My brother, Eric Woods, has been unjustly incarcerated for 22 years for a crime he did not commit. Despite the lack of credible forensic evidence linking him to the crime, his conviction was based almost entirely on a confession extracted under coercion during an intense, prolonged interrogation. Shockingly, this interrogation was neither audio nor video recorded, leading to a conviction that violates the fundamental principles of justice.

This miscarriage of justice is not just a personal tragedy for our family, but it is a glaring example of systemic failure. In Detroit, and across the nation, cases like my brother's highlight the urgent need for reform in our justice system. A person's liberty should not hinge on the absence of credible evidence or the presence of coerced confessions. These practices undermine public confidence in our legal system and tarnish our society's commitment to fairness.

In recent years, research has shown that false confessions and coerced statements often lead to wrongful convictions. The National Registry of Exonerations indicates that 29% of wrongful convictions overturned through DNA evidence involved false confessions. This is a disturbing statistic that emphasizes the need for recorded interrogations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The residents of Detroit deserve a fair and just system that protects the rights of every individual. We call on local authorities, district attorneys, and legislators in Michigan to review cases like my brother's, where convictions are based solely on dubious confessions. We demand that interrogation procedures be reformed to require audio and video recordings as a standard practice, safeguarding against coercion and wrongful convictions.

The time has come to rectify this injustice and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Each signature on this petition will amplify our voice, urging those in power to take meaningful steps towards justice reform. Sign now to bring attention to this miscarriage of justice and help us fight for a fairer system for all.