Three Judge Panel in State v. Clarence Roberts Votes Unanimously to Exonerate

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).

State v. Clarence Roberts | The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | From the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission | Lindsey Guice Smith, Executive Director 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). The case arises from the murder of Joshua Council on June 14, 2013. On May 5, 2017, Clarence Roberts was convicted, after …

Three Judge Panel in State v. Bryant, et. al.

On April 18-28, 2022, Forsyth County held a three-judge panel hearing in the case of State v. Bryant, et. al., 02 CRS 38882, 38883, 38884, 38886, after the case was referred by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (NCIIC). At the conclusion of the hearing, the three-judge panel ruled that Mr. Bryant, Mr. Cauthen, Mr. Tolliver, and Mr. Banner had not proven their innocence by clear and convincing evidence and relief was denied.

State v. John Pritchard Hearing

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 …

Innocence Inquiry Commission Featured on the All Things Judicial Podcast, Part Three

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 …

Innocence Inquiry Commission Featured on the All Things Judicial Podcast, Part Two

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 …