Stacy Evans presents resolutions to compensate exonerees Mario Stinchcomb and Michael Wolfolk

The Appropriations Committee of the State of Georgia convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss two significant resolutions aimed at compensating individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes. The meeting, led by Chairman, began with a reminder of the one-hour time constraint for the session.

The first resolution addressed was HR 119, proposed by Representative Stacy Evans. This resolution seeks to compensate Mario Stinchcomb, who was wrongfully incarcerated for 18 years. Stinchcomb was the first individual exonerated by the Fulton Conviction Integrity Unit. His case centered on a self-defense claim, supported by physical evidence. A key witness, initially believed to be deceased, later corroborated Stinchcomb's account, confirming that he acted in self-defense during the incident. The committee unanimously moved to pass HR 119 without any questions or objections.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to HR 118, which aims to compensate Michael Wolfolk, a co-defendant in the same case as Stinchcomb. Like Stinchcomb, Wolfolk was exonerated by the Fulton Conviction Integrity Unit, with his case also revolving around a self-defense argument supported by physical evidence. Representative Evans requested the committee's favorable consideration for this resolution as well. The committee acknowledged that both resolutions had been previously discussed in the prior year.

The meeting concluded with a clear commitment to addressing the injustices faced by Stinchcomb and Wolfolk, highlighting the importance of the Fulton Conviction Integrity Unit's role in rectifying wrongful convictions. The committee's swift action on these resolutions underscores a growing recognition of the need for accountability and compensation for those wrongfully imprisoned.