Petition to Free Terrell Johnson

We, the undersigned, demand that the District Attorneys office of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the supervision of Stephen Zappala, immediately drop the false charges against Terrell Johnson.

Terrell Johnson has spent the last 16 years locked in a state prison, separated from his children and loved ones, for a murder that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania knows he did not commit. The only evidence used to convict Johnson consisted of the false testimony of Evelyn McBryde, who told police she witnessed the murder two weeks after it occurred and only after being arrested for theft. McBryde could have faced 50 years in prison due to her extensive record, which included charges of prostituting her children, but pending charges were dropped in exchange for her testimony.

In August of 2009, Terrell was awarded a new trial. In September of 2009 Terrell was offered a deal: admit to a lesser charge and be released immediately for time served. He refused the deal because he is innocent.

Terrell is currently being held on false charges based on zero evidence. He could have been released last year, but that would not be justice. These charges need to be dropped immediately and the persecution of an innocent man brought to an end.

Respectfully Submitted,