Brian Jerome Scott, is an innocent man who's unlawfully confined at Buckingham Correctional Center in Virginia.  He was wrongfully convicted of the murder of Tirail Jackson that allegedly took place on February 15, 2007 in Southampton County Virginia.  On May 18, 2009, while already serving 10 years in prison for a probation violation, and breaking and entering that he committed on December 2, 2006, Mr. Scott was indicted by Southampton County Grand Jury with first degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of murders, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  You are now probably asking the million dollar question, “How”.

This is the question Brian has been pondering over and fighting to show our judicial system and pardon committee.  Prior to Mr. Scott being indicted on May 21, 2007, a gentleman by the name of Stanley Byrd confessed to the murder, was arrested, charged, and later released without going to trial.

The prosecution's theory was Mr. Scott struggled with Mr. Jackson before shooting him multiple times. The Commonwealth ordered forensic testing on the victim’s fingernails on November 8, 2010 which resulted in DNA being found that was foreign to the victim.  It was stated only a buccal cheek swab test could be administered in order to be removed as a suspect.  Mr. Scott VOLUNTEERED for the test, took it and On March 10, 2011 was CLEARED BY THE DNA FINDINGS.  The Commonwealth Attorney, Eric Cooke, still continued to prosecute the case.

Due to their being foreign DNA under the victim’s nails, Mr. Scott firmly believed there should have been the same on Mr. Jackson’s clothing therefore he filed the appropriate motion requesting for additional testing on the garments.  His hopes were to be able to obtain enough DNA to be processed through the database and clear his name yet again. The results were received on January 16, 2013 and ELIMINATED Mr. Scott as a contributor of that DNA, for a SECOND time. The Commonwealth Attorney, Eric Cooke, still continued to prosecute the case.

Brian has an alibi witness (affidavit composed) who confirms he was with her before, during and after the time of the murder.  The Commonwealth’s entire case relied on jailhouse snitches whom provided fabricated stories as a result of reduced sentencing.  They testified that Mr. Scott confessed to them he committed the murder, LIES!  Truth be told, the assumption was Brian had been arrested for this murder back on March 15, 2007, a mile away from the crime scene, when actually he was detained for a probation violation that occurred in Drewyville. SINCE HIS CONVICTION AND SENTENCING, WITNESSES HAVE RECANTED THEIR STATEMENTS AND SUPPLIED AFFIDAVITS.

The ironic aspect of this story is despite the above facts, Mr. Scott found himself reluctantly accepting a last minute Alford Plea for voluntary manslaughter due to the brutal ineffective assistance of his trial attorney Christopher Reagan.  Mr. Reagan refused to put forth the proper fight and evidence needed to prove Brian’s innocence and informed him he could possibly receive a life sentence if found guilty.

Immediately following his plea agreement Mr. Scott began his crusade and journey in promoting his innocence and requesting immediate release.  His first attempt in his fight was hiring Mr. Bryan Jones, who filed multiple pleadings with the courts demonstrating how Mr. Scott’s plea and indictments were unlawful and a direct effect of ineffective counsel from Christopher Reagan. Unfortunately all efforts have been denied resulting in a pardon being filed to the Governor’s office as of August 2017.  Despite relentless efforts and correspondence Brian has not received any feedback regarding his pardon submission.

Resulting from all of the denials and unanswered requests, Mr. Scott has now found himself composing and filing his last document, Writ of Innocence.  He has partnered with Bending the Bars to ensure his innocence and evidence is put forth the appropriate individuals in a way it cannot be overlooked.  The courts, attorney and law has failed Mr. Scott in every way of justice and we are asking for your support by signing this petition and reaching out with any counsel assistance or referrals.  FREEDOM & JUSTICE FOR BRIAN SCOTT