Helping to free the innocent and providing care when they come home
Exonerees
JOSEPH AMRINE
Missouri 27 Years Incarcerated |1976 Pardoned 2003
From Death Row to Rebuilding with Purpose. Joe Amrine spent 27 years in prison - 17 of them on death row - for a crime he did not commit. Wrongly convicted and facing execution, Joe’s freedom was finally restored on July 28, 2003. But with his release came the daunting task of starting over, alone and uncertain of where to turn. “Darryl was already talking about Miracle of Innocence before he even got out,” Joe recalls. The idea of a support system for exonerees - created by exonerees - was more than inspiring; it was exactly what was missing. For Joe, Miracle of Innocence has lived up to its name. The organization provided tangible support, helping him with essential tasks like renovating his home. More importantly, MOI offered the kind of understanding and care that only comes from those who’ve walked the same path. “Miracle of Innocence has done a lot for me,” Joe shares. “But more importantly, they’ve done a lot for people like me.” What sets Miracle of Innocence apart, Joe says, is the authenticity of its leadership. Co-founders Darryl Burton and Lamonte McIntyre - both of whom endured wrongful incarceration -lead with empathy, passion, and firsthand knowledge of what freedom truly requires. One of Joe’s most meaningful moments with the organization came during a retreat for exonerees. He describes it as a time of healing and connection - a powerful reminder that he’s not alone. “It was more than just a getaway. It was a moment to feel seen, to feel part of something.” “Darryl and Lamonte hit the ground running with Miracle of Innocence,” he says. “They lead by example. They’re not just involved. They care.” Today, Joe continues to rebuild his life with the support of a community that sees his dignity, values his experience, and walks with him every step of the way.
JOHNNY BRISCOE
Missouri 24 Years Incarcerated |1982 Exonerated 2006
Finding New Life After Wrongful Conviction. In 1982, Johnny Briscoe was wrongly accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit. Misidentified in a police lineup, he was sentenced to 45 years in Missouri State Prison. For 24 years, Johnny fought to prove his innocence. Despite multiple appeals being denied, he never gave up hope. Eventually, Centurion Ministries took on Johnny’s case and uncovered a critical piece of overlooked evidence - a cigarette butt left at the crime scene. DNA testing revealed that the sample did not match Johnny’s. In 2006, after more than two decades of wrongful imprisonment, he was finally exonerated and released. But freedom wasn’t easy. “It was hard in the beginning to start all over again,” Johnny recalled. Reentering society after 24 years behind bars left him disoriented, with no clear path forward. That’s when Miracle of Innocence stepped in. From the start, Miracle of Innocence provided Johnny with the support he needed to rebuild his life. The organization helped him secure housing, offered emotional and practical assistance, and connected him with a caring community of fellow exonerees. Whether it was an invitation to a retreat, encouragement at a difficult time, or a place at the table during their annual gala, MOI became a trusted source of stability, friendship, and care. “They were supporting me with anything that needed to be done,” Johnny shared. Today, Johnny is committed to giving back. Grateful for the role Miracle of Innocence has played in his journey, he now lends his time and voice to support others walking a similar path. “I want to help MOI and support them on any level I can,” he says.
