Exonerated clients of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project often pursue further relief for their wrongful convictions, which commonly involves engaging in litigation and related discussions with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

John Miller spent 21 years behind bars after being wrongly convicted in 1998 of second-degree murder, armed robbery, and possession of an instrument of crime, receiving a life sentence without parole.

His conviction was largely based on faulty witness testimony. Thanks to the tireless work of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, John was finally released and exonerated in July 2019. He joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Exonerated segment to share his incredible story of perseverance and fight for justice. 

John Miller - Evening WURDs 9.18.25

Exonerated clients of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project often pursue further relief for their wrongful convictions, which commonly involves engaging in litigation and related discussions with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

In 1987, William Bailey, a decorated veteran, was arrested for the shooting death of his friend Derek Walker. The conviction rested on the testimony of an eyewitness who has since recanted, and a detective's claim of a confession that was never documented in police files and was unwitnessed. He maintained his innocence, testifying he never confessed and presenting an alibi defense, but was still sentenced to life in prison.

Decades later, the full police file revealed no documentation of a confession, but instead contained exculpatory statements from Bill, and even pointed to another perpetrator – information that was never disclosed.

After more than 35 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit, Bill walked out of SCI Phoenix in April 2024, and was reunited with his loving family. "In spite of loss and grief along the way, William Bailey is here to share his incredible story". 

William Bailey - Evening WURDs 9.25.25

WURD Radio is the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, and one of few in the country. Taking a multimedia approach – on-air, online and in the community – WURD is widely recognized as the pulse of the African-American community locally, regionally, and nationally. From mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite, WURD has tackled the hard issues as an influential, respected and powerful voice in the marketplace.

New tracks tagged #exonerated: the cost of wrongful convictions