'I was on death row for 30 years, for a crime I didn't commit' Anthony Ray Hinton documentary

Anthony Ray Hinton was in solitary confinement, next to the electric chair, for 30 years. But he was innocent. ‘The worst part I had to deal with is when they execute, I had to smell the burning for 24 hours. That happened 54 times. I thought I was in hell.’ Subscribe to 'My Big Story' » 7news.link/MyBigStory
This is heart wrenching story, but one that has to be seen. Anthony Ray Hinton's fight for justice, along with Bryan Stevenson from Alabama's Equal Justice Initiative, is a lesson in perseverance, belief and faith.
Wrongfully convicted of crimes, he spent 30 years as a condemned man.
He suffered terribly, in ways most of us could never imagine.
His story needs to be heard, and seen.
00:46 The arrest
04:17 The trial
07:38 The verdict
09:16 Life on death row
12:00 The electric chair
17:06 The saviour
19:17 Freedom
'My Big Story' is a digital documentary series, presented by 7NEWS Lead Reporter, Angela Cox.
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The series will highlight amazing stories, from a diverse range of people across the globe, in real documentaries 2021.
All in their own words. Inspired existence laid to bare.
Every single one of us has a 'big' story.
Events that make us who we are, shape us, inform what we do with our lives.
Who we become.
These 'big' stories are, simply extraordinary.
Defining moments that make - or break - people.
From them, we can learn, empathise... and connect.
These are the turning points that change people's lives.
These stories must be told
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#TrueCrime #AnthonyRayHinton #MyBigStory #CrimeDocumentary #Documentary2022

[@wicketuma444]

Listening to you sir is heartbreaking, gut wrenching. You are the epitome of true strength. I respect you and I know you are finding those joyous moments. I ask those reading this to get involved with the Innocence Project.

[@stephenhughes7516]

How do I get involved with the innocence project?? I would love to volunteer my time to something I truly believe in. It's so sad there are so many men rotting on death row due to crooked police being lazy and prejudice. Please get back to me if anyone knows.

[@KayinnaStraughter-jx7dh]

Alabama's electric chair 1927-2002

[@subatomic10]

The detectives and prosectors need to be named and shamed !

[@subatomic10]

I heard a doctor expain that when a person goes into extreme shock , they can go blind for a short moment.

[@janematthews9081]

This is the sad part, 30 years had gone by and you were proven innocent but can they bring back those 30 years you were in agony fearing for your life to come to an end for a crime you didn’t commit.

[@mylesmcminn5114]

I’m so glad you made it outta there.I couldn’t imagine doing 30yrs let alone on death row. I’m from Canada & we don’t have capital punishment anymore. I did a 9 & a half yr sentence when I was 22 & im glad I learned my lesson & never went back.

[@mariannaoosthuizen9639]

Well done to you

[@Phildo8]

How many of those 54 people that he seen walk by his cell on their way to the death chamber were innocent as well? The problem with our system in The US is that “it doesn’t have to be the right person that’s found guilty. It’s just gotta be a person” that’s sick to imagine

[@tannerh3838]

I'm so sorry man. There's no words...I'm happy you're out. Shame on them...shame on the system .

[@TheWoundedWarrior]

I've been the victim of a wrongful prosecution myself. Over a decade of law enforcement training and knowledge is now going to waste because I get triggered just by the sight of a uniform let alone examining footage as an officer safety instructor He may of been released but PTSD this extensive is a life sentence

[@auntyvenom133]

I don't understand how anyone can willfully destroy an innocent person's life

[@urmelausdemeis4743]

Oh Mr. Hinton, I don't really know what to say 😔😢..... I am so sorry for what you had to go through 😭! So much pain, racism and injustice is unbearable and I hope you will get help some day!!!! Please feel hugged from Germany 🤗🤗🤗

[@lifeandstoryofficial9108]

Sad, sad, sad... I'm so sorry, man.. I was arrested and put the jail for something I did not do. I was in prison one night, and now I have fear when someone knocks on my home door. I just can imagine what the system did to you.

