In 1987, Maurice Carter was wrongfully convicted of a non-fatal shooting in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was sentenced to life without parole. In 2004, his sentence was commuted due to his health, but his name was never cleared. Unfortunately, Maurice died within three months of his release from prison.

We believe Maurice Carter deserves justice, even if that justice is posthumous. Unjust convictions are all too common in the United States. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, at least 2,400 people have been exonerated since 1989. Unfortunately, Maurice Carter is not one of them. This petition seeks to rectify that. 

What went wrong in Maurice's case?

-Maurice was not charged until 2 years after the crime

-Another man facing a long prison sentence implicated Maurice; that man recanted his testimony at trial

-The crime victims did not identify Maurice until he was arrested and his picture appeared in the local paper

-The government used incentivized witnesses against Maurice

-An unbiased eyewitness testified Maurice was NOT the shooter

-Maurice's attorney failed to provide adequate representation

-Maurice was convicted by an all white jury

We implore the governor of Michigan to grant Maurice Carter a posthumous pardon. This action will not only restore the dignity that he deserves, but it will also serve as a powerful commentary on the imperfections in our criminal justice system. Stand with us in the pursuit of ultimate justice and equity, sign this petition to pledge your support.