State v. Grimes

About the Case


In State v. Grimes, the Commission conducted a hearing on April 2 – 4, 2012. The Commission voted unanimously that there was sufficient evidence of factual innocence to merit judicial review. At that time, the case was referred to a three-judge panel.

The three-judge panel hearing was held in Catawba County from October 1, 2012 through October 5, 2012. At the conclusion of the hearing, the three-judge panel ruled that Mr. Grimes had proven his innocence by clear and convincing evidence. Mr. Grimes was exonerated.


The documents presented at the Commission hearing became public record and are included here. The transcript of the Commission hearing is available for viewing ONLY. If you would like to purchase a printed copy of the hearing transcript please contact Court Reporter Tori Pittman at 919-931-6222 or [email protected].

Documents related to the three judge panel are held by the Clerk of Court in the county of conviction and are not managed by the Commission.  You may contact the Catawba County Clerk of Court regarding any documents related to the three judge panel.