Wrongfully convicted woman exonerated 35 years after being accused of niece's death

[@TheBrownSpartan]

The saddest thing about this gross injustice is that this is not an unusual occurrence in the Black community. Sometimes these actions are intentional. God Bless this strong woman.

[@lorraineclark4413]

No way! Don't you know institutional racism is just a liberal myth? Tucker Carlson told me so.

[@TheBrownSpartan]

@@lorraineclark4413 Haahaa you do not know what you are talking about. You are either a non-Black or you have never been discriminated against. Either way you cannot belittle the hate I have experienced solely due to the color of my skin. This was since my family was denied service at a restaurant when I was 5 years old till I was denied a loan with a credit score in the upper 20% of the population. So be quiet and talk about something you are knowledgeable about.

[@ashlirabid9614]

Most of the times it's intentional

[@dontbelongherefromanother]

Yep

[@q.t.gamingfamily]

@@ashlirabid9614 this was no exception. These are two blk ppl locked away in their prime. They killed him so he'll never reproduce and she's post menopausal and now she's elderly, she's too expensive to care for so releasing her works in the government's best interest. How many generations was snuffed out because of this travesty? They know what they're doing.

[@Vjay1]

She has been exonerated, yet still has to get a pardon, clearly a system designed to prevent momentary compensation when wrongful convictions take place, which must happen often enough for this unnecessary layer to be added, especially cases where the same medical examiner was the primary reason for the conviction.

[@kait6994]

It’s all about money. I was told that if I got my record expunged, I could get a job. So we paid all the money, got it expunged. Turns out that it doesn’t do anything. I still couldn’t get a job. Then I found out that I need a pardon too. More money. It’s disgusting. The system takes vulnerable people and strips them completely bare so that they are so far past vulnerable that some just give up entirely.

[@victoriaalvin2446]

The system is backwards, in the US you're guilty before proven innocent. They have to give accountability to God for their wrong doing, judges and all involved.

[@bigvalley4987]

Never trusted with city/state coroners. They should be private entities and self employed with a fiduciary writ.

[@trwent]

I think there could be federal due process issues here. She needs to consult with a lawyer who specializes in constitutional law advocacy.

[@l3mr186]

Disgusting justice system.

[@mrwhite77781]

Criminal terrorist justice system run by evil men owned by big corporations only puppets called the USA govt politicians Congress Senate governor's and mayor's are scumbags on the take with no real care for the citizens

[@michaelellringer5600]

There's any number of innocent people in our jails and prisons.

[@amouritaylor2998]

Disgusting is not the word.

[@zralarmmichelleleeamerica2838]

I agree 100%!

[@loki2240]

They're our disgusting justice systems. We didn't create them, but we inherited them and are now responsible for them. If we don't try to improve them, that's on us. Get involved in your local and state politics because most of the people who are regularly involved now don't care about wrongfully convicted people and many believe that "they must have done something or else they wouldn't have been convicted." Vote. Support the campaigns of decent candidates. Maybe even run for office yourself.

[@kaylariggs5188]

That man passed away while incarcerated!!!!!!! His entire life gone!!!!!!! These are SICK SICK things happening to innocent individuals in this country!!!!! 😡😡😡

[@its.BiG.mamaaaa]

This has me in tears , this is ridiculous, glad she’s released and exonerated. Can’t believe they took away 2 lives like that.

[@robertsherley]

Everybody is innocent and this also had me in tears but not for the women only for the child

[@anthonymanson7493]

I can believe it they can do it real easy. And go home and sleep like a baby. And no they're lying. the have no guilt

[@barbarapeller]

LaRaven Taylor, no matter how sad this story is, it is of many of color.

[@_dj_dubz_]

@@robertsherley shut up

[@wesleyclark217]

Why is that hard to believe,they hung us from trees in public 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

[@floriaabney3146]

This is heartbreaking. They stole this lady's whole life. She can't get back those 35 years. She should be compensated $5M for EACH YEAR that she was wrongfully incarcerated. God bless her. 🙏🏽💔

[@B.A.B.G.]

Double that amount per year.

[@msnewyork3730]

TRIPLE the AMOUNT 💯 FOLDS 🙏

[@mocancer8485]

God is certainly able

[@EllisInWonderland.]

💯

[@delfoloveakadellasmissiona1369]

Agreed

[@leslieh761]

The most disturbing thing to me ... the monster(s) that raped and killed Brandi, were never held responsible! For those not familiar with this case, DCS had visited that home in KY when the little girl was there, and they missed the signs of abuse & closed the case. It's ironic that "the system" convicted Joyce Watkins of this heinous crime ... probably one of the few people in the little girl's life that really cared about her. It was all a mess.

