2020 Making An Exoneree Cases

Anthony Apanovitch

This documentary exposes the injustice of the case of Anthony Apanovitch, where a flawed investigation placed a man on death row for a crime he did not commit. After DNA evidence proved Tony’s innocence, he walked out of death row as a free man after 32 years, married the love of his life, and became a grandfather. However, despite the evidence proving his innocence, a legal technicality stole his freedom and has forced him back onto death row where he wrongfully stands today.

This film was created by Michael Blank, Max Tinter, and Larry Taylor III.

Terrel Barros

“Guilty Until Proven Innocent” exposes the injustice that resulted in the wrongful conviction of Terrel Barros, who was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 30 years. After 8 years of incarceration, Terrel still firmly maintains his innocence and is actively fighting for his exoneration in order to reclaim his life—for himself and his loved ones.

This film was created by Nourjannah Hendi, Caroline Porterfield, and Leonardo Teixeira.

Update: Terrel Barros had his conviction overturned and was released on Aug. 15. His supporters, legal team, and the Making An Exoneree team are still fighting for his full exoneration – read more about his release here.

Edward Martinez

This short documentary exposes the layers of injustice culminating in the wrongful conviction of Edward Martinez, who was sentenced to 55 years for a First Degree Murder he did not commit, and who continues to fight for justice and for his life.

This film was created by Johnsenia Brooks, Cecily Burge, and Austin Riddick.

Update: Edward Martinez continues to be represented by Janai Reed, and his case is now under consideration for pro bono co-representation by a major law firm.

Jermane Scott

This documentary tells the story of Jermane Scott, who was wrongfully convicted of a 1996 murder in Springfield, Ohio and sentenced to life without parole. For the nearly 25 years he has spent in prison, Jermane has maintained his innocence and written about his experiences—from spending years in solitary confinement to facing COVID-19 in prison. It is now time for “Justice for Jermane.” This film was created by Leigh Bianchi, Candis Ferrell, and Darcy Palder.

Update: Jermane Scott, who had no legal representation at the time of the 2020 class, is now represented by Ice Miller LLP, along with Marc Howard and Marty Tankleff.

Keith Washington

“One Innocent Man: The Untold Story of Keith Washington” exposes the truly bizarre wrongful conviction of an African American military veteran and former police officer who received an unprecedented 45-year prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

This film was created by Josh Rosson, Trevor O’Connor, and Céline Berdous.

Update: Keith Washington’s excessive original sentence was reduced by a judge in May 2021. He was released in June 2021 and reunited with his wife and daughters after more than 13 years apart. Read more about his release here.