[@maureengrimshaw6892]

I pray the Lord will use this moving story to impact the world. True Christian : amazing tolerance in a place of hell. Dear Jesus please use this man mightily - only YOU could have given him the amazing strength. The story of a true Hero

[@mj3026]

Omfg 🤬 how disgusting, & what’s worse is that it’s still happening to this day people getting sentenced for something they never done, I’m so glad you got out & hope the rest of your life is beautiful, I’m so sorry this happened to you, & how heartbreaking you watched all these people get killed & most definitely some of them people were innocent people, thank you for sharing your story

[@francescamackie598]

My daughter just witnessed him speak on the campus of Clemson University and she said it was so touching . God bless this man

[@barbhelle5481]

You are an inspiration to me.

[@leoestrella8]

Mr.Hinton, I cannot say enough, you are truly an inspiration. It is a complete understatement to say that your story absolutely crushes my heart. Words cannot describe how much I feel for you. I am so so so unbelievably sorry that you had to go through that. I can't possibly imagine having to endure something like that for so long, let alone 30 years. After getting the help of psychiatry and psychology for nearly 5 years, I promise you that with time, effort, hope, and the sheer determination to make your life how you've always dreamed it to be, it DOES get better. The PTSD does get better with time. It may seem like forever, it might take trial and error to find the right professionals and the right medications, but eventually no matter whenever it may be, it DOES get better. That is not debatable. That is a fact as long as you don't ever give up. Anything is possible as long as you keep hope and don't give up. I hope that you move into a safer, more inclusive state if you decide to stay in America. I wish you a long, happy, healthy, and safe life for you and your loved ones. I'm not religious, but may god bless your amazing heart and soul. whatever god or deity that may exist, I know has you in their arms and will keep you safe for the rest of your life, and in the afterlife as well. Amen

[@Phildo8]

This is fkn heartbreaking & sickening at the same time. Our justice system is NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING “GREAT” or “THE BEST” in fact it’s far from it! This poor man lost 30yrs of his life.

[@jeannebautista6688]

I am so sorry that you had to go through this and hearing this story knowing it's not the last time that they wrongfully convict somebody not even checking if it was true or not and the experiences that you had to go through I'm just glad somebody fought for your case I can imagine for all the others that still waiting to have a chance also like you did that they're praying somebody will look at their case before they have to experience that my thoughts and prayers to you and your family for everything that you went through and this is exactly why nobody has faith in the judicial system!!!

[@donovanellis1533]

His memoir, The Sun Does Shine, is a read like no other. He really has a way of mentally putting you in his shoes and taking you with him, showing you how screwed up and broken the justice system truly is, but also how important it is to remain compassionate and hopeful. I challenge anyone to conjure a torture more horrific than flickering lights and the stench of burning flesh marking the taking of the life of a man you got to know and care for, and that stench lingering for 24 hours-54 times. I can't begin to imagine the scars the experience has left in his mind and heart. And he came out of it as compassionate, hopeful, forgiving and full of love as ever. I'm reminded of Ellis Boyd Redding's description of Andy Dufrense's escape in The Shawshank Redemption- "He crawled through a river of s**t and came out clean on the other side". Thank you ray, for lifting the veil. Thank you for sharing your story, painful as I'm sure it is, and demonstrating the capacity we all have to understand, to forgive, and to love.

[@notyetskeletal4809]

Hugs man. Fuck all that shit.

[@underalions2023]

Can't even begin to imagine what you went through. The state of mind you'd have been in for those 30 years. The fact you were totally innocent makes it even worse and sad sad beyond belief. You deserve a public apology. All the help mentally you need . And a pay out of 1m for every year. $30 million.. and that will only take 5% of your pain away . They can't give you back those 30 long wasted years . You are a surviver. Wish you all the best and happiness for every second, minute hours days weeks months and years you have left in this world

[@DannyBoy3507]

Far out that’s so messed up really feel for this man glad he’s free now but you can’t ever take back the time loss and heartache he must have endured during his time in jail so heartbreaking

[@MyBigStory]

So true. We just hope he gets the help he needs - and deserves - from the state of Alabama.

