Terrence Lewis had his murder conviction overturned in Rochester, New York, due to a legal error related to his transfer between correctional facilities before his trial, violating the Interstate Agreement on Detainers law.
Despite being convicted in 2018 for the second-degree murder of Johnny Washington, the error led to the indictment being dismissed.
“The harsh reality is that despite a jury of 12 members of our community determining, after hearing all of the evidence set before them, that defendant is guilty of the murder of Johnny C. Washington, this administrative jail decision made based on jail population and timing, not the law, unequivocally entitles defendant to dismissal of the murder in the second degree indictment with prejudice under the exacting requirements of the anti-shuttling provisions of the IAD,” Acting state Supreme Court Justice Stephen T. Miller ruled.
The Sheriff’s office took corrective measures following the decision, including conducting audits and providing staff training on the IAD law.
“To the family and friends of Mr. Johnny Washington, there are no words to take away the pain you are justly feeling that undoubtedly comes with the lack of fairness being served based on this decision, which violates the principles of justice,” Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter said.
“I extend my sincere apology,” he said.
Lewis was released from prison earlier this month.
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