[@Rebecca-hc5ju]

Smh!!

[@a.k.7341]

No, the most disturbing thing to you should be what Joyce and her husband went thru! They suffered the most. Infinitely more than the little girl who was raped and killed. This couple was better of dead and would have been better off never having been born.

[@IntellectuallyKurious]

Right?? 🤬🤬

[@wesleypipes622]

No the true monsters are the people who accused them so what’s going to happen to the system who put them there foh

[@rlud304]

No, the MOST disturbing is that two innocent lives were destroyed.

[@jassmilan09]

Idk what makes me more mad the fact that they had 35 years stolen from them, the fact that he died the same year she was exonerated, or that the person who actually committed this despicable crime was probably free that whole time and able to do it to another poor little girl.

[@AseAleisha]

Don’t worry on judgment day they will have to explain that to god

[@rgw1380rw]

@@AseAleisha Why do you guys/girls tell people not to worry about what they see and feel, but to focus on something nobody knows to be true?

[@MariaLopes-yl1ix]

There are no words to convey the sadness of this miscarriage of justice. This lady and her boyfriend who died in prison, lost over three decades of their lives. And to add insult to injury, this proven innocent lady still have to seek a pardon for a crime she has never committed, before she can even be considered for compensation. As far as the family of the young man who ended up losing his life in prison after serving such a long sentence, they get nothing for their immeasurable loss. What an utter travesty of justice!

[@judylloyd7901]

That doesn't even make sense! Judicially a pardon is issued only to the guilty. The innocent don't need pardoning!!! Such a grave miscarriage of justice in the first instance, and now another by demanding that she apply for a *pardon?* 🤪🤪

[@flpcapothastoopdsessonz8763]

I don’t like the term “miscarriage of Justice” this is not tht at all. There is no such thing. I would say it is an abortion of justice. It’s the ppl who r in positions of investigating and finding the truth tht choose who gets justice. If they just went after this lady and her boyfriend bcuz they were last with the child then tht is not a mistake or accidental. It was intentional. Tht is the way the law works or doesn’t work. They go after the last caretaker of the child or whoever they can just throw blame on and win the case. Tht is not Justice.

[@jasonswift1823]

A pardon should be automatic.

[@islandgurl9711]

Cam she sue the person whose testimony send her to prison

[@MariaLopes-yl1ix]

@@jasonswift1823 A pardon is usually granted to someone who is proven guilty of having committed a crime, beyond shadow of a doubt. In the case of this lady, the needfor a "pardon" should be nulle and void, as it has already transpired that she was innocent all along. There is NOTHING for which she should be pardoned for. The compensation should be automatic in hers and in the case of All those who have and are experiencing gross injustices. Once exonerated no pardon is or should be required.

[@myanamatheney8717]

The fact that Charlie died in prison and nothing can be done for his family.. and the fact that she doesnt know if she will get compensation smh

[@icymorena]

They owe her and Charlie Dunn’s family millions. That’s the least they can do. So much of their time was robbed. I wonder if they ever investigated those who had custody of her niece in Kentucky.

[@leticiavillafranco6347]

Well if they have his DNA they can do a GED match. Where they track them down genetically and tie them to a crime they committed years and years ago.

[@AseAleisha]

True

[@AseAleisha]

They would have to give me millions

[@robbiemckenzie7822]

Can you believe that crap? Gonna wrongly hold her for 35 years and she is only ELIDGBLE for one million. That doesn't mean she will get one million it just means she won't get more than a million. That's is crap. That woman deserves a million for every year she spent in prison and every dam dime of it should be tax free. Im from Alabama and I've lived in Tennessee and Kentucky...in those areas and yes I'm white but I know in my heart had she and Charlie been white they wouldn't have been so quick to close the case by just concentrating on them.

[@debbiesinclair5363]

@@AseAleisha they should. But she hasn't been pardon, when she is she won't be able to sue. Not good but that's our law now.

[@cherenee5982]

This is heartbreaking on so many levels - the real killers are still walking the streets.

[@REDWASP777]

Someone knows what happened to this child! Hopefully, there is DNA evidence that can help solve this case! Justice for all the victims involved in this case!

[@ceceprincess4758]

Or dead

[@AseAleisha]

They might be really old now they will have to explain to god on judgement day

[@omekanigerianprincess1560]

This is so disgusting, I'm tired of hearing these stories. May she get everything and MORE for these lost!