[@duncansmartt2107]

Poor Man, he narrates this story so well ,i forgot the gravity of what I was listening to. I giggled at his ballistic expert who was blind !!

[@sunshinelivie8741]

His crime was being black and poor 😔. God have mercy on us may humanity be restored. I really admire your compassion and resilience Sir ❤️💜💙💚🧡.

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

WHAT RACE ARE YOU? POOR? RICH? 🛑🤡

[@maureengrimshaw6892]

I am so heartbroken to hear this sad story. God bless this sweet man. Oh so so sad

[@StephanieJoRountree]

God help us!

[@1981troublemaker]

God will always help whether a person is dead or not because it’s just a belief in a religion.

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

I love you Ray, you are expressing the sweet face of God. I can't stop listening to your story while listening to your voice and crying when you cry. I am on the death row of being born in a white body, because no matter how good or honest I may be, others of my type of birth are guilty of being the most insensitive, cruel, hard-hearted, shameful, criminals. In this day & age religion is taken as irreligious, and horrific irreligiosity is taken as a normal religion. Shame on my hateful brothers. Mr Ray Hinton you have the angelic countenance of a sinless innocent human.

[@jennyharris2993]

I can’t watch the rest, too depressing. But I hope he got a lot of money to compensate

[@wanjikuwaititu8591]

Thank God for the brilliant lawyer! May God heal this gentleman.

[@lindatalks4689]

And you Sir remained a Beautiful Human! Please, please, please go forward and live YOUR BEST Life!❤️

[@valerieholton8116]

God bless you. You are a inspiration to me and I want to thank you for your helping me with your words. You've given me something to hold on to in my time of darkness. Thank you and keep doing God's work here on earth.

[@outbacknomad9939]

I can only say God bless you an I hope you live the rest of your days happy .this story symbolises that there is hope I understand the racial thing I'm a white man that grew up black an the bad things iv been threw an witnessed is shocking you are a strong man to go threw 30 years jail .stay strong brother .regards from Cairns Queensland Australia 🇦🇺.

[@MyBigStory]

Thanks for commenting and for sharing. Stay strong!

[@queeng5925]

hi from another cairns dweller

[@outbacknomad9939]

@@queeng5925 hi

[@outbacknomad9939]

@@queeng5925 u don't talk much

[@queeng5925]

@@outbacknomad9939 i have a lot of hospital n other appointments keep me busy lol... i sleep weird hours coz of that so about to go now.... nite :) xxx

[@jenniferbush7400]

Very sad indeed, 30 years of his lost life he can never get back , time he lost without spending with his mum, time he lost doing anything in life , it's disgusting when people abuse their power to frame an innocent man ,despite any solid evidence and proof , even more disgusting was his lawyer who acted like a freaking defence lawyer , hope he was well compensated , the lawyer who got him out and fought for him for years should have demanded all involved to give him an apology letter , or they should have done so themselves , they have accumulated 30 years of sin , while this man suffered , they could have lightened their burden by apologising, but guess they chose he'll, nothing is worse then being accused of something you know in your heart that you haven't done , but get framed anyway . Must have been really horrible to smell those who got electrocuted and that to so many times, lawyers fight to keep the guilty out of prison , his lawyer fought to send an innocent to prison. 3 decades changes so much in one's life and in general . I hope he is getting the help he deserves to go through life as normal as he can, by all means guilty should be punished , but God knows how many innocent got electrocuted, and how many are behind bars , truly people with cruel black hearts would frame an innocent and yet sleep peacefully at night without any remorse , sympathy or conscience .

[@mrjasondylan]

God bless you sir, no amount of money can replace one day of freedom but I do hope them soulless individuals who were responsible for your kidnapping are made to pay, that cop should get 30 years and the State should have to give you 100m .

