July 12, 2013–The Rocky Mountain Innocence Center (RMIC) and its president Jensie Anderson, a clinical professor at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney Colllege of Law, applauded today’s Utah Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. State of Utah.
In the words of the RMIC release, “Just over two years ago, after serving more than 17 years in prison for a crime she did not commit, Debra Brown was exonerated. On May 2, 2011, Second District Court Judge Michael DiReda ruled Ms. Brown was factually innocent of the crime and ordered her release from prison.
“The Utah Attorney General’s office appealed the district court ruling to the state’s supreme court and today the court ruled in Ms. Brown’s favor.”
In a statement, Brown said, “I’m glad it is over. I’ve always been innocent of this crime. I knew it, my family and friends knew it and the wonderful people at the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center knew it – I’m happy the courts have finally said it too. I appreciate all of the time, effort and prayers that have been given on behalf. What I’ve been through during the last 20 years is impossible to describe unless you’ve lived it yourself. I’m relieved to finally put all of that behind me and move on with my life. I am grateful to everyone who has stood by me, I love you and I thank you.”
The Rocky Mountain Innocence Center is a non-profit organization working to correct and prevent the conviction of innocent people in Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming. RMIC also conducts outreach and education about the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and promotes legal reforms to prevent the conviction of innocent people.