Just yesterday, John Edward Smith was released from Men’s Central
Jail after spending 19 years of his life behind bars for a crime that
he did not commit. Smith was arrested in 1993 for a drive by shooting
in Los Angeles, and because there was an eye witness who was shot and
survived it appeared as though all the fingers were pointed against him
and he was sentenced to prison. Reports share that two years ago that
survivor and witness recanted his original testimony against John Smith
which convicted him of first degree
murder as well as another count of attempted murder.
The family was overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness when they heard that
their beloved John Smith was going to be released from behind bars and
become a free man again. John Smith was interviewed and he shares his
joy knowing that he can be a free man once more and be reunited with his
sister and grandmother. Smith states that he holds no bitterness towards
the man who recanted the statement or towards the court that deemed him
guilty. He says that it will do him no good, and now that he is free all
he can do is move forward and press on.
The grandmother who was his care taker when accused of the crime shares
that a part of her has now been set free because he has been released.
The legal team who was working on Smith’s case for over the last
three years claims that their organization, Innocence Matters, became
a non-profit organization very quickly so that they would be able to take
over the Smith case and help fight for his freedom. Being falsely accused
of a crime is everyone’s nightmare, and hiring a strong criminal
defense attorney is the first crucial step for anyone to take when placed
in this hard circumstance. If you or someone you know has been accused
of a violent act, contact
Knowles Law Firm today to discuss your case, we want to fight for you!