ANTHONY DIXON
Missouri 28 Years Incarcerated |1995 Released 2021 Awaiting Full Exoneration
In September 1993, Anthony was traveling to Jefferson City, Missouri, for an event when his life took an unexpected turn. While waiting in his car to meet a friend, he was robbed and carjacked by two men. When he reported the crime to police, officers instead questioned him about a recent robbery of a motel in Sedalia, MO. Because of prior robbery convictions, Anthony was immediately a suspect and never considered a victim. Anthony was placed in a physical lineup, where the eyewitness did not identify him. Anthony was later asked to participate in a voice lineup, from which the witness, the motel clerk, believed that he recognized Anthony’s voice as the voice of the person who robbed the motel. Anthony was acquitted for the robbery of the motel in Sedalia, Missouri, due to the lack of evidence linking him to the crime. Following his acquittal, investigators claimed that they believed the person responsible for the Sedalia motel robbery had also committed a robbery and rape at a motel in Harrisonville, Missouri, in August 1993. Despite Anthony’s acquittal of the Sedalia motel robbery, he was transported to Harrisonville, Missouri, and spent the next 15 months awaiting trial. In 1995, Anthony was convicted of robbery and rape based on eyewitness testimony. Of the three eyewitnesses to the robbery, two picked Anthony’s voice from a voice recorded line-up. Of those two witnesses, one picked Anthony’s picture from a photo line-up. A third witness did not pick Anthony’s voice from the voice line-up, nor picked Anthony’s picture from the photo line-up. This testimony was the source of Anthony’s conviction for the 1993 crimes in Harrisonville, Missouri. Anthony reached out to several Innocence organizations in the immediate years after his 1995 conviction. The Innocence Project, founded by Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, through the Cardozo School of Law in New York City, contacted Anthony informing him that they would take on his case. But, there was a waiting list. Approximately ten years later, in 2007, the New York Innocence Project (NY-IP), officially began representing Anthony. Approximately six years later lab results found sperm on the ropes used to restrain the robbery victims. DNA results excluded Anthony as the source of the sperm on the ropes. NY-IP staff attorney, Adnan Sultan presented this evidence to the sentencing court, per Missouri Statute, petitioning for Anthony’s release. The county prosecutor opposed the petition. The sentencing court ruled against Anthony stating that, per Statute, Anthony did not prove his innocence by a preponderance of the evidence. The Missouri Appellate and Missouri Supreme Courts agreed and ruled against Anthony’s appeal. Anthony had a parole hearing soon after Missouri’s highest Court ruled against him. Adnan Sultan, NY-IP staff attorney traveled back to Missouri to represent Anthony at his parole hearing, intending to free an innocent man one way or the other. In 2021, after 28 years in prison, Anthony was released on parole based on his record of good conduct and the absence of reliable evidence supporting his conviction. Since his release, Anthony has continued to fight for full exoneration and to raise awareness about wrongful convictions. Through their shared experience in the Missouri correctional system Anthony, Darryl Burton and Joe Amrine were all acquainted. Upon release, Anthony knowing that Darryl was doing innocence work, made contact to become a supporter of Miracle of Innocence.
REGINALD GRIFFIN
Missouri 24.9 Years Incarcerated |1988
Exonerated 2013
From the very beginning, Reggie Griffin maintained his innocence and fought tirelessly against a wrongful conviction that would take decades of his life. Griffin was originally imprisoned on an assault charge stemming from a street fight in his hometown of St. Louis. While serving that sentence, he was accused of the 1983 stabbing death of a fellow inmate at the Moberly Correctional Center. In 1988, he was convicted and sentenced to death, largely based on the testimony of two jailhouse informants who received reduced sentences in exchange for their testimony. The jury deliberated for only 45 minutes before reaching a guilty verdict. Throughout the case, Griffin’s two co-defendants consistently identified another inmate, Jeffrey Smith, as the third person involved. Critical evidence supporting this claim — including a sharpened screwdriver confiscated from Smith by prison guards immediately after the stabbing — was never disclosed to the defense. This withheld evidence would later become central to overturning Griffin’s conviction. Over the years, Griffin became an expert on his own case as he was moved between Missouri facilities, including Jefferson City Correctional Center, Potosi Correctional Center, Crossroads Correctional Center, Moberly Correctional Center, and Randolph County. Despite repeated setbacks, he never stopped advocating for his freedom. With the unwavering support of his mother, Jonnie, he sought help from both public defenders and private attorneys and reached out to innocence organizations, often finding himself placed on long waiting lists. While continuing his legal fight, Griffin learned that his case involved a Brady violation, the prosecution’s failure to disclose evidence favorable to the defense. At that time, he was married to Portland, who remains by his side today. In 2011, attorney Ken Gipson successfully argued before the Missouri Supreme Court in Griffin v. Denney that the state had withheld critical evidence, leading to his conviction being overturned. Even after the conviction was overturned, prosecutors, with assistance from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, attempted unsuccessfully to reinstate the case. During this time, attorney Cyndy Short of the McAllister Law Firm provided key legal assistance while Griffin fought to be released from county jail. After two more years of legal proceedings, Griffin was finally released on bond, and his case was resolved in 2012. On October 25, 2013, the state formally dismissed all charges related to his death sentence. Griffin’s connection to Miracle of Innocence runs deep. Long before either man experienced incarceration, he and founder Darryl Burton were neighbors in St. Louis, and Griffin had known Darryl and his brothers since he was a teenager. After his release, that connection helped bring Griffin into the Miracle of Innocence community. Reflecting on his freedom, Griffin shares, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be free, to have my life back. But even though I’m free, I still lost, y’all.” Reggie Griffin’s story is a powerful reminder of both the human cost of wrongful convictions and the importance of continuing the fight for justice.
