DC brothers freed after wrongful murder convictions seek presidential pardon

Brothers Wrongfully Convicted of 1984 Murder in D.C. Seek Presidential Pardon

After spending decades in prison for a crime they maintain they did not commit, brothers Charles and Chris Turner are seeking a presidential pardon to clear their names and restore their rights. The Turner brothers were convicted as teenagers for the murder of Catherine Fuller in Northeast Washington, D.C. near the intersection of 8th and H Street.

Despite the wrongful conviction and the challenges they have faced since their release, the brothers remain hopeful and focused on the future. They refuse to let the injustice of their past define their lives moving forward.

Chris Turner expressed their perspective on the situation, stating, “People get upset more that we’re not bitter. We think if you remain bitter, remain upset about what occurred – even though it was an atrocity and it was injustice – that you stay locked up mentally.”

The case of the Turner brothers brought to light allegations of suppressed evidence, coerced testimony, and investigative errors. Seventeen people were initially arrested in connection with Fuller’s murder, with eight individuals ultimately convicted. The six surviving individuals continue to maintain their innocence after collectively serving over 200 years behind bars.

The brothers have actively engaged with their community and remain optimistic about their future prospects, despite the limitations imposed by their felony records. Charles Turner expressed regret over missed opportunities, stating, “We’ve actually said we might join the police force if we didn’t have this on our record … I used to want to be in the Navy. I can’t serve my country because I have a record.”

A presidential pardon for the Turner brothers represents a crucial step in not only clearing their names but also restoring their reputation and rights that were lost as a result of the wrongful convictions. Charles Turner emphasized the significance of a pardon in validating not just himself and the other wrongfully convicted men, but also their families, friends, and supporters.

Presidential pardons are typically granted between Election Day and Inauguration Day, providing a potential window of opportunity for the Turner brothers to seek justice and closure in their long-fought battle for exoneration.

By seeking a pardon, Charles and Chris Turner aim to bring a final resolution to a decades-long ordeal, allowing them to move forward with their lives and pursue new opportunities that were once out of reach due to the lingering effects of their wrongful conviction.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP