Innocent man exonerated after 34 years

Last week, my uncle Francisco Benitez was released from prison after 34 years in prison for a crime he did not commit and knew nothing about. The judge threw out his conviction based on a finding of actual innocence. 

The case was a 1989 shooting in the Humboldt Park area. At a hearing a couple months ago, two witnesses testified that they had seen the shooting from their window, and they knew the shooters from the neighborhood. They confirmed that it was not Frankie, whom they had never met before. The police officer who arrested Frankie came to the hearing and testified that he has always believed that Frankie was innocent, and that they got the wrong guy. The officer testified that he had known Frankie from the neighborhood and knew him to be a good kid, and that he did not think he would have ever committed such a serious crime. Frankie also had alibi witnesses who, even after 34 years, still insisted that Frankie had been with them the night of the shooting. 

Frankie has been asserting his innocence for three decades, and never stopped fighting to win his case and be released. That day finally came last week, when he walked out of prison and directly into the arms of his mom Betty. We are so happy he is home. 

Frankie is home with our family now, living with one of his brothers and his mom. He has lots of love and emotional support, but it is a financial struggle for all of us. Frankie is anxious to get his driver's license and to get a job, but it will take some time for him to adjust. He was taken from us when he was just 18 years old, and has lived almost two-thirds of his life in prison. 

If you are able to make a contribution to help Frankie get on his feet, we would be so appreciative. Thank you!