Innocence Project Delaware

For decades, hair microscopy was treated as reliable science in courtrooms across the country. We now know it lacked the accuracy and scientific foundation it claimed to have. Please read more below.

In our work, we sometimes encounter misconceptions about the death penalty in the United States, so today we wanted to address them and shed light on the most current research.

Innocence Project Delaware, in collaboration with the Delaware Law Related Education Center, launched The Wrongful Conviction Workshop.

If you are interested in hosting this workshop in your classroom, please email Sophia Block at sblock@innocencede.org.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the University of Delaware. We are especially grateful to Jermaine Marlow Wright for sharing his experience of wrongful conviction, and to the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice for partnering with us to make this event possible.

In just 9 days, Texas plans to execute Robert Roberson in a case where no crime occurred.

NBC Dateline with has produced a four-part podcast about Robert’s case: www.nbcnews.com/thelastappeal

We urge you to familiarize yourself with this case as we advocate for Robert’s life and innocence.

Last night, we were recognized by the Wilmington City Council. The Council affirmed the need to confront wrongful convictions and acknowledged our work to free the innocent and expose injustice. We are especially grateful to Council Member Shané Darby who sponsored this resolution.

Today, October 2nd, 2025 marks the 12th Annual International Wrongful Conviction Day.

Join us on Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Gore 116 at the University of Delaware for an evening of reflection, learning, and conversation. Free and open to all.

We are honored to be joined by Marlow Wright, who spent nearly 25 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.

We have just two days until our Chasing Freedom Gala! Join us this Thursday for a powerful evening dedicated to advancing justice, strengthening community, and reaffirming our dedication to justice and equity. givebutter.com/xTt9Yy

We are recognizing National Forensic Science Week, a time to reflect on the vital work of forensic science professionals. Forensic science offers hope for a more fair legal system, often through the use of DNA analysis which has been used to exonerate 350+ wrongfully convicted people.

In just two short weeks, we’ll come together for one of the most meaningful nights of the year—the Chasing Freedom Gala. Register and learn more: givebutter.com/xTt9Yy

Innocence Project Delaware is proud to announce that Maddy deLone has joined us as our new Interim Executive Director!

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. This recognition is especially important in prisons and jails, where rates of suicide are significantly higher than in the general population.

Delaware’s 2025 legislative cycle ended in June. We wanted to highlight some legislation passed in the 153rd General Assembly that will reform our criminal legal system: House Bill 53, Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 7, House Bill 43, and House Bill 142.

As the school year begins, we encourage students, educators, and community members to deepen their understanding of wrongful convictions and the urgent need for justice reform. Listed below are some powerful books to add to your reading list this fall:

Today, August 10th, we join in recognizing Prisoners’ Justice Day — a reminder that dignity, humane treatment, and legal protections do not end at the prison gates. We stand with those seeking justice and recommit to confronting wrongful convictions and the vast systemic injustices.

Innocent individuals are often faced with an impossible choice: accept a plea deal that offers an immediate or earlier release, or risk going to trial and facing a sentence that is often drastically harsher.

Why do innocent people plead guilty? We get asked this question a lot and wanted to give a brief overview of the answer.

📢 Who seeks our post-conviction legal representation here at Innocence Project Delaware?
👉 Look below to find out.

We have reviewed 200 applications from individuals often serving lengthy sentences and in need of legal assistance to pursue justice.

July is Disability Pride Month. Despite legal protections, many incarcerated individuals with disabilities are denied the medical care, support services, and accommodations they are entitled to. These systemic failures expose a gap between legal mandates and the reality of treatment in prisons.

Thank you to our incredible pro bono partners at Richards, Layton & Finger! The work they have produced truly makes a difference in shaping our case strategy, strengthening our advocacy, and advancing our broader mission for justice. We’re grateful for their dedication and hope to collaborate again!

Today, International Criminal Justice Day, serves as a reminder of our commitment to justice, both in our state and across our globe. We strive for a world where justice is upheld, individual rights are protected, and accountability for crimes is ensured.

We urge you to support robust FY26 funding for DOJ innocence programs & NIST forensic science research. These programs help to identify, remediate, and prevent wrongful convictions in Delaware while strengthening investigations and prosecutions and increasing public safety.

On September 25, 2025, we invite you to stand with us at the Chasing Freedom Gala, an evening of community and reflection. We’ll gather to honor the power of persistence and the belief that truth is always worth pursuing. Click to secure your spot: givebutter.com/xTt9Yy

June is PTSD Awareness Month.

It is estimated that 27% of incarcerated males and 38% of incarcerated females suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, compared to a rate of 5% for males and 10.4% for females in the general population.