[@darlenesmith5086]

Absolutely

[@zralarmmichelleleeamerica2838]

It sucks because she lost in her life what was most important. The system is a danger to the people!

[@whywomenhatemyforeskin2121]

@@zralarmmichelleleeamerica2838 Just imagine all the people who had to suffer through a execution who didnt do anything

[@aahmonddelite690]

@@zralarmmichelleleeamerica2838 CURRENT SYSTEM IS!💫

[@veronicasaldana8452]

THE WHOLE STORY BREAKS MY HEART💜

[@SteveVT412]

This was not faulty science , THIS IS HIGH TECH RACISM !! PERIOD !!

[@Sheilawyer]

Thank you!!!

[@Cutiekiwi9]

My only thought..

[@AseAleisha]

Right

[@SteveVT412]

@AluzkyEXACTLY !!! EVERYTHING IN Amerikkka is about RACE , are you blinded by the PROPAGANDA THAT AMERIKKKA IS A SO CALLED DEMOCRACY , THEN FOR WHO ?

[@Cutiekiwi9]

@Lexa Con I mean, it’s pretty obvious they were incarcerated solely for being black… No feasible evidence or probable cause, but still handed a life sentence? Not cool at all. Especially the era in which this occurred. They didn’t even try to hide the racism.

[@josmith8233]

Disgusting, they wrongly convicted two innocent people, while never investigating the sickos who killed that baby.

[@misstinahamilton5714]

All these kids that are abused and nothing is ever done about it . And they are wrongfully convicted . Just awful and a horrific miscarriage of justice !

[@somethingsomethang]

do your part and vote democrats out nationwide

[@michelemurphy3541]

I was just going to remark on that point exactly. It is horrifying.

[@sheilae.9670]

@@somethingsomethang you are so ignorant 🙄 what does democrats have to do with this? Your comment made no sense and shows you blatant ignorance

[@HaloWolf102]

@@somethingsomethang I think we know the issue with out government isn't democrat, or republican. It's a problem with corruption. Stand united. Tribalism won't solve anything. We must come together, and solve problems together. An echo chamber exists in each party, feral about the other. In my mind, these types of people are not fit to solve the problems we face. As if we can't argue in a civilized manner. What would you think the policies would be? Ignoring the other side leaves out important information that is imperative to solving problems.

[@TheUniquemariah]

I never get that 😭😕🤦🏾‍♀️

[@mysteryof7]

This is unforgivable and beyond heartbreaking and there are too many others out there with a similar story.

[@ianbattles7290]

Just imagine all the innocent people going to prison TODAY who won't have their names cleared for 35 years...

[@arielskelly7383]

There should be consequences for prosecutors who go after the wrong person. Otherwise there is no justice.

[@tyrone42ful]

not prosecuters in this case but the forensic involved

[@REDWASP777]

The assistant medical examiner needs to be help accountable and punished accordingly!

[@janetwunder3000]

The cause of the problem was the forensics person. However, he may have relied on what he was taught. If that is the case, should the scientists who made the timeline for the assistant forensics guy also be held responsible? I’m just putting this out. A horrible injustice was foisted on this dignified innocent woman.

[@MILITANTMONEY]

prosecutors have immunity. which is crazy. cause u can basically put anyone in prison without ever suffer any consequences. Not jus that, but the way the law is set up, basically sayin if we had to pay for all the mistakes that prosecutors and officers made, the country would go broke. rsther than sayin that they should make a better legal system with less flaws. usually this applies mainly to black people in this country. with no compensation. lives are ruined and there is no real remedy for such destruction.

[@xyzyams2530]

There is justice. We have lawyers, judges. and magistrates. The problem is they work for some and not at all for most, and if you happen to look like the person this story is about, you will be incarcerated for decades before you are released. All the while they knew you were innocent. That some people's justice. Let's say we made a mistake

[@ianbattles7290]

And of course, there are no consequences for any of the people responsible for this wrongful conviction.

[@megleague1130]

Can you imagine being in prison for something you didn't do? And be so sick with cancer and know your going to die behind bars?! It is absolutely despicable! Those prosecutors should be put behind bars!

[@cecegiles7753]

Yeah....imagine being black in AMERIKKA. it happens constantly. 🥱😫😩😩😞😞

[@TheFocusNow]

This happens more than you know.

[@megleague1130]

@@cecegiles7753 I know it does. It's awful. It's almost impossible to imagine handing everything that comes with jail for something you didn't do.

[@ianbattles7290]

"If there is a God, he will have to beg for my forgiveness."

[@lavernscott9517]

Puts things into perspective. Every little thing that goes wrong in my day is such a drama. How does she hold unto her humanity after such an injustice. She seems more at peace , free of anger, than most others.