[@teresaspensley5640]

Jason Wallace- not only that cop but the one with him obviously knew what was going so him and any others that knew it was a set up. Karma 🙏🙏🙏

[@kokaneegold100]

Your an inspiration to the world,bless you sir xxx

[@barbarabrowne7929]

Shocking No words. I wish you all the very best. Love Babs x

[@davidcjones3100]

NO MATTER HOW MUCH TIME LEFT HE HAS ON EARTH, HE WILL NEVER EVER BE THE SAME.

[@daemonwhitebeard6590]

Speaking as a white man, I am so sorry you had to go through something that horrible. It breaks my heart to hear your story. You have my respect, Mr. Hinton. I hope you have found peace in your life and forgive those who have wronged you. Not all white men are like that. God bless you.

[@jbell73986]

Why do you hope he forgives these devils for the misdeeds? This wasn’t a casual mistake, it was a devious act

[@MsTheaSM]

Sometimes forgiveness is for your own peace and not those who have done you wrong. Forgiving is not forgetting.

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

BUT SIT BACK AND WATCH GENOCIDE WITNESS THE DEMONIC ACTS AND PURE HATRED, THE EXCEPTION IS NEVER THE RULE 🛑

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

​@@MsTheaSMAS GENOCIDE CONTINUES IT'S WORSE NOW THAN EVER, GENOCIDE IS HERE, BUT ALL GOOD RIGHT, ? THE DEVIL AND HIS SUPPORTERS ARE HERE ON EARTH RIGHT NOW ✔️

[@rotrautmellin7543]

I seriously hope and wish for you to receive financial recompensation for all these horrible years !!! May God bless you !!

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

WHAT RACE ARE YOU,? COMPENSATION TO SPEND IT RIGHT BACK WITH THE 😈?

[@britlew5933]

I can't even imagine...

[@martinamills3788]

What a travesty of Justice. It used to be in the United States that u were innocent until proven guilty. Where I live that is no longer true. I have watched time after time where the defendant has had to prove his innocence because the prosecution, judge and yes, sometimes jury, have found them guilty before any court proceedings have begun. May the good Lord keep u safe within his arms for the rest of your life sir.

[@antonioc3768]

My dear God. What a absolute nightmare you went through. God bless you Ray Hinton !

[@anthonybates7307]

For what they did to that brother, I pray to the Most High for vengeance.

[@Phildo8]

I hope you get your money worth for those 30 years they held you captive sir. I truly hope you sue the hell out of the state. NOTHING CAN MAKE UP FOR 30 YEARS but you deserve a number with a lot of zeroes after that number sir!

[@louannchipman1749]

The people who falsely accused him should come to justice. They deserve time. He didn't have a chance. This is an absolute travesty of the justice system - Anthony Ray Hinton was so terribly wronged and the people who colluded to do this to him should pay.

[@micheldonderwinkel3716]

wauww i have never see anythingf like this in my country we have no death penalty you are a real warrior and a spirit for other people 30 year is very very long time i can not imagine how that must feel i have a lot of respect for you i wish you the best greetings from holland

[@yuleeeboynuthouse2714]

I'm so sorry brother words can't express how sad I am to hear your story for now on when I go to thinking about how bad my life is I will probably think of you sir I love you man enjoy what you have left bro and I hope the prosecutors in the cops and the judge and everybody that had a hand in sending you to prison for 30 years knowing you were innocent you get what's coming to him I know I shouldn't be vengeful like that but I believe in right and right wrong wrong stay safe bro

[@barbhelle5481]

I can not imagine how people can be so cruel. Why do some white people think they are better. I am white and I am ashamed of the white people that think they are better. The justice system needs changed. God bless you sir. I pray you can feel better. You were tortured and for no reason.

[@mariannaoosthuizen9639]

There are bad people in all races and also good people.

[@davidcjones3100]

A SIMPLE "I AM SORRY" WILL NEVER EVER MAKE UP FOR HIS SUFFERING.

[@Dr.Z3rdi]

Nobody offered this man help after all he went through is just mind boggling.

[@trevorburns160]

Only our creator Jesus Christ.can set you free.ask him to save you.. because he loves you.God sent that man to help you.for who soever shall call upon the name of the Lord.

[@lukehorning3404]

I can’t imagine and I am so sorry and hope the rest of your life is amazing

[@rachelwebb2330]

I AM SO SORRY.WHAT A MAN YOU ARE, YOU ARE SO IMPRESSIVE. I REALLY AM SPEECHLESS BY OUR INHUMANITY. YET YOU SHINE THROUGH, BLOODY AWE INSPIRING, I BOW TO YOUR SELF.

[@jasoncasey7009]

You keep your eyes on God he will and has never left you. You are a good man and the whole world is on your side freedom is in your mind and heart 💓 so give your all to settling into your freedom I vale been to prison but I was guilty of my crimes and it was hard work so I have no idea what you went through as an guilt free man keep going big man love and pease to you and your love ones

[@ladyfirst2797]

Jesus will set you free, just believe!

[@appletree9974]

One can only hope that the sun will shine in the Alabama justice system.

[@debbie9050]

Just picking someone out and putting them in jail for a crime they didn’t commit. This is why I hate the police. How they bloody slept at night is beyond me, it was probably one of their own men that did the crime and they covered it up.

[@brontewcat]

Oh my God. I had no idea the other prisoners could smell an electrocuted body. That alone makes it cruel and unusual punishment.

[@davidcjones3100]

WHATS SO SAD IS THAT THE SYSTEM ARE CONSTANTLY MAKING EXCUSES CONCERNING FINANCIAL COMPENSATION.

[@Pootie_Tang]

Crazy part there was a 16 year struggle after new experts said evidence showed the man was innocent. 16 years of even more unjustified incarceration than previous 14. As if the state, the court and the system didn't want to admit and caught being in the wrong and especially to pay the man money for all those years, for his stolen life. That's so disgusting I'm about to throw up

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

I'm unsure if I even want to know how many of those 54 were also black. 😔

[@wanjikuwaititu8591]

This is terrible! One can easily hate some human beings!!!!!

[@ConnieLynnPitera-wo4tm]

HOW VERY SAD.

[@davidcjones3100]

ANTHONY RAY HINTON: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, WE ARE NOT FREE BECAUSE OF HATE. WHY SHOULD I SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

[@ceciliajonsson4434]

The racism in this case is unbelievable.

[@davidcjones3100]

TO THOSE WHO ROBBED THIS BROTHER OF 30 YEARS OF HIS LIFE, "MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON ALL OF YOU".

[@suegray3464]

What they have done to this man is so damn wrong. Now charge the ones responsible for this if they are dead them charge their kids. An eye for a eye.

[@theresaryan2280]

I have only just seen and listened to this. It is heartbreaking just heartbreaking. You Sir an innocent man who was treated brutally by evil evil men who really have no soul or the soul of the devil. I wish I could something anything to help you I’m so sorry so very sorry I truly feel that all the people involved should be arrested and jailed for what they did to you I hope you find peace. God bless you Sir ❤

[@memorymuleya7218]

This is painful

[@ThatTaRaGiRL]

😢 oh God! The injustice!!!! I hope this man finds peace and happiness, and lives out his life in pure joy. Sending hugs to this man 🫂 You ARE FREE, please get that help you speak of, sweet man. And Alabama shphkd be paying for his therapy and for a LOT MORE!!!! SUE!!

[@chrissttiiaaan]

❤️❤️

[@davidcjones3100]

A PITIFUL INCOMPETENT LAWYER, AND A BALLISTICS SPECIALIST WHO WAS PITIFUL.

[@davidcjones3100]

PTSD.

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

As a white, middle aged, American, woman I can tell you I am absolutely disgusted by the behavior of these individuals that destroyed this man's life and the lives of his family. All while supposedly representing my race. I cannot fathom how anyone like those individuals are able to sleep at night? Vile. Hateful. Disgraceful. Disgusting. Evil. May this man find some joy in his remaining years.

