This development comes two years after the Oregon Court of Appeals overturned his conviction. The Oregon Innocence Project strongly criticized the state’s handling of the case, labeling it a “heinous injustice”.
Jesse Johnson, a man who had been sentenced to death for a 1998 murder, has been released after spending years behind bars
The Marion County District Attorney’s office has moved to dismiss the case against Jesse Johnson, citing the extensive passage of time and the unavailability of crucial evidence. They stated that they no longer believe they can establish the defendant’s guilt.
Jesse Johnson, who is of African-American descent, consistently maintained his innocence and rejected any plea deals offered over the years. Video footage captured his release, where Jesse Johnson, clad in gray sweats, white socks, and black slides, was seen walking alongside a sheriff’s deputy. Supporters greeted him with hugs as he expressed his joy.
Although Jesse Johnson had initially received a death sentence following his 2004 conviction, former Governor John Kitzhaber imposed a moratorium on executions in 2011
Last year, Governor Kate Brown commuted all 17 death sentences in the state and ordered the dismantling of the execution chamber.
The Oregon Innocence Project, which represented Jesse Johnson in the appeal, asserted that racism played a significant role in his wrongful imprisonment. They pointed out that crucial witnesses were not interviewed, including one who saw a white man leaving the crime scene. The appeals court emphasized the failure of Johnson’s defense team to interview this witness. Despite requests for further DNA testing, which could have revealed alternative suspects, the state resisted.
Jesse Johnson’s DNA did not match any of the evidence tested in the murder case. Steve Wax, the legal director of the Oregon Innocence Project, described the case as a “deeply flawed” one. He emphasized the tremendous injustice of Jesse Johnson facing a death sentence and languishing on death row for all those years. Prosecutors maintain that no other suspect has been identified in the murder of Harriet “Sunny” Thompson, despite ongoing investigations. District Attorney Paige Clarkson and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum have yet to comment on the matter. Wax lamented that Jesse Johnson, now a free man, has been left with nothing by the State of Oregon, even being denied the customary release funds due to the dismissal of his case.
READ ALSO: Healthcare Workers Rally For Improved Patient Care Within Kaiser Permanente On Labor Day