"I Didn’t Know What the Sky Looked Like Any More": Ricky Jackson Exonerated After 39 Years in Jail
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- democracynow.org -An Ohio man has been freed from prison after spending 39 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. Ricky Jackson, a 59-year old African-American man, had been jailed since 1975 on a murder conviction. The prosecution’s case was based on the testimony of a 13-year-old witness. After a 2011 investigation, the witness recanted his testimony, saying he had implicated Jackson and two others under police coercion. The witness, Eddy Vernon, said police had fed him the story and threatened to arrest his parents if he didn’t cooperate. On Friday, Ricky Jackson was freed after prosecutors dropped the case. With nearly four decades wrongfully behind bars, Jackson is the longest-held U.S. prisoner to be exonerated. He joins us today along with his lawyer, Brian Howe, a staff attorney with the Ohio Innocence Project.
Democracy Now!, is an independent global news hour that airs weekdays on 1,300+ TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9am ET at democracynow.org.
Please consider supporting independent media by making a donation to Democracy Now! today: owl.li/ruJ5Q
FOLLOW DEMOCRACY NOW! ONLINE:
Facebook: / democracynow
Twitter: / democracynow
TH-cam: / democracynow
SoundCloud: / democracynow
Daily Email: democracynow.or...
Google+: plus.google.co...
Instagram: / democracynow
Tumblr: democracynow.tu...
Pinterest: / democracynow
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
![ออกพรรษาน้ำตาหล่น - แอน อรดี [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PFZtOcY9ONA/mqdefault.jpg)
🤔He was in jail for more years than his attorney has been alive. Just think about his path to freedom....It took his attorney’s parents to meet, marry and procreate...it took the birth of his attorney...his attorney’s destiny to become a lawyer...and to save this man’s life!! Amazing.
Yeah it’s strange and quite enlightening to think of it that way. It’s incredibly sad that he had all that time taken from him. The racist cops will never face true justice though.
@@southlondon86 So the White guy who was in prison while innocent for 36 years was also the victim of racism from non-Whites? Or do you just make up racism whenever you get the chance?
That’s deep
@@southlondon86- Yes, very sad. 😞
@@jewnbugshekelstein5180 - Racism is wrong...always wrong...in my opinion. 😞
He should be paid 1 million dollars per each year he lost.
Life is not about money
And those who put him in jail, they should be jailed as well.
***** 1,572,870
***** 40,330 X 39. I kno just wait till he pays his lawyers and probably pay tax its not enough to compensate for all those years.. more like retirement money.. but hey if he can find some way to invest it and make good returns then ok.. I think in his situation he would be trying to gain back all those years he lost instead of worrying about money, no amount of money can buy back time.
Quoting -- Le- Minh
So basically they're not going to even consider compensating the pain and suffering?! Not to mention pain and suffering for his family, loss of income to his family?! How about money for his unborn kid, the family he never got to have? How much is that worth?
Wrongfully imprisoned for that long is possibly the worst thing that could happen to a human being. God Bless him
I believe that being executed for a crime he never committed is far worse than spending 39 years in prison. When you die the only thing you can take with you is your good name
No one can ever give that back to you once it's gone. He has now been econerated, and he sounds so gracious & humble.
I know nothing - not even money - can bring back those lost years, but l dincerely hope he can live out the remainder of his years in peace, and cpmfort. And may he find the love he deserves.
@@irenedevilliers1674 a lifetime in prison is horrific and definitely one of the worst things that can happen to a human so dont "well actually" this
who is going after the attorney that threatened the kid and made him lie?
A1 LAKEVIEW DOORS & GLASS , Yes, what become of those who know they where convicting a innocent man, the prosecutor, police they should be held accountable for there actions, especially if they new there were more evidence.
It wasn't an attorney. He said it was the police.
Did the witness need 39 years to come forward?
the witness had to wait 39 years, to grow a pair?
fucking right!
***** it's humbling, it really is
Dude should be jailed a minimum for a year for ruining this dudes life.
Bestn8ivealive At the end had the decency to do the right thing, but it is still disturbing the time it took to decide
John Le
I totally agree with you, he could have saved him long before
SO WHEN WILL THOSE POLICE OFFICERS GET CHARGED FOR THEIR CRIME??
Brit Lee statute of limitations cancels it..
B Jay
Police officers never get charged for any crime they commit. I mean, well, not always...
Yeaaa....when SON OF A BITCHES...NUTTIN NEWWW...JAIL THEIR ASSES AND GIVE HIM THEIR PENSION AND JOBS. ADD A PROMOTION!!!
