ST. LOUIS, Missouri (KMOV) – Lamar Johnson’s case is getting nationwide attention, including from people who were recently released from prison after being wrongfully convicted.
Johnson is facing second-degree murder charges accused of killing a man in 1994.
This week, the Exonerees Organization traveled 500 miles from Michigan to St. Louis to be in the courtroom for the hearing. The group travels across the country to meet with lawmakers to change the criminal justice system, stop questionable investigations, and protect victims of wrongful convictions.
“We understand what it’s like to be where he is. We’re not in this courtroom because it’s fun. We are not there because we like it. The last time I was in the courtroom, I lost my life,” says the acquitted, Kenneth Nixon.
Nixon served 16 years in prison for the double murder, but was found not guilty of the crimes in February 2021.
“I was charged with 2 counts of aggravated murder, 4 counts of attempted murder and one count of arson,” he says. Similar to the Lamar case, they released documents in the possession of the police and prosecutors that pointed to my innocence.”
During Lamar Johnson’s hearing, more questions about mistaken identity, questionable witnesses and inconsistent testimony came to light.
“The seat he’s sitting in is a very stressful seat to sit in,” said the stranger, Marvin Cotton Jr. “He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. His life is on the line. He already lost it once. You don’t want to get your hopes up.”
Cotton was found not guilty of murder after serving 19 years behind bars. He was found not guilty in 2020. Eric Anderson, also of the Exoneration Organization, joined Cotton and Nixon in the courtroom for Lamar Johnson’s freedom.
Anderson spent 9 years in prison for a crime he did not commit and was released 3 years ago.
“It’s our duty and our duty to help those in need, no matter where you are,” Anderson says.
“We are proof that the system got it wrong, but we are all breathing proof that the system can make it right. We hope the system gets it right with the Lamar Johnson case,” says Cotton.
“I know what it’s like to be in that chair where he is,” Nixon says. We represent change. The narrative has to change.”
In Missouri, there is no compensation if someone is wrongfully convicted.
The Exonerees organization plans to return to St. Louis once Lamar Johnson’s fate is decided.
