The Tennessee Innocence Project

05/27/2026

Wrongful convictions steal years of life, but awareness can help restore justice.

Subscribe to the Tennessee Innocence Project newsletter at www.tninnocence.org/subscribe for case updates, upcoming events, and ways to support the fight for the innocent.

05/22/2026

We were honored to be a part of an incredible evening celebrating our local donors on Wednesday at ! Many thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate the work of the Tennessee Innocence Project and the community that makes this mission possible.

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was having many of our exonerees in attendance. Our supporters had the opportunity to meet and connect with the men and women we serve, witnessing firsthand the impact of freedom after decades of wrongful incarceration.

To our donors, advocates, volunteers, and friends: thank you for standing with us in the fight to free the innocent. Your support makes this work possible, and we are honored to do it alongside you!

05/20/2026

Tennessee is moving forward with the ex*****on of Tony Carruthers even though key DNA evidence in the case has never been tested.

"Before the state takes a life, they should be required to answer a simple, foundational question: Did they get the right person? In this case, Tennessee is refusing to find out. Regardless of where you land on the death penalty, that should stop you in your tracks."

Read the full article here: https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/05/20/tony-carruthers-ex*****on-dna-evidence-death-penalty/90167359007/

05/19/2026

Did you know that the Tennessee Innocence Project sends monthly update emails to its mailing list of supporters?

By signing up for our free community newsletter, you’ll stay informed about the fight to free the innocent, policy updates, client stories, events, and ways you can help make a difference across Tennessee.

Sign up today at www.tninnocence.org/subscribe or by clicking the link in bio!

05/15/2026

Why are re-entry services so important for exonerees?

At the Tennessee Innocence Project, we fight to free people who were wrongfully convicted. But our exonerees and released clients have spent decades incarcerated for crimes they did not commit, averaging nearly 27 years behind bars.

After that much time, returning home can feel overwhelming. Technology and workplaces have changed. Even everyday tasks like getting a driver’s license, applying for jobs, or accessing healthcare can become major obstacles.

Many exonerees also leave prison carrying deep emotional and physical trauma from years of incarceration. Some need immediate medical care, stable housing, counseling, or financial support just to begin rebuilding their lives with dignity.

That is why re-entry services matter. People who have lost decades to a wrongful conviction deserve the opportunity to build a future after so much has been taken from them.



Photo Credit: Jennifer Watkins, Lyra Photography

05/12/2026

Throughout the month of on social media, we will be spotlighting our re-entry services, which are life-giving to clients who are learning to live life in the free world post-release.

For people who have been wrongfully convicted, being exonerated is only the first step. After decades in prison, many innocent people are starting over from scratch. Finding housing, getting a job, accessing healthcare, and rebuilding relationships can feel overwhelming.

At the Tennessee Innocence Project, we help exonerees navigate these challenges so they can build stable, independent lives.

Follow along this month as we share more about this work and why it’s so important!

05/10/2026

Today we remember Claude Garrett on the 4th anniversary of his exoneration.

Claude spent 30 years wrongfully imprisoned after being accused of setting a fire that claimed the life of his fiancée, Lori Lance. His conviction was built on outdated and flawed fire science. Decades later, experts confirmed the fire could not be ruled as arson.

On May 10, 2022, Claude was finally exonerated.

Claude had just five months of freedom before his passing, but in that time he was able to be with his family and the people who never stopped fighting for him.

Claude’s story is both a hard-fought victory and a painful reminder that justice delayed can still come too late. We continue to honor his life and share his story.

05/08/2026

As we approach Mother's Day this coming Sunday, we honor the strength of mothers whose lives have been shaped by wrongful convictions.

We think of the mothers who have been wrongfully convicted and separated from their children, missing years they can never get back. We also stand with the mothers who continue to fight for their loved ones still behind bars, holding onto hope that freedom is possible.

From all of us at the Tennessee Innocence Project, we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

05/06/2026

Our team had a blast at last week’s Back Door Salon!

A huge thank you to for hosting such a meaningful evening and creating space for honest conversations around wrongful convictions and justice reform.

We are grateful to everyone who came out and supported the work of Tennessee Innocence Project. Nights like these remind us how powerful community can be in the fight for innocence.

05/01/2026

A Tennessee death row case is drawing renewed attention over untested DNA evidence, with our Executive Director Jason Gichner highlighting its critical role in cases like Tony Carruthers’.

“[DNA] doesn’t take sides,” Jason says. “It’s not pro-prosecution, it’s not pro-defense. Law enforcement uses DNA all the time to solve cold cases and at the same time we can use DNA to vindicate innocent people by testing evidence to prove that they didn’t commit the crime.”

It is essential that available evidence must be tested before an irreversible sentence is carried out. Read more here:

Death row exonerees and advocates appeal to Gov. Bill Lee to halt ex*****on of Tony Carruthers to allow for DNA testing of untested evidence.

04/29/2026

We are so excited to share that the Tennessee Innocence Project will be tabling at the Ani DiFranco show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville this Friday.

Our team is committed to fighting for the freedom of the wrongfully convicted in Tennessee, supporting exonerees post-release, and pushing for a more fair and accurate criminal legal system. Since our founding in 2019, we have achieved freedom for 10 exonerees, innocent men and women who collectively served over 300 years behind bars.

As a criminal justice reform advocate, Ani DiFranco has always used her voice to stand up for freedom and dignity, and we couldn't be more excited to share community with her!

Planning on attending the concert? Come find our table at the Ryman! We’d love to meet you, share what we do, and talk about how you can be part of this work.