Are you sure the idi0ts are still alive?
I’m pretty sure there dead by now hopefully 🙏🏾
This guy should be a 39millionaire no one deserves this.
RICKY JACKSON, YOU ARE A GREAT WONDERFUL MAN !!!!!!!!!
Raarotongaa Ruffin is fuck top racism
Fuck all behind the problem. U ar great man may Allah help u more very sadness
even when they bribed him...with his freedom...he stood tall..immense
May the Lord continue to Bless you Ricky. This speaks to the institutionalized injustice system of the USA.
THIS is why the Death Penalty needs to be abolished - the government simply cannot GUARANTEE that they will NEVER convict an innocent person!
You can release a wrongfully-incarcerated man; you can't unkill a wrongfully-executed man.
Hell yeah
Holy shit! Did the prime witness really need 39 years to feel guilty about jailing an innocent man?
dont forget to put the blame on the cops and system who did and do this time and time again
You were really determined, your last conversation with your mother was encouraging. You are truly a hero. I read your story and watched this video in such an emotional manner that I could not hold back my tears. The Truth has triumphed. Bravo!
It is hard to believe that anyone with his grace and dignity didn't get parole. Bad enough that he was falsely accused, but no parole?
But now he is free love
@Mike Matters You are right about that!
Do they ever unfairly jail people who are not black? This is the theft of a life. Things like this piss me off.
I had the same question....how many white folks have been exonerated from this project?
shurednichso In this society black lives don't count for much. Don't try selling cigarettes on a city sidewalk in NY or you'll find out if you're black. People have been killed for such things.
yes they do. thanks for the racism.
....and would you give a damn if this was a white man???? I'm so sick of the race thing.. it's 2014. stop it.
There's a video in suggestions of what you're looking for -_-
The state of Ohio owes this man $39 million dollars.
F. Yo. Couch You damn right
Agreed
NO, but it's a start.
He is owned 39 years.
Wow. This makes me pretty angry. Words cannot describe the level of injustice.
Magnesium, This level is just HORRIFIC!! 39 YEARS for this man and others just saddens me to no end!!
it's an evil system.
ruapraia ABSO FUCKENLUTEKY
I find it more interesting that a 13-year-old witness is able to lie to the jury and judge so well. One explanation is that the kid is just a pawn in a kangaroo court system (judge+cop+jury) that is bent on convincing an innocent man: the kid is just there for the show.
Imagine so many other innocent people the system might have killed because of wicked police officers and false witnesses who never came back to recount their story.
God bless you Ricky Jackson , nothing can bring back your lost years , but try and look forward and make the most of the future . Don't let the bitterness eat you up.
I don’t think his bitter.
God bless him. I hope and pray he is going great. He is an encouragement and an inspiration. I cannot believe what he has experienced. Compensation is definitely in order.
I was really annoyed at how his attorney kept talking about the "mistakes" that led to Mr. Ricky Jackson's arrest and conviction, and the "mistakes" that people make in the system. He is in denial as to the corrupt and racist motives that led to Mr. Jackson being intentionally and wrongfully convicted.
There's nothing more painful, hurtful, and damaging than having to go to and through hell all the while knowing your innocent.
He wouldn't even know who Michael Jordan is....
Ricky Jackson demand a compensation from the state because of this error!
Police: A crime has been committed. Victim or victims family: A black guy did it!
Police: Will this black guy do!
Prosecutor: Yeah this black guy is good as any!
judge: Is this the right black guy?
jury: who cares it's a black guy they all guilty of something?
jury: We find you guilty of all charges!
black guy: Why I'm innocent!
judge: I sentence you death death for being a black guy!
This is so wrong...but also very right. Arguably an unfortunate reality of America in the 70s. God bless Ricky Jackson.
@@snesmaniac228 Michael Hanline is White. Both or your race cards are declined.
The state of Ohio owes this man a golden parachute.
The state of ohio and the federal government should aggressively pursue and press charges against those sworn officials that used illegal methods and broke all manner of laws in setting this man up and sending him to prison with a capital charge that otherwise would have meant his death at the hands of the state.
The level of evil and cruel that are given power and authority to enforce and maintail law and order is terrifying..and its been this way forever
Amen.. for sure. If I find myself uttering the words "I didnt know what the sky looked like.." that's a show of how truly depraved the 'corrections' system is.
I tend to believe that money isnt a fix for much of this and often get tired of hearing people say "get paid" when found to be exonerated of false accusations made against them, because my basic belief is that "getting paid" is not the fundamental cure for a thing that should not be happening anyhow.. But in this fellows case, pay him plenty so that he can live just as you stated.
