We, the concerned citizens, demand justice for Kerry Baxter Senior, who has been wrongfully convicted and unjustly imprisoned. Kerry is the father of 3 children and a granddaughter (whom he has never met). His oldest son Kerry Baxter Jr., was murdered at 19 years of age after his dad was incarcerated. He has siblings Aunts Uncles and a Mother who want him home. We urge the relevant authorities to reevaluate his case with utmost urgency and take immediate action to secure his release.

Kerry Baxter Senior was convicted in 2003 for a crime he did not commit. He is accused of killing an innocent bystander while involved in an altercation. He was attacked and defended himself in the altercation which was over 2 blocks away from the innocent bystander.  Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to his innocence, he has spent over 22 years behind bars. This grave miscarriage of justice not only robbed an innocent man of his freedom but also shattered the lives of his loved ones. In 2011 his son and namesake was lured to a park and killed and the same Oakland Officer who set up Kerry Senior were involved in his son's murder investigation. We do not believe it is a coincidence that his case went cold almost immediately and even with witnesses has not been solved. 

Key facts supporting Kerry Baxter Senior's wrongful conviction:

1. Lack of Physical Evidence: The prosecution's case against Kerry Baxter Senior relied solely on circumstantial evidence without any concrete physical proof linking him to the crime scene.

2. Inadequate Legal Representation: During his trial, Kerry Baxter Senior was provided with inadequate legal representation that failed to present crucial witnesses and evidence supporting his innocence.

3. Alternative Suspects Ignored: Numerous alternative suspects were overlooked during the investigation, which could have potentially led to identifying the true perpetrator(s) responsible for the crime.

4. The Police and DA used paid informants to testify against Kerry Baxter Senior and gave witness blanket immunity against prosecution. The witness remained on the Streets of Oakland committing crimes with impunity even after the trial. 

5. The Public Defenders Office represented Kerry Baxter Senior and another defendant who testified against Kerry Baxter Senior. When he asked for another Attorney the Courts ignored him. 

6. Forensic evidence eg., GSR tests were not brought into court.

7. All of the Black Jurors were stricken and an All White Jury was impaneled. 

8. Witness testimony stating that the victim was killed by a drive by shooter was not introduced at trial due to DA misconduct. 

9. The presiding judge knew the victim who had previously sat on a death penalty Jury in his court. 

10. The DA and Courts painted Kerry Baxter Senior as unemployed a Drug Dealer and Gang Member none of which was true.

11. The Defense Attorney did not object to the lies and misrepresentations presented about Kerry Baxter Senior and was being disbarred even while representing him. 

12. Public Outcry and Doubts Surrounding Conviction: A significant number of legal experts, activists, and community members have expressed doubts about Kerry Baxter Senior's guilt based on inconsistencies within the case and concerns regarding procedural errors during trial proceedings.

13. Kerry Senior was healthy when sent arrested in 2001 and was a working member of the Carpenter's Union. Since he has been in Prison he was exposed to TB and has Kidney Disease. He has had cell mates who were dying and not getting adequate medical care. One Cellie had diabetes and when he would go into a diabetic coma and Kerry had to revive him. The guards told him if he died he would be sent to AD Seg even though they were not taking him to the medical unit. 

We call upon law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and relevant authorities involved in this case to thoroughly review all available evidence with impartiality and transparency. It is imperative that they correct this grave injustice by exonerating Kerry Baxter Senior and facilitating his immediate release.

By signing this petition, we stand united in demanding justice for Kerry Baxter Senior. We urge the authorities to rectify this wrongful conviction and provide him with the opportunity to rebuild his life after years of unjust imprisonment. Let us restore faith in our justice system by righting this terrible wrong.

#JusticeForKerryBaxterSenior

 

 Statement from Dwight Jones who received Blanket Immunity to testify against Kerry Baxter Senior.