For the 16th time since a state innocence commission began reviewing cases in 2007, judges have exonerated someone the commission decided was wrongly convicted, according to a news release.

North Carolina’s Innocence Inquiry Commission — a small state agency that investigates prison inmates’ claims that they were wrongfully convicted — would lose all funding under a budget proposal approved Wednesday by the North Carolina Senate.

The N.C. Senate’s budget proposal, which passed its final vote Thursday, would eliminate the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. Its executive director is lobbying state lawmakers to keep funding it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | April 16, 2025 | The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission wishes to announce the exoneration today of Mr. Clarence Roberts. On August 15-17, 2023, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (NCIIC) held a hearing in State v. Clarence Roberts, 13 CRS 054359 (Robeson County).

On December 14-15, 2021, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (NCIIC) held a hearing in State v. John Pritchard, 11 CRS 304-305 (Yancey County).

The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission will hold a hearing on State v. John Pritchard filed in Yancey County (11 CRS 304-305). Judge Thomas H. Lock will preside as chair. The Commission’s executive director, Lindsey Guice Smith, will present the case to Commissioners. The hearing is anticipated to last two days. No interviews will be provided. WHENTuesday, December 14, 2021 through Wednesday, December 15, 2021. The …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | This article originally appeared on https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/all-things-judicial-features-roundtable-with-innocence-inquiry-commission-staff-members The latest episode of All Things Judicial features the final part of a three-part series on the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (NCIIC). This episode is hosted by Executive Director Lindsey Guice Smith and focuses on the roles and experiences of the Commission’s staff. In one riveting segment, staff members give firsthand accounts of their participation …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | This article originally appeared on https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/north-carolina-innocence-inquiry-commissions-victim-services-is-featured-on-all-things-judicial-podcast The latest episode of All Things Judicial features part two of a three-part series on the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. Part two is hosted by Associate Director Beth Tanner and focuses on the Commission’s victim services. This episode’s guests are Robin Colbert, Katie Monroe, and Emma Paul. Part three of this series will be …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | This article originally appeared on https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/north-carolinas-innocence-inquiry-commission-featured-on-the-all-things-judicial-podcast The latest episode of All Things Judicial features part one of a three-part series on the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. Part one is hosted by Lindsey Guice Smith, Executive Director of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, and the guests are commissioners Johnson Britt, Rick Glazier, and John Boswell. This episode examines the purpose …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | From the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission | Lindsey Guice Smith, Executive Director On September 28-29, 2020, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission held a hearing in State v. Coatney Williams, 08 CRS 1057; 08 CRS 1059; 08 CRS 1065-66; 09 CRS 83; 09 CRS 85 (Northampton County).  The case arises from crimes committed on December …