A fun and comfort filled high-life. Leave the continental U.S and chase the sun and sky.go see the world. There are many other enchanting, fun and beautiful places in the world to see. he should spend time basking in the sun and blue skies in as many of them as he can. Monaco sounds like a great place to start..or finish.
Why did the police offer him that deal, plead guilty and YOUR free?....I know why, because they KNEW he was innocent and were about to PROVEN SO.......
The graciousness of Ricky Jackson falsely accused towards a witness coerced and manipulated at 12 years of age, he had this to say.
Reporter: What are your thoughts about the people who got you here in the first place 39 years ago, the people who said you did it when you didn't?
Ricky Jackson: I guess that a lot of people would want me to hate that person and to carry animosity towards them but I don't. You know, people have to remember that they see him as a grown man today but in '75 he was a 12 year old kid. And he was manipulated and coerced by the police you know and they used him. They used him to get us in prison. So as far as that young man is concerned, I wish him the best. I don't hate him. I just wish that he has a good life and it took a lot of courage to do what he did in that court room. You guys didn't see his testimony, hear his testimony but it took a lot of courage for him to do what he did. They tried to break him. They tried to screw him up but at the end he always said the same basic thing, 'They didn't do it. I lied.' And that took a lot of courage for him. He'd been carrying a burden around for 39 years like we had but in the end he came through and I'm grateful for that.
The authorities are the perpetrator of this injustice. Ricky is a man I can only respect.
PS.. I am so grateful Ricky finally got justice. All though it's too little too late.
If found innocent people should be paid for each day they spent in jail. They need to pay this man for his time.
Brenda Taylor: That's why America has no Innocent verdict. Even when you go to trial, you can only be found guilty or not guilty. There is no option to find anyone Innocent. Anyone they charge, they will never say "you are innocent, they will always say they did not have enough evidence to convict you and find you guilty". But they will never say "you are innocent".
What do you do after 39 years. I feel so sorry for him. The state should give him millions!! So happy for him at the same time.
That’s 39 Of life He will Never Get Back. Truly Sad man
I Love this Precious MAN, He has a beautiful Spirit, Character and so much more, I Pray God's absolute Best for the Rest, sending a virtual Hug, from S. D. Ca.. 🙏💖👍✌☝
" people spend time in jail" just say Black Men!!!!
Michael Hanline is White though. Your race card is declined.
Why so many black man were wrongfully convicted in 70s?
What a great man, this fellow Jackson. I wish him all the best and may he live to be ... as old as he wants.
he looks 39 wow
society and us govt owe this man a life!!!
Ricky Jackson should be compensated 39 million dollars.
Because he was convicted of a crime he never committed.
Happy for him, but when will the law enforcers be locked up?
Shame on you America
Re Mr Jackson's compensation, this is from Google:
After his release, Jackson was awarded $1 million dollars in 2015 in compensation by the state of Ohio for his decades in prison due to the wrongful conviction. In 2016 he received an additional $2.65 million settlement from the state Court of Claims, based on estimates of lost income.
I'm Proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free..... wait, what?
Seems the US have a lot of incarcerated individuals who are wrongfully imprisoned. They would need millions of dollars in compensation, and it still wouldn't be enough...
The Mf who lied On him should live forever in prison
What about the cops that forced the kid to lie?
Dixon Gomez they are dead
Dixon Gomez they are in Hell
I guess you can't even be mad after 39 years because it just becomes life.
^^^ U stupid
+sherry virk maybe you can start calling people stupid when you can speak like an adult.
🤔Whoa...Imagine being told exactly what day you’re gonna die and then imagine being given more time to live....😃💞
Was that lawyer even alive when he went in?
I am crying now.
Hi this man is realy strong.
A heart To forgive...God bless his heart ....
LOOK FOR THOSE POLICE OFFICERS.. JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS WHO PUT THIS INNOCENT MAN IN PRISON AND SNIPER THEM ALL. DO NOT MISS THE BULLET... LOCATE WHERE THEY LIVE AND DO THE JOB.... THANK YOU..
Brother the love of God surrounds you. I love you...your strength...your determination...consistency...and realism. I walk with you. You are well rounded. Have a great life and I wish I can meet you in Good Spirits!!!
I dont care if black , white , yellow or blue , how abt the reverse the ones who wrongly sentenced need to be in prison for 39 years
And thanks for your understanding Ms. Joan and may your wisdom becomes a beacon for the misguided,any help is better than NONE when it comes to race-relations
The government needs to pay him big time. Provide him a decent house/living and a job.