[@Leelz247]

I have a niece, I can't imagine living with the world thinking I could harm her. These people kept going, I would lose faith.

[@YAHSCHILD82]

Never Lose Faith, No Matter What!!🙌🏾💯✊🏾💪🏾

[@Sheilawyer]

Exactly! And who would even think to hurt their niece? This is such a painful story.

[@theville3643]

you never know how strong you are until you have to be

[@antdaddyking2270]

This is so sad and heartbreaking. She needs justice and she needs her life back. The government took her rights to freedom!!

[@xandra_LK]

You can’t put a price tag on time or on a life. But families like the deserve compensation in the MILLIONS. I cannot even fathom the level of pain this caused. Not to mention the baby NEVER got her justice. I’m just NAUSEATED.

[@JustSheaShea]

And how many more children did it happen to because of this miscarriage of justice?

[@biglou9776]

She has to wait for the governor to pardon her to get any form compensation. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard

[@skyjacksonA1]

She would have made way more the few millions you're talking about if she was out for 35 years she clearly was successful then she would have made that tines 10 like most of our parents that worked in the 70s and 80s

[@brownin329]

Tennessee taxpayers would be footing that bill. Picture that, now.

[@mocancer8485]

@@biglou9776 IKR

[@chrisgarcia1487]

This is heartbreaking and they need to compensate both families whether deceased or not. This is horrible.

[@roots4140]

This is a problem in a country where Prosecutors are more interested in getting a conviction (regardless of who they convict) than actual justice and public safety. So many criminals loom large because the Prosecutor just "wanted a conviction" with no regard for whether the person was actually the offender. Repugnant.

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

its society's fault. they chant for "justice" and for "monsters" to be punished... America is lazy AF. what to you expect? arrest stats are what matter. press conferences to show "criminals" are going down reassure the public. nothing is ever done to mitigate crime or reduce the likelihood of it happening. people are thrown in jail. that's what the public cries for.

[@jalisacaple8980]

ONLY AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE

[@muhfkajones]

America, land of the free 🙄

[@loki2240]

It's not just the prosecutors. It's also many of the people who vote in local elections. Many people don't vote at all unless it's also a presidential election. And the reactionary, the fearful, and the bigoted give us these prosecutors, these legislators, and these governors. In turn, those politicians give their voters what they want.

[@MILITANTMONEY]

50 cent just explained it very well in one of his new interviews. How some people are so focused that they will do wateva to get where they want to be regardless of feelings and consequences towards others and there actions. And thats where this society foes so far when dealing i capitalism. And that ambition that drives and fuels these miscarriages ofjustice need to be scrutinized and there needs to be penalties for when someone puts there own ambitions ahead of the greater good.

[@beneaththefloorboards]

This is so heartbreaking. How could they focus on just one piece of evidence that contradicts everything else?

[@ianbattles7290]

Because they are monsters who would rather ruin someone's life than face the truth.

[@lauracohoon5083]

So sad that this happened to this dear lady. How can you put a money price on losing 35 years of your life, and your boyfriend who died in custody?? So sad!!

[@cardphins68]

This is truly a shame beyond words. This woman needs to be compensated in some way. Nothing will ever be able to square the account for the 35 years lost, that's impossible. The woman needs to be compensated for every year of her life that was stolen from her. My guess is they should take the average salary in the USA for every year of her incarceration and multiply that by 35. I think Charlie's children or maybe grandchildren should also get this sort of thing. No way did the Children of this man deserve to have their father taken away. I give this woman so much credit and respect for her Grace.

[@lauracohoon5083]

@@cardphins68 ...I totally agree with you. This is sad beyond words and this dear lady needs to be compensationted for the yrs of her life she lost to incarceration.

[@robertsherley]

The only body that was a victim was the little girl there was never Justice for her but God sees everything

[@robertsherley]

Was it because (she's black )you feel sorry for her or is it because she got 35 years to live in jail alive while the child was killed at 4 years old with no Justice HELP US

[@cardphins68]

@@robertsherley No Genius, it was because the woman was wrongly convicted of a crime she did not commit and had 35 years of her life ruined. Nobody but you mentioned anything about race or ethnicity. Keep hiding behind The Lord you jack off!

[@Kay-12345]

She’s truly an angel in my eyes. I simply can’t stop admiring her. She brings me inner peace. I am speechless and what I could possibly say. My heart bleeds for her and her boyfriend. May her boyfriend rest in peace. 🙏💕

[@kayhumph9109]

Chilllleeeee God is merciful

[@rgw1380rw]

@@kayhumph9109 If that was the case, this wouldn't have happened to the child, plus the woman and her other half.

