism and inequality in America. Hicks said the officer shot him in the back as he was reaching into his pocket for his phone to call 911. I was writing Christian plays, engaged in independent study, and searching Scripture. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Hicks served 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Help us advocate for the innocent by sharing the latest news from the Innocence Project. Hicks said he showed up at the scene moments after the true assailant ran away from those headlights and just a few moments before police arrived. Press "Enter" or click on the arrow to show results. On Wednesday afternoon, released from the State Correctional Institution Phoenix to his brothers home just a few miles away in Montgomery County, Hicks said he was both overjoyed and overwhelmed. Witnesses also testified that they had seen a man in a gray hoodie attack the woman, according to court records. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones, Two-Year Spiritual Direction Training Course, Spring Music Season at Trinity Church Wall Street, Parables, Spirituals, and Our Own Stories with the Rev. [Sewanee School of Theology] It is well known in The Episcopal Church and beyond: Education for Ministry (EfM) changes lives. He was convicted and served 19 years in State Correctional Institution Phoenix, about an hour northwest of Philadelphia. Vinson and then-partner Sgt. Now theyve reached a settlement, Pinellas lawyer arrested after stealing more than $840,000 from clients, deputies say, Christopher Sabella elected as Hillsborough Countys next chief judge, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for 2 Tampa murders, How about spending more on preventing crime? In prison, I had to coax some of those guys up there. WebTermaine Hicks was exonerated on December 16, 2020 after 19 years of wrongful incarceration. Slichter said to them, I dont know how you feel about having a woman for a mentor. Prior to our interview, he had just given a talk for the Dutch Consulate at the United Nations in New York City. All three shots struck Hicks from behind, yet Vinson said he was forced to fire because Hicks was lunging at him. us about an exoneration that we may have missed, Correct an error or add information about an exoneration Police arriving at the scene completely misread the situation, erroneously assuming Mr. Hicks was the assailant, and shot him three times in the back. Hicks heard her screams and rushed to help. Exculpatory post-conviction evidence was shared with the Philadelphia Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), which, under District Attorney Larry Krasner and Patricia Cummings, moved to vacate Mr. Hicks conviction yesterday based on the officers false trial testimony. How Education for Ministry changed Termaine Hicks life Trinity Episcopal Church Call: 304-263-0994 Address: 200 West King St, Martinsburg, WV Online Digital Services Donate Home About Trinity Worship Parish Life News & Events Contact Us Trinity Episcopal Church > Church > How Education for Ministry changed Termaine Hicks life 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. Hicks says, In the judicial system, theres something called finality that is very hard to overcome.. Thank you for visiting us. For 19 years, Termaine Joseph Hicks maintained his innocence. Several of the same investigators who worked to convict Wright were also involved in Hollmans case. He learned a lot about working with people, interpreting the Bible, and communicating faith. The United States has settled a lawsuit with 15 women who said correctional officers at a federal prison in Florida repeatedly sexually abused them. During his wrongful imprisonment, Termaine focused on his mental and spiritual health and used creative writing as an emotional outlet. California residents do not sell my data request. Joseph Tremaine Hicks, his lawyer said, is going to be returned to something that he should have had when police encountered him the presumption of innocence.. Philadelphia officials said Wednesday that the city will be paying out $9.8 million in one of the largest wrongful-conviction settlements in the citys history to a Black man who spent 28 years in prison for a murder the district attorneys Conviction Integrity Unit now says it was near impossible that he committed. As the Psalmist wrote, God knows our frame and remembers we are made from dust. With that understanding, I am able to move forward. 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. Hicks was not eligible for parole because he maintained his innocence and would not express remorse for a crime he did not commit. We may earn a commission from links on this page. What we are doing is just reintroducing simple life decision-making, Hicks explains. He said: I tried to get the male to, uh, you know, put his hands where I could see them, and he was reaching for something and I couldnt see it.. Realizing Mr. Hicks did not match the description of the attacker provided by a neighbor to 911 and that he was unarmed, the officers embarked on a cover-up, which included: Based on the officers testimony, Mr. Hicks was convicted of rape, aggravated assault, possessing an instrument of crime, and terroristic threats. Only Jesus can do this.you are blessed. When Hicks nudged her, she did not move. After the 5th Circuits ruling, does DACA have a future? At the time of his arrest, Hicks was an assistant manager at a South Philadelphia Popeyes, raising a 5-year-old son. Mr. Hicks, an Innocence Project client, was wrongly convicted of a rape that took place in Philadelphia in 2001. Termaine Hicks, Shot in the Back by Philadelphia Police, Is He was exonerated after 19 years. It was brutal for the guys in the penitentiary. Termaine Hicks (Photo: Jason E. Miczek for AP/Innocence Project), Support The National Registry of Exonerations , The Contribution of Forensic and Expert Evidence to DNA Exoneration Cases, Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States, 2022, Government Misconduct and Convicting the Innocent, Witness Recantations: Preliminary Findings, May 2013, Exonerations in the United States: 1989 - 2012, Tell us about an Exoneration that we missed, Other Philadelphia, Pennsylvania exonerations. 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