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These are two sample letters to the 1994 prosecuting attorney, Justice Kim Berkeley Clark, and current District Attorney of Allegheny County, Stephen Zappala. Join the letter writing campaign. Question the roles of our current public officials in keeping Terrell Johnson in prison for a crime they know he did not commit.
To:
Kim Berkeley Clark
Judge, Family Division
440 Ross Street
Room 5077
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Kim Berkeley Clark,
I am writing to you today because of your reputation as an advocate for healthy families and communities.
In 1994, you were the prosecuting attorney in the Terrell Johnson case. Mr. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison based on the perjured testimony of Evelyn McBryde. In exchange for her testimony, you personally intervened in several outstanding criminal cases to ensure that Evelyn McBryde was protected.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the granting of a new trial in this case based on evidence that Evelyn’s testimony was fabricated, which was undoubtedly known by your office in 1994.
Given your responsibility in the initial conviction of an innocent man, you have a unique opportunity to use your influence to right this injustice. In the weeks leading up to the new trial there will be rallies, workshops educating the community, discussions at the law school on prosecutorial ethics, and media outreach to increase awareness of this case.
We would like your support in educating the community on this particular case, and how wrongful convictions occur in the criminal justice system.
Sincerely,
January 2010
To:
District Attorney Stephen Zappala
Room 303 Courthouse
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
I am writing you today on behalf of Terrell Johnson, a Hazelwood citizen who has been incarcerated for 16 years for a crime he did not commit. In 1994, Assistant District Attorney Kim Berkeley Clark used the perjured testimony of a bought witness to secure a conviction. There was no other evidence against Terrell, and he was given a life sentence.
He has been separated from his wife and children ever since.
The other two people accused in this shooting were acquitted of murder because they had effective counsel.
Your office has twice offered Terrell Johnson a deal. He could be home in his community right now if he would admit to a crime he did not commit. It is clear that your office is aware that there is insufficient evidence with which to secure a conviction.
I am requesting that your office do the right thing and free an innocent man.
Sincerely,
January 2010
