Innocence Project- Itzel Martinez

The name of the accused: Nicholas Yarris 
When the crime took place: December 15th, 1981
How many years the accused served because of the charges brought against him/her: Was on death row- but served 21 years (prior crimes as well). Charged with murder, abduction and rape
What DNA evidence came to the forefront to exonerate the accused: After years of being locked up, Dr. Edward Blake conducted one last DNA test that freed Yarris, although he was still being charged with assaulting an officer, he soon was released on January 2004 for a crime he did not commit. 
Do you agree with how the case was handled? Why or why not?: I don't agree with how the case was handled because there was a rape kit tried but the results could not exclude Yarris. He did give a false alibi to the tri-state crime and when it was ruled out he became the prime suspect. But apart from there, there was no DNA tests to be done, before
What do you think the accused should do next to move on with his/her life: This man lost 21 years of his life for a crime he did not commit, so he should find a job and a place to stay, but since he's been locked up for over 21 years, he may have lost contact with friends so the government should pat until he can support himself.





Alstory Simon and Anthony Porter

Give details about the case: Anthony Porter was on death row for supposedly murdering 2 teenagers; he was on death row and 50 hours before his death it was overturned as it remained controversial. When Porter heard he was a suspect he went to the police to clear his name but upon arrival he was arrested immediately Later Alstory Simon was identified as the true culprit, he later confessed and pleaded guilty and was convicted in 1999, he later revealed that his confession was coerced with false pretenses and made under duress. Simon was exonerated in 2014 and one professor of Northwestern was suspended in 2011 as a result of controversy. 
What was Simon's relationship to Porter: They were connected by gangs and a drug related problem
Were both men exonerated: Yes, Porter 50 hours before facing the death row and Simon in 2014. 
What was the lesson learned from these two men's stories?: That the system is flawed and there are police officers out there who will trick people into a confession or to plead guilty when they are not guilty of the crime.