What happened to everyone who was responsible for this gross injustice they should be held to account
They need to find those police officers and lock them up
There are not words to describe the feeling of this man , just doing what everybody else do : FREELY WALK , TAKE A LOOK AT THE SKY .
This makes me sick.
I would love to hear his thought on the corruption of the black family. and the state of black culture?
I don’t know how this man didn’t go insane after realizing HOW MANY YEARS HAVE GONE TO WASTE ☹️
Just think about the ones that never made it out that's innocent. Wow, this world we live in. Seems like evil is winning
Why does he not have 20 million compensation atleast.... almost 40 years... 2. 5 years thinking death by electrocution. I can't imagine what level of patients this man has. I pray that you go heven with all your loved ones. Ameeen...!!!
This is the real Shawshank Redemption story.
Where is this man now?
despite that black people are only 20% of American population yet black people disproportionately endured the wrongful conviction. and sadly there is no sign that it is going to an end.
Sorry bro you may become free from jail... but you're never free from the systems, societies and communities that humanity provides... earth is a jail itself there is only one way out.... HINT: he is the light :)
This reminded me of the Salem witch trials where people only lived if they admitted that they were under the devils control and committed witchcraft. The people knew they were innocent but if they didn’t lie and say that they were under the devils command they would be killed. Good for him for keeping his integrity and self worth.
I'm happy with and for you, brother. I pray they prepared a monumental feast to welcome you home.
I’m glad the kid who liked finally told the truth but I’m amazed at the level of forgiveness this man has in his heart. 😔I can’t imagine 😩 I just can’t imagine how this man lived through someone lying on him and police corruption to the point that he was in prison for almost 40 years!!!!.😔
Looks a little different doesn't it? The sky? Redemption is near. God knows your pain he has always been with you. Bless your heart.
The people responsible for false accusations should serve the sentences innocent victims get. In this case it would be the policemen who coerced the 13 years old boy or whomever was behind it.
39 years before prosecutors 'dropped' the case? Everyone involved with prosecuting this man and over a 1000 others should be given life.
A life for a life. The only difference here, they both live.
This guy is unbelievably strong !
I bet nobody involved in his case goes to prison
Very sad...,no words I have...but I say only god bless u.....,..
Mr.Ricky Jackson write a few books. Your truly an O.G.
There should be people getting executed for what they did to this man anything less IS NOT JUSTICE AT ALL!!
Lets just cut the BS, Ricky Jackson went into prison because of dirty cops!! They should take Ricky's place in jail. What's going on with these cops??
Another example of a flawed justice system.
Nate Walker The system is not FLAWED. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY
Glad your out Sir! Wow that's a long time to spend in prison for a crime he was innocent of. Hope he gets a really good attorney that's not to much a bloodsucker. Makes you wonder and think twice if your on a jury someday to take judging another very seriously and do our best making sure he or she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and still ponder it over again. That could be any of us in those shoes!
Start making these states pay a million dollars for every year they spent in jail. Plus bring charge on the prosecutor and judge. 👿🔱 Start writing them checks✍️👀💯 out it's a lot more that are innocent sitting in jail.
Mistakes, pay that man
God bless this man he will surely go to heaven...... may those who accused him falsely burn for all eternity....
he has a big heart I don't think I would be able to forgive like he did....
Amen...
Scandal. Will he at least get a big economical compensation?
I could be getting this case mixed with another but I think I heard $4.5 m, Should be a super yacht, jet and private island
Do I really see thumbs down whoever they are those are the kind who would send a innocent man to jail..
Heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking 💔
I don't look at it like some people make mistakes some of the people in the system are just plain corrupt .
You can’t take fucking 39 years of him then say good luck
His lawyer said the justice system makes mistakes. yeah but that's a HUGE 39 yr. Mistake 39 yrs this guy will never get back.
Looks like the Sherrif behind him didn't like the Idea notice him ordering him ,c,mon c,mon WTF
I wonder why he waited 39 years to SPEAK UP!! and tell the TRUTH. Would somebody please tell me😲
So its ok for the wrongly convicted to stay locked up but the ones who lied are allowed to continue their regular life???They need to look at all the cases they are involved in and tgen charge them throw away the key
He paid lots money or free pass for everything in world. ..ie.nation paid his every bills for forever. ...
Unhappy for his guest to leave 00:42
This is 2021. How is Mr Jackson doing?
Indeed you did the right thing for not admitting to the sin you did not commit, Bible says the truth shall set you free.