[@j.cutrone]

I have no words. This is heartbreaking. She can't get that time back, she can't get her life as she knew it, back. Sad. Shame on this justice system!

[@sheebaxsa1096]

Definitely a shame

[@AseAleisha]

Smh

[@arlindahatton3337]

my sentiments exactly. My son has lost his wife, his young son, his license as a correctional officer and all of his property while sitting in jail (not prison) for something he didn't do. He has been put in confinement for defending his family from disparaging remarks made by officers ( not physical reaponse) and currently is in confinement with suspension of all visitation, phone services, daily bathing etc. because I donated money to other inmates canteen accounts in lieu of his account where 60% was skimmed off by the system. He is indigent but in the state of florida any money an inmate receives is subject to being used for upkeep. we can thank our state legislators for that. Each county sets the % of "their take". it is a tax on people who have the least ability to pay.

[@debbiesinclair5363]

She has to be pardoned , won't be able to sue.. she's only been exonerated.

[@EllisInWonderland.]

Heartbreaking… and the person or persons who did this are where? 💔😔 Beautiful spirit for a woman wrongfully convicted of something so horrendous and incarcerated for 35 years.

[@sablesenegal7488]

This brave woman is resilient !her story just is tragic & triumphant!

[@kimberlyakin8908]

there is NO triumph it is just 100% tragedy. sh will Never get compensation and He got Nothing. they Never caught the Monster that did it NOr will they Because TN is a horrible state right up there with FL TX and ........ fill in blank

[@tonyagingerich9769]

absolutely disgusting, no innocent person should lose decades of their life!! Something has to change!! Those that perjure themselves should be sent to prison!!

[@efetinjongai237]

She's still so cute at 74. Thank God for redemption

[@ChairPacer]

They should make a new rule for prosecutors: for every person you wrongly convict, you should serve some percentage of the time you made the innocent person serve, depending on how long you made them stay in jail and how severe the fake charges were. This woman got locked up when I was born, im 35 now. This is insane.

[@AseAleisha]

Yea that’s really crazy

[@ericaparish-diaz8505]

My heart goes out to both of them. I pray her immense peace.

[@shannsimms9072]

Who did that to this little girl!? That means whoever she picked that child up from really hurt that little girl

[@icalotdonthide2646]

The family member who had the kid last did it. They set her up.

[@HistoryKhethiwe]

Exactly also how they sleep?

[@brownin329]

They're the ones who said she didn't do it. I think they told who did but nothing was ever done about it.

[@isidoraveronica]

Her mom then

[@nemamodgeddi5338]

Broke my hear to hear the boyfriend died in prison. Dying in prison an innocent man is terrible.

[@JamStarMom]

Breaks my heart for this lady, the deceased gentleman and the baby. We all hear how pedophiles are treated in prison. Some of the family members probably believed they were guilty and the nasty monster that did it probably hurt more kids. Shameful.

[@danielmorse4213]

This is why I am against the death penalty

[@kayhumph9109]

God is merciful this woman doesn’t look like she spent any time in prison

[@brownin329]

The family actually knew she didn't do it. They told the courts. No one wanted to hear it.

[@msnewyork3730]

RIGHT ! SOME OF THE FAMILY MIGHT have THOUGHT SHE AND HER BOY FRIEND REALLY DID IT BUT ; GOD KNEW DIFFERENT AND HE SET HER FREE 🙏 AFTER 35 PLUS YEARS......1 MILLION FOR EACH YEAR SHE AND HIM SPENT LOCKED UP BEHIND THOSE NASTY JAIL WALLS , GOD HAS THE LAST WORD 🙏💯🙏 I PRAY BLESSINGS 😇🙏 AND BETTER DAYS AHEAD🙏

[@msnewyork3730]

YES ; I don't believe in the death penalty either

[@georgetoth1913]

This is really disturbing that the wrong people were convicted of murdering this little girl. Equally or maybe more disturbing is that it sounds like there is no desire to find out who did this and make them now pay for their crime.

[@mistybehaviours]

This bought me to tears, why is there so many wrongful convictions in America? The cost is much, peoples life, compensation and tax payers money keeping innocent people in jail.

[@williegrant3054]

ESPECIALLY of Black People. This is the 1st I have seen a Black Woman

[@michaelzimmerman1745]

Because da's and police want convictions above all else to advance their careers and make money

[@maboclark5797]

@@danitajordanmccoy Their consciouses are seared with a hot iron..that’s what happens when you do evil, willing and knowingly, continuously.

