To Thank You for Your Letters of Support

I’m writing to thank the 535 Innocence Project supporters who wrote me letters after my DNA exoneration on July 19. I’m thankful for all the support. If I could, I would shake each hand and hug everybody. I appreciate it sincerely.

 

I spent 16 years in prison for a Tulsa burglary that I did not commit. I came home on June 6, 2011, on parole, but being exonerated feels different. I’m still working every day, but now I don’t have to check in and get permission from a DOC officer. If I want to leave the state or the country, I can. I’m free now. I live with my wife and our two-year-old son. He’s a blessing. But he won’t let me just sit there and read; he has to be in my lap. So I’ve been reading the letters after he goes to sleep.

 

They’re from all over the world and they say congratulations, welcome home, and we’re sorry that you had to go through what you went through. They say “tears of joy for you.” I had a few invitations from people in the state or in my town saying I would love to meet you. Some of the people who wrote to me told me stories of their loved ones that had been to prison and had to go through the same thing. Thanks to your letters and the Innocence Project’s support, I know I’m not alone. I’m truly blessed.

 

Sincerely,

Sedrick Courtney