Why Is Lamar Johnson A Wrongful Conviction

Lamar Johnson: A Wrongful Conviction and Exoneration The case of Lamar Johnson brings light to the systematic flaws within the criminal justice system, which resulted in Lamar’s wrongful conviction and subsequent exoneration. Lamar Johnson's case gained national attention due to the significant errors and injustices that led to his wrongful conviction. At 9 pm, on October 30th, 1994, Greg Elking visited Markus Boyd in order to buy some drugs. Then two men who were darkly disguised and had black masks with guns attacked Boyd and Elking. One of the gunmen shot and killed Markus Boyd, and spared Greg Elking. The two shooters fled the scene. Later, Leslie, the girlfriend of Boyd, suspected Lamar Johnson, a long time friend of Boyd’s, killed his

Detective Joseph Nickerson began to lead the investigation of Markus Boyd's death on October 31, 1994. “Nickerson, Elking says, warned him his life could be at risk, telling him that Lamar Johnson was a dangerous man who may have been involved in as many as six murders. Attorney Lindsay Runnels says none of that was true.”(Moriarty 1). Elking came forward to be a witness and identified Johnson based on his eyes but wasn't sure and so he did not sign the back of Johnson's photo. Eliking Claimed to have said "these eyes … there's something about these eyes."(Moriarty 1). Elking was called to look at lineups and identified Johnson with a so-called lazy eye and Phillip Campbell with a scar on his forehead. None of the features he said had been stated on earlier descriptions. Detective Nickerson called a prosecutor and said Elking identified Johnson as a murderer. In July of 2021 Johnson went on trial, “At my trial, they did not even present a motive. They never explained why I supposedly did this.”(Moriarty 1). As soon as Lamar was going to be sentenced he received a handwritten letter from his friend Phillip Campbell, that said that he and a man named James B.A. Howard murdered Markus. Campbell felt sorry for Lamar's wrongful conviction. This letter could prove Lamar's innocence, so he requested a hearing, but the judge denied his request.The identification of the face of the

The case highlights the problems associated with flawed eyewitness identification, prosecutorial misconduct, and inadequate legal representation. By addressing these issues through comprehensive reforms, such as improving eyewitness identification procedures, increasing accountability for prosecutors, and providing adequate resources for public defenders, we can work towards a more just and equitable system. The case of Lamar Johnson not only underscores the importance of rectifying individual wrongful convictions but also emphasizes the broader implications for our society and the urgent need for criminal justice