On March 22 at 8 p.m., Tiffin University’s undergraduate chapter of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP-u: TU) will host Richard Horton and his wife, Janette, for a virtual presentation. Pierce Reed, Director of Policy and Engagement for the Ohio Innocence Project, will moderate the conversation. The event will take place in the Osceola Theatre and is free and open to the public.
Horton was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to 23 years in prison for a home invasion and robbery in Columbus, as well as allegedly shooting a victim in the leg. Thanks to the efforts of the Ohio Innocence Project, Horton was released from prison after serving nearly 16 years and was granted a new trial thanks to emerging DNA analysis technology. OIP believes this to be the first instance where such evidence has led to the reversal of a conviction.
Horton will discuss his experience while incarcerated as well as his time spent working with the OIP. In addition to Richard’s testimony, Janette will discuss the ripple effects such cases have on those close to the accused.
The Ohio Innocence Project is the state’s only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to freeing the wrongfully imprisoned and to the reformation of a justice system that would allow wrongful convictions to occur. Since their inception in 2003, OIP’s work has led to the release of 40 wrongfully convicted Ohioans, who collectively served more than 700 years behind bars.
For more information, visit facebook.com/OhioInnocenceProject.