A Man Spent 29 Years In Prison For A Rape He Didn't Commit. The Survivor Just Helped Free Him | Cnn

Prepare to be moved by an incredible story of perseverance and justice. After spending a staggering 29 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit, Patrick Brown of New Orleans has finally been set free. This momentous occasion was made possible through the unwavering dedication of the local district attorney's office and the courageous testimony of the victim herself, who has steadfastly maintained Brown's innocence for two decades. In 1994, Brown was wrongly convicted of raping his 6-year-old stepdaughter, despite pleading not guilty. Shockingly, the trial proceeded without the victim's testimony, relying instead on the accounts of adults who claimed to speak on her behalf. It wasn't until 2002 that the stepdaughter started pleading with the district attorney's office, urging them to investigate the case further and bring the real perpetrator to justice. Under the leadership of the current district attorney, the civil rights division took up the cause. Through an extensive investigation, they found compelling evidence corroborating the victim's account and sought to rectify the grave miscarriage of justice that had occurred. The tireless dedication of the attorneys involved, who listened to the victim when their predecessors had turned a deaf ear, is a testament to their commitment to upholding justice. Although Monday's decision to vacate Brown's conviction is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, it cannot undo the immeasurable pain and trauma endured by Brown, his stepdaughter, and their family over the past three decades. The long road to justice has left them scarred, and it will take time for healing and rebuilding to occur. Upon his release, Brown was handed a small box containing his personal belongings, a stark reminder of the years stolen from him. The journey to obtain compensation for his wrongful conviction may be arduous and lengthy. To support his fresh start, Brown's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help him rebuild his life. Chief of the Civil Rights Division, Emily Maw, expressed hope that this significant development would bring some closure to the victim and pave the way for healing for both her and Brown. The victim's trauma extends beyond the initial sexual assault, as she has lived with the knowledge that an innocent man suffered while the true perpetrator roamed free. The district attorney's office is now actively examining the viability of charges against the actual perpetrator, demonstrating their commitment to righting the wrongs of the past. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who established the civil rights division, has made it clear that prioritizing the voices of sexual assault survivors is a fundamental principle of his office. Orleans Parish has an astounding rate of exonerations, with 7.92 more exonerations per capita than the national average. This troubling statistic highlights the urgent need to address wrongful convictions, especially those affecting marginalized communities. Efforts to rectify these injustices have resulted in the creation of units like the civil rights division in Orleans Parish, dedicated to preventing and remedying false convictions. As we confront the sins of the past and strive for a more progressive society, it becomes evident that justice and public safety are intertwined. Wrongful convictions not only steal years of a person's life but also perpetuate harm in the community by allowing the true perpetrators to remain at large. The fight for justice is a shared responsibility that demands our unwavering commitment. Brown's story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of truth can ultimately triumph over injustice. The path to justice may be long and fraught with challenges, but when the voices of the wronged are heard, the foundations of a fairer society begin to take shape.