Michael Kenneth McAlister was pardoned by Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Richmond, Virginia, last week after spending nearly 30 years behind bars for a violent sex offense he never committed.
The 58-year-old was originally charged in February 1986 for the abduction and attempted rape of a woman at an apartment complex in Richmond. During the attack, the victim was able to get a partial look at the perpetrator’s face, which bore a striking likeness to that of McAlister’s. The victim misidentified McAlister in a photo lineup that didn’t include a picture of a serial rapist who lived nearby and resembled McAlister. This ultimately led to his wrongful conviction.
In a written statement, Governor McAuliffe said he concluded the pardon is appropriate in light of the overwhelming evidence, including a confession by another individual. The confession came from Norman Bruce Derr, a serial rapist who lived near the victim at the time. He is now serving three life terms in prison.
Congratulations to the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, which spearheaded McAlister’s exoneration!
Read more here.
By Mitchell Song