[@sherryhillman9197]

Discrimination, and Prosecutors and medical examiners who don’t care.

[@carlpierce2486]

Fix your 'justice' system.

[@jessica23jessica]

Omg im in tears i was locked up with her. She is the sweetest woman I ever met and im so happy for her

[@mssarahrenee]

can i ask you, was she OK in prison? I'm sorry...they didn't hurt her the the crime she didn't even commit... I've worked in the prison in times past and know what jail thinks and does to folks convicted of hurting kids. I so Pray that God protected her.

[@karenday7438]

My prayers goes out to both of them

[@tz7245]

I’m so angry watching this I could cry… I’m so sorry to Joyce and Charlie’s that our system has failed you.

[@smustipher]

Why did the persecutors not investigate the family/relatives who were looking after her for 2 months prior to the great aunt picking her up?

[@HomeAtOahu]

This is why I'm against the death penalty. Too possible an innocent person will be killed. This is also why I'm against prosecutors that have a history of never losing a case.

[@joememphis1571]

Don’t forget groupthink, feelings over facts and nitpicking of what they choose to believe when discussing inculpatory and exculpatory evidence

[@rgw1380rw]

I remember there was a man that was wrongfully convinced, then executed many years ago. Not long before his execution, the "witnesses" came forward to say they were coerced by the Police to pin something on a man that they didn't see committing the crime he was still executed for. The railroaded man's first or last name was Troy. The story, plus protest outside the prison made headlines

[@Chellz801]

Agreed. Even one person dying under false convictions is too much for me. I’m so disgusted that this is what our society and country is like.

[@jacksykes2000]

35 million dollars tax free for this Lady and the ones who framed her 35 years without parole.

[@angelathorpe1611]

And now the real rapids and murderer need to be brought to justice not only for this little girl, but also held accountable for the life taken from Joyce and Charlie.

[@TheUniquemariah]

Are they even still alive ?

[@AseAleisha]

Do you know where they are

[@mrsmcneill9805]

Whoever they picked her up from needs to be investigated. This is all so sad.

[@harveythe1stsaghartfield143]

THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS IN KENTUCKY NEED TO BE HELD IN ACCOUNTABLE STILL TODAY F THAT

[@MISNM0]

Y.E.S.

[@AseAleisha]

Period

[@BeautyisHerName692]

Facts. That other great aunt needs to be held accountable because she lied several times , the mother and grandmother in Georgia also told Ms Watkins not to take the child to the hospital ( someone knew something was bad happening to this baby)and whoever was living in her household at the time. Whether it be her son, a nephew , boyfriend or any other male figure in that home at the time. Whoever did this to this child , the REST of the family gotta know. -

[@SweeetClarissa]

This is so unfair.

[@haynes1776]

Any person that was wrongly convicted of a crime they didn't commit deserves to be compensated fully.

[@Gryphon999]

DITTO!!!!

[@rgw1380rw]

....and be able to live tax free for the remainder of their life.

[@michelleseyer8987]

This is just disgusting. Incompetence has profound reprocussions. The poor woman who lost decades of her life and the poor man who never saw the light of day again. And the sweet little girl who was destroyed by the evil actions of a criminal. This is disgraceful.

[@pallakkashyap314]

This is very infuriating, the authorities snatched Charlie and Joyce's lives yet didn't give them any compensation. This is why you shouldn't entirely put you trust just because someone is an "expert". 😭💕

[@maxinefowler1186]

No one is watching these pycho Prosecutors. That's why no one believes Me when I say, I want nothing to do with this Judicial system. Only one group gets true Justice, why?

[@laurawilliams8806]

Right💯👏

[@rlud304]

@@danitajordanmccoy That is so ignorant. There is such a thing as real science and real expertise You not being able to recognize the difference like so many other Americans is ignorant and why this stuff will continue to happen. You’re embarrassing

[@AseAleisha]

Horrible

[@v.nikkijohnson]

My God. Ms. Watkins at 74, wrongly incarcerated for 35 years, has an amazing amount of strength. A strength that I wish that I had.

[@HaloWolf102]

Right now, my roommate's father sits in prison because a mother decided to take her own life, and the father got blamed on 'circumstantial evidence'. I know the father is not at fault because of the life lessons that he taught my roommate(his son). My roommate has better morals than most people I know, and that was thanks to him. He has 2 daughters, and 3 sons. All of which are being cared for by a married couple, (one is the brother of the man in prison). Who aren't all that great. My roommate was kicked out at 18 because they said they couldn't take care of all of them. Which I understand, but kicking a motherless teen out of the home, who's father is in prison. Is no way to treat a teenager. Money problems or not. This is the result of the justice system. He didn't plead guilty, and his second rehearing got shut down. But we are doing everything to get him out. It's one of the reasons why I don't support the death penalty, because their are plenty of innocence in our prison system.

