Kansas Senate honors exonerees and advocates for wrongful conviction reform

During the Kansas Senate Chamber proceedings on January 28, 2025, a significant moment unfolded as senators recognized individuals who have been directly impacted by wrongful convictions. Senator Johnson and Senator Holscher led the acknowledgment of special guests, including Lamont McIntyre, who spent 23 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. McIntyre, an advocate for justice reform and co-founder of the organization Miracle of Innocence, was instrumental in the development of the wrongful compensation bill aimed at providing financial support to those exonerated after wrongful imprisonment.

The chamber also welcomed Joe Amrine, an exoneree from Missouri who endured over 16 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Mark Zimmerman, the executive director of Miracle of Innocence, and Tricia Rojo Bushnell, the executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project, were present to highlight their ongoing efforts in supporting wrongfully convicted individuals.

Additionally, the sons of Kansas exoneree Pete, who passed away shortly after his exoneration, were acknowledged, underscoring the personal toll of wrongful convictions. The senators invited all attendees to stand and give a warm welcome to these advocates and exonerees, emphasizing the importance of their work in the fight for justice and reform.

This recognition not only honors the resilience of those wrongfully convicted but also reinforces the Senate's commitment to addressing issues of justice and compensation for the innocent. The discussions and acknowledgments during this session serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for reform in the criminal justice system and the importance of supporting those who have suffered from its failures.