John Bunn

[Shavelly Then]

Officers Rolando Neischer and Robert Crosson were shot while sitting in a car at a Brooklyn housing project at around 4 a.m. on August 13, 1991. The suspects were two African-American men who wanted to steal the officers car. The police got an anonymous tip that led them to John Bunn and his co-defendant Rosean Hargrove. John Bunn was just 14 when he got convicted for murder and sent to jail for the murder of the off-duty correction officer in Brooklyn. However, 27 years later it was discovered that Bunn was wrongfully accused. Bunn served 17 years in prison before he was freed on parole in 2009. Two years ago, he won the right to a new trial. Now, prosecutors have said they won't retry him -- leading to a full exoneration. Bunn, was finally able to clear his name Tuesday, when a judge formally exonerated him after 27 years. He's 41-years-old now.

[Lily Barnes]

Its very heart breaking to read stories like this, especially knowing the final outcome. I could not imagine being 14 years old and being sent to big prison for allegedly killing someone, especially with knowing in my heart that it wasn't true. This poor young boy spent 17 years of his life behind bars. The 17 years that he spent were also important developmental year. He missed out on graduating from high school, and potentially going to college. During this time he could of been setting up a career for himself and trying to have a better life than he had. There was so much he could of accomplished during this time but instead it was robbed from him. Being 41 years old now and technically a convected felon (with a cleared name) it going to be hard for him to get on his feet. He doesn't have a family or much support. The most he has is the money he got for being wrongfully accused for 27 years. 

I dont think that there is any one specific way to fix this problem which is why its so hard to read about. Thankfully there are groups of people that helps people in his situation by creating a program that can make them independent. Its people like John Bunn that I think about when I donate clothing and items to shelters like Share Life. 

[Lily Barnes]

Its very heart breaking to read stories like this, especially knowing the final outcome. I could not imagine being 14 years old and being sent to big prison for allegedly killing someone, especially with knowing in my heart that it wasn't true. This poor young boy spent 17 years of his life behind bars. The 17 years that he spent were also important developmental year. He missed out on graduating from high school, and potentially going to college. During this time he could of been setting up a career for himself and trying to have a better life than he had. There was so much he could of accomplished during this time but instead it was robbed from him. Being 41 years old now and technically a convected felon (with a cleared name) it going to be hard for him to get on his feet. He doesn't have a family or much support. The most he has is the money he got for being wrongfully accused for 27 years. 

I dont think that there is any one specific way to fix this problem which is why its so hard to read about. Thankfully there are groups of people that helps people in his situation by creating a program that can make them independent. Its people like John Bunn that I think about when I donate clothing and items to shelters like Share Life.