[@kekewesten3869]

I pray that justice is served for your friend's family and that they find peace. Blessings to you for standing with them and being a good friend.

[@Rebecca-hc5ju]

Contact The Innocence Project and start a petition.

[@HistoryKhethiwe]

Oh my heart ❤️ goes out to him also please 🙏 continue to fight, I wish I was their to help you. Please keep us updated

[@brownin329]

Good luck to all of you! Did you contact the innocence project? I know they are backlogged but I'm sure there are resources. I hope he gets out.

[@ianbattles7290]

My wife is very clumsy and I half-jokingly tell her that if she ever falls down the stairs or gets hurt somehow, everyone is going to think I was somehow responsible. I couldn't imagine finding my wife injured/dead *and being blamed for it.*

[@Thinkingisallowed]

I have tears in my eyes,

[@lyric2439]

Where is the mother of the little girl? Surely she should have spoke up during the prosecution!

[@AseAleisha]

Hmmm

[@Nylah-lm9os]

Who was she with when she was picked up.

[@sharity3289]

Nothing can make up for the years STOLEN from her and her boyfriend, but I hope she sues and gets paid, and I hope the boyfriend's family receives what he deserves.

[@JusttheAlbrights]

This is terrible!

[@paulsawczyc5019]

Prisons are full of innocent people.

[@brandonlee4322]

Joyce Watkins you are truly resilient 🙏🏽😇🕊🥰

[@scottaznavourian3720]

I don't understand why she needs a pardon when the charges are dropped.

[@labelledujour5855]

It’s only dropped it is not clear

[@scottaznavourian3720]

@@labelledujour5855 maybe not expunged but the convictions were vacated and the charges dropped. A pardon itself doesn't expunge your record....it's excuses the crime.....one she's no longer convicted or even accused of.

[@loki2240]

@@scottaznavourian3720 - Republicans - that's why. They and their supporters don't really care about wrongfully convicted people. Many of them believe that "they must have done something or else they wouldn't have been convicted." And many of them don't want public money going to wrongfully convicted people, even if they acknowledge that they were wrongfully convicted. That's especially true if the wrongfully convicted person isn't white.

[@AseAleisha]

Because she’s black

[@johnlewis3891]

Stories like this are why I oppose to the death penalty. There are two many people who have been wrongfully convicted.

[@nobodysbusiness3533]

Forensic science was not even prevalent until the late 80's. It didn't even become admissable in a court until the early 90's. How is this a science problem? This sounds more like an investigator problem.

[@gram01]

Mr. Dunns family need to fight for his justice...his family needs to be compensated

[@ትውስታዩቲብ]

They are playing games on human beings like things! Imagine how much her life is!

[@JoyFay]

I’m wondering why the name of the medical examiner and persecutors weren’t named?

[@lauriewhynott7762]

God Bless this woman. Money is great to a point. There's not enough money in the world to replace all that she's lost.

[@ParDiss-e4i]

Speechless

[@eman1158]

Her being in prison for that long isn’t the bad part worst part is that there is more people going through this !

[@coreenaburke5378]

probably thousands! of innocent people in prison!

[@Rebecca-hc5ju]

Yes, thank God for The Innocence Project!!

[@a.k.7341]

'Isn't the bad part'?!!! She and her boyfriend were better off dead! They were better off never having been born. You say it isn't a big deal?!!

[@eman1158]

@@a.k.7341 not saying that it’s huge! But what I was trying to say so many people going through the same thing

[@AseAleisha]

Duh

[@grownwomansoul3791]

Make it make sense. This is very heartbreaking. The years !?!? Did they listen to her at all when she told them, that she was picking up her niece? i am lost for understanding? who was she picking her niece up from? such a disheartening situation. I do not understand, how the ones, who injured her niece is free? was she in Foster care? im glad she is released, so sorry this happened.😔🙏🏿

[@gehmangang8006]

Joyce, may God bless the remainder of your life beyond measure! You deserve the best. There are no words...

[@brendaleary9281]

Strong Lady! So sorry 💔

[@KukLuv]

You don't know what to say when you hear about things like this. There are no words. God bless her and her boyfriend who died🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@laurawilliams8806]

💯💯

[@LuciferTheDogKiller]

Why the scottish flag ?

