The Innocence Institute of Point Park University
An investigative reporting organization that probes allegations of wrongful convictions.
Appeals court overturns Jordan Brown ruling
"Because the evidence of record does not support certain of the juvenile court’s crucial factual findings, we vacate the dispositional order and remand the case to the juvenile court for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion." Appeal from the Order May 18, 2012, Court of Common Pleas, Lawrence County, Criminal Division at No. 113 of 2011, JUV Read more of the Court …
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Munchinski Free after Serving 25 Years in Wrongful Conviction
A Pa. Judge dismissed all charges against David Munchinski on June 14, 2013, now totally free after 30 years. It was the first case ever probed by the Innocence Institute of Point Park University. David Munchinski was released on September 30, 2011 after spending 25 years in prison. He was wrongly convicted of the 1988 double murder known as the "Bear Rocks Killings." Professor William …
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Terrell Johnson wins freedom
Crowds of family, friends, and reporters greeted Terrell Johnson when he was released from prison having served 18 years for a murder he did not commit. Updated articles follow this original journalism from September 21, 2003. "Terrell Johnson admits to being a street dope peddler but says he's no killer," by Bill Moushey. Over the past two years, students at Point Park College examined …
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Twice Facing Execution, Simmons Wins a New Lease on Life
Ernest Simmons’s life has been a tale of gritty survival. Now those instincts to protect what he has landed him back in jail. Simmons, released from prison after serving 18 years on death row, was living in a halfway house. He perceived that another resident was pursuing his girlfriend and while sitting through dialysis treatment stated that he wanted to assault his rival. Updated …
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The Deadliest Fire Fight in City of Pittsburgh History?
A Judge is considering whether Greg Brown deserves a new trial in the Bricelyn Street fire. The city’s most famous fire has been studied nationwide for years because it represents precisely how not to fight a fire. Updates follow this original reporting Published December 2010 By Amanda Gillooly When the frenzied cries for help and hushed prayers to God fell silent, Edward J. Wyland …
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