Spring 2023 Newsletter – The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission

Welcome back to our newsletter! In this edition, we’re going to talk about the Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The Commission’s governing statute requires an annual report detailing our activities be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety by February 1 every year. The 2022 Annual Report, and annual reports from prior years, can be found …

Winter 2023 Newsletter – The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission

Welcome back to our newsletter! Welcome to the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission’s quarterly newsletter! The Commission is an independent, neutral state agency charged with investigating and evaluating claims of innocence by individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes in North Carolina. It is currently the only state agency of its kind in the entire country. Last year the …

The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission Publishes Its First Newsletter

Welcome to the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission’s first quarterly newsletter! The Commission is an independent, neutral state agency tasked with investigating claims of innocence by individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes in North Carolina. It is the only state agency of its kind in the entire county. This year marks 15 years of the Commission being in operation and we have created this newsletter to give insight into our operations and accomplishments.

Three Judge Panel in State v. John Pritchard

On July 11-13, 2022, a three-judge panel hearing was held in the case of State v. John Pritchard, 11 CRS 304 (Yancey County), after the case was referred by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (NCIIC). On July 20, 2022, the three-judge panel ruled that Mr. Pritchard had not proven his innocence by clear and convincing evidence and relief was denied.

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 Budget Increase

The Commission is very grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly and the Governor for implementing a budget that included an unprecedented EXPANSION to the Commission’s budget.  This EXPANSION will allow the Commission to maintain talented staff, hire much needed additional staff to manage OUR EVER increasing workload, PROVIDE CONSISTENT support FOR our Victims’ program, and PROVIDE funds to pay for operational expenses like forensic testing and expert witnesses.