[@teriwilliams4255]

I would be furious and the ppl placing them would spend the rest of their crooked lives in prison. Not just the person(s) that victimized the baby. Them too.

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

Only a Million Dollars is better than nothing, But Is No Where Enough Compensation ! She and the man who died in Prison should recieve 25 million dollars tax free.

[@victorblock3421]

You can start by sending all your savings to the family.

[@rgw1380rw]

@@victorblock3421 Make it make sense, my friend 🤔!

[@lilliephillips5454]

This is horrific! How does one rectify this???? OMG!!!!

[@coreenaburke5378]

So sad! more needs to be done on her case and quickly! As well as many many more cases out there just like this!

[@brownin329]

They have groups like the Innocence Project but there needs to be a major overhaul of our justice system.

[@coreenaburke5378]

@@brownin329 Yes absolutely 💯

[@suzy-qtravels9202]

Nope!! I wouldn’t be able to deal! The anger!! There should be a way to go after prosecutors and judges for this!

[@22lyric]

NOTHING for the family of Charlie Dunn?! That's a tragedy! And Joyce was in the process of adopting a child. SO sad.

[@AseAleisha]

Ikr

[@Kayjillypoo]

This makes me soooo ANGRY! I'm sick to my stomach 😔

[@pah1921il]

Justice at it’s lowest point. How many other ppl are in prison today due to bogus evidence? I’m willing to bet, it’s more than anyone wants to believe.

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

It’s estimated to be between 3% - 10%. At least hundreds of thousands of people.

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

No need to believe, there’s facts

[@taahdaah3813]

How do you get a pardon for a crime your exonerated from? And then compensation caps off at 1million for 35 years of her life.

[@shylae2000]

Upsetting! And the fact that they may never try to find the real killer

[@AseAleisha]

Ain’t no telling if the killer is alive

[@hillardalisha]

This is heart breaking to hear this story 💔😢😢😪

[@brandonphillips7216]

Makes you think 🤔 how many innocent people are in prison? It might sound crazy 😧 but every old case needs a fresh set of eyes on it.

[@Liitebulb]

About 20%. Half of them are theee just because it's cheaper to go to jail than get a good representative

[@Goodiesfanful]

It's disgusting how wrongful convictions can take even decades to be put right. And it always comes down to one thing: the system hates to admit it made a mistake.

[@berthabridges3483]

Thank you for this story Ms. Gayle it's a great example of liberty being taken away unlawfully. The "Innocence Project" is just an amazing group of people who have a ❤️ heart for the truth. Thank you, "Innocence Project!" ✨️

[@generobinson8501]

REOPEN THE CASE, DO NOT PROTECT THE GUILTY

[@TheLvglam26]

Yes we need a petition on this. OPEN THIS CASE BACK UP!

[@alphacharm]

🗣Give her 35 million dollars!!!!!

[@imagodei-imageofgodcarrie5104]

That’s tragic! Wow! She lost her child’s life and so much of her life. 74 yrs old and the man died. Are they still trying to figure out what happened to the little girl?

[@johnnykwon8173]

There can’t be a pardon from the Governor’s office. To be pardoned implies that she was rightfully convicted of the alleged crime. She needs a expungement and effectively a record that is stricken. If anyone need pardon, it is the State on her behalf. My personal opinion.

[@jolyfrye1871]

What year did u graduate from Law School❔

[@johnnykwon8173]

@@jolyfrye1871 I died as a toddler, P.h.D., it’s a work in progress, a work in process. To be honest in regards to this case, I don’t have all the information to sit in judgement. That’s the problem of the press, sometimes. To me, I see it as procedural error to go public with information not pertaining to facts but rather soliciting emotional response.

[@MISNM0]

I'm here for this if it's accurate.

[@AseAleisha]

Something don’t add up

[@johnnykwon8173]

@@AseAleisha sum thing like numbers? More likely they divide, subtract, multiply, then what? “The Empire(s) of Egypt?”

[@marcpadilla1094]

This overshadows the rape and abuse of a child. They picked up.a child from a relative who was raped and abused and got blamed for it. Who knows how many more children were abused after thisis carriage of justice. A real travesty of jurisprudence and lax law enforcement.

[@thetriplethreat3]

Excuse me wtf do they mean Charlie Dunn’s family won’t get anything?!

[@AseAleisha]

Right racist

[@nightslayer6951]

The worst part there of this is there lots of innocent people in prison for crimes he or she didn't commit.

[@mamacitabambi3558]

She looks like such a lovely woman...

[@biglou9776]

And this is why I do not believe in Capital Punishment. Too much room for error