CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been one month since a Chicago man was released from prison after serving nearly 29 years.
Robert Johnson was only 16 when he was charged with murder, a charge that was formally dropped on Tuesday.
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At the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, cheers are typically not heard, but an exception was made on Tuesday. A group of supporters gathered, expressing their joy as Johnson, now cleared of his felony conviction, can finally start anew.
“After 28 years and 10 months, the court has acknowledged my innocence,” Johnson declared. He added, “It felt like a heavy burden was lifted off me, like the long-awaited moment has arrived.”
Lauren Myerscough-Mueller is Johnson’s attorney.
“They knew they targeted the wrong person, yet they proceeded to pursue a 16-year-old who was completely innocent. He was at home with his grandmother, assisting her just like he always did,” Myerscough-Mueller stated.
Last month, Johnson was released after serving 28 years and 10 months for a crime he did not commit.
On Tuesday, the Cook County prosecutor’s office formally dropped the charges.
His case is among hundreds of similar cases dropped in recent years due to police misconduct.
“You have innocent people in jail and murderers that are out there, free to kill others,” Johnson said.
James Gibson is Johnson’s uncle.
“You’re playing political football with human lives,” Gibson said. “You’ve been attacking us since 1978. This is not a time for singing and dancing.”
Johnson has a large group of family and friends supporting him. But it is his grandmother, Mary Robinson, who has been relentlessly hopeful and prayerful.
“I’ve been praying and praying and praying,” Robinson said. “I know he was going to do it, but I didn’t know when.”
Robinson just celebrated her 93rd birthday. Her grandson was able to celebrate with her.
While there is joy, Johnson acknowledged the loved ones he lost while incarcerated and the time lost that he can never get back.
Johnson looks forward to getting his driver’s license and getting a job. Whatever his work, Johnson hopes to mentor young people and encourage them to appreciate their freedom and make good choices with that time they have.
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