In 1976, Jerry Hartfield was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death row. Four years later, his conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Appeals but he was never released. Hartfield’s IQ is 51, equivalent to a 1st grader, and because he never asked for a new trial he’s been sitting in jail 34 years longer than he’s needed to.
Judge Craig Estlinbaum says it’s the now 56-year-old’s own fault that he’s spent more than half his life in prison. Hartfield, who always proclaimed his innocence, says the police used a false confession to pin the murder on him. He hasn’t had an attorney since that trial and no real legal counsel.
Hartfield learned in 2006 that he needed to request a new trial because a fellow inmate had his best interest at heart and enlightened him. He’s since sent handwritten requests for a new trial and has been assigned a court appointed attorney. His case has been tossed like a frisbee between federal and state courts for the past eight years. The pick axe used to commit the murder is missing and witnesses have died.
A hearing to retry his case will occur next month. #FreeJerryHartfield