[@mkblack3374]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@lukehorning3404]

No amount of money can make that right and I would have that fear and that should never happen in America 🇺🇸 or anywhere

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

NOTHING NEW, 500YRS OF OPPRESSION, OPRAH GONNA SAVE THEM, 🛑

[@nickashton3584]

amerika is the most spiteful

[@teresaspensley5640]

I hope those bent cops got their commupence🙏🙏🙏

[@davidcjones3100]

I AM REMINDED OF A GENTLEMAN NAMED CLARENCE BRANDLEY OF TEXAS WHO WASTED AWAY ON DEATH ROW FOR 10 YEARS FOR A RAPE/MURDER HE DID "NOT" COMMIT.

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

The Viṣṇudūtas accused the Yamadūtas of violating the religious principles by attempting to drag Ajāmila to Yamarāja for punishment. Yamarāja is the officer appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to judge religious and irreligious principles and to punish people who are irreligious. However, if completely sinless people are punished, the entire assembly of Yamarāja is contaminated. This principle applies not only in the assembly of Yamarāja, but throughout human society also. In human society, properly maintaining religious principles is the duty of the king's court or the government. Unfortunately, in this yuga, Kali-yuga, the religious principles are tampered with, and the government cannot properly judge who is to be punished and who is not. It is said that in the Kali-yuga if one cannot spend money in court, one cannot get justice. Indeed, in courts of justice it is often found that magistrates are bribed for favorable judgments. Sometimes religious men who preach the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement for the benefit of the entire populace are arrested and harassed by the police and courts. Mr. Hinton.... I pray mightly that you feel the new freedom, the protection and the support that you fully are deserving of. It won't feel the same as your youthful freedom. But if it can grow in a garden of the condolences of good people, and blossom with the faith of Godly persons, perhaps the weeds can be thrown aside, to wither and die, as the wicked continue on their dark road to the real hell they are destined for. They are welcome to see the light, but if they refuse, then there is no use to waste time convincing them.

[@paulmcnamara2887]

For thirty years you were known as a number I absolutely positive if you were white you would of been found innocent holy shit if you were white this would of not gone to trial. This confirms to me that capital punishment is capital murder and the worse serial killer is still out among us and it is all those countries which still saction capital murder. As a white person l hope that if l had been on the jury I would. stood up against my peers and said two words " not guilty ". I hope that you received a massive pay out but no amount of money could truely compensate you the years you had loss.

[@jambofett]

The prison guard at 16mins 5secs is almost certainly this guy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ_Yq5-hrL2NmrM

[@michelleh.188]

I pray you turn to Jesus to heal your trauma. Your story is heartbreaking at the least. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@PHILPOP2]

What a terrible time and place to be black.

[@mariannaoosthuizen9639]

You are free when you are saved by the blood of Jesus. When you know the truth the Son sets you free. Use your time to make sure that you know the truth and you will live forever. No one can take that away from you.🙏

[@xrevolution4238]

You know this is funny cuz everyone this ever locked up and prison or do is innocent no one is guilty if you ask them so you think I believe this no only believe what I know and what I see everyone says they're innocent you sure me one person says they're guilty & I'll give you a lollipop. 🙄 Sincerely Yours, King X 🤠

[@leoestrella8]

There ARE people in prison who are innocent. Obviously not all, but some. Humans can be evil and demented for no reason, willing to throw others under the bus or sacrifice others to cover themselves up and to cover their ass. So many humans are greedy, evil people driven by their distorted desires. So many courts will convict and sentence the innocent to death just because of the color of their skin, gender identity, sexuality. These people go off of their own biases. The studies have been done. The comparisons to white, cis, straight people have been made. It has been clear for so long that black people are at a huge disadvantage in the justice system and are treated and sentenced 100000x more harshly than a white person. While a white person might go to jail for 6 months to a year for drug possession, a black person in jail for the exact same thing goes to jail for 10-20 years. It's evil

[@alexsveles343]

You was on death row for 30 years,.....so? Why should I care about you Why am I even watching this

[@nathanielrichardson9817]

THE 👿 IS ON THE EARTH RIGHT NOW 👍

[@sleepypup]

🥲🥲🥲 I'm so thankful this man was released but disgusted it happened and disgusted this still goes on... I'm absolutely sick