Troy Davis: October 9, 1968--September 21, 2011

First of all, I'd like to address the McPhail family. I'd like to let you all know that despite the situation, I know all of you still are convinced that I'm the person that killed your father, your son and your brother. But I am innocent.

The incidents that happened that night was not my fault. I did not have a gun that night. I did not shoot your family member.

I am so sorry for your loss. I really am. Sincerely.  All that I can ask is that each of you look deeper into this case so that you really will finally see the truth.

I ask, to my family and friends, that you all continue to pray, that you all continue to forgive and continue to fight this fight.

For those who are about to take my life, may God have mercy on all of your souls.  God bless you all.

We are proud and honored to have had the opportunity to assist on the Troy Davis case - an innocent man on Georgia's death row. Since July 2007, on behalf of Innocence Matters, Deirdre O'Connor worked pro bono to help free Troy.   

Our work on Troy's case included drafting several amicus briefs filed in the Georgia Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court from 2007 through 2009.  We also assisted in the grassroots advocacy campaign and engaged the broader legal community in the fight to save an innocent man.  We maintained regular contact with Mr. Davis throughout and were committed to helping him find justice.  

Tragically, despite considerable evidence of his innocence and the valiant efforts of so many advocates, Troy was executed on September 21, 2011.  

There were victories along the way that are easy to forget as we come to terms with Troy's death.  It is important, however, to recognize these victories and to make sure that other innocent people continue to benefit from them.  

Most notably and against all odds, on August 17, 2009, the United States Supreme Court brought Troy one step closer to justice when they finally ordered the District Court to hear Troy's evidence of innocence.  Innocence Matters Executive Director Deirdre O'Connor drafted the NAACP amicus brief.  In this decision the Court implicitly recognized a freestanding claim of actual innocence.    

Where do we go from here?  We continue to do the work we set out to do: prove Troy's innocence.  In the weeks and months ahead, we will finish transferring and uploading documentation of Troy's innocence.  We hope you will continue to maintain an interest in Troy's case. 

In the meantime, to learn more visit Free Troy Davis.