FAYE JACOBS
Arkansas 26 Years Incarcerated |1992 Released|2018 Awaiting Full Exoneration
Innocence Too Transportation Ride Service
Call or text 501-777-2509
Finding Family, Healing, and Purpose After Years of Injustice. Faye Jacobs' path to freedom is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the transformative impact of support. After surviving years of incarceration for a crime she maintains she did not commit, Faye’s life took a pivotal turn in 2018 when she returned home to Arkansas and crossed paths with fellow exoneree Lamonte McIntyre, co-founder of Miracle of Innocence. Through Lamonte, Faye was introduced to a circle of men and women who had also suffered the devastating injustice of wrongful conviction. Among them was Darryl Burton, MOI's other co-founder, who, like Faye, understood the lifelong toll of being falsely accused and imprisoned. This network of survivors didn’t just offer Faye friendship - they embraced her as family. As she continues to fight for full exoneration, Faye has found more than just a support system in Miracle of Innocence - she’s found a community that sees her, believes in her, and walks beside her. Through our Exoneree Care Program, Faye receives not only emotional support but practical guidance, advocacy, and connection to vital resources that are often out of reach for returning citizens. The program has given her hope, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Faye describes her journey with MOI as “life-changing.” She now stands not only as a survivor but as an advocate - using her story to bring awareness to the injustices so many still face. "They didn’t just listen to my story - they invested in my life," she says. “Because of Miracle of Innocence, I found family. I found healing. And I found purpose.” Faye is a proud business owner of Innocence too. Please Supports Faye’s transportation business. Call or text 501-777-2509 today to book a ride. Innocence Too Safe, Safer, Safest transportation in the metro and out of town. Services include 24 hour transportation in Kansas City, Missouri and surrounding areas. Book for special events or call if you just need a ride when your out on the town.
RALPH MCELROY
Missouri 33 Years
Incarcerated|1991
Released 2024 | Awaiting Full Exoneration
Ralph McElroy at age 17 was convicted of first degree murder and spent 33 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. A court ruling forced him to be resentenced because he was a minor when the crime occurred. Ralph is free on parole and still fighting for full exoneration with the support of Miracle of Innocence.
PATTY PREWITT
Missouri 38 Years Incarcerated |1983 Pardoned 2024| Awaiting Full Exoneration
Please buy Patty’s book today! https://www.somepeoplepress.com/patty
Patty’s story is one of deep resilience and quiet strength - a journey marked by injustice, endurance, and the unbreakable will to reclaim her life. In the mid-1980s, she was wrongfully convicted of capital murder and spent decades incarcerated for a crime she did not commit. Though she has not yet been fully exonerated, her sentence was ultimately commuted, and she walked free just days before Christmas - a bittersweet milestone in a long fight for justice. Her case came to the attention of Miracle of Innocence through UMKC law professor Sean O’Brien, a longtime advocate for the wrongfully convicted. Through Sean, Patty connected with Darryl Burton, MOI co-founder and fellow survivor of wrongful conviction. In one of her first moments of freedom, Darryl reached out to offer a simple but profound gesture: a cell phone, gifted from MOI to help her begin rebuilding her life. Patty vividly remembers how Darryl negotiated to get the best deal possible -a small act that instantly revealed his compassion and commitment to those emerging from incarceration with little to their name. Today, Patty remains on parole and is actively pursuing a full pardon - a vital step in her effort to reclaim her name and dignity. As part of her healing journey, she was invited to attend a Miracle of Innocence retreat, where she reunited with Sandy Hemme, a close friend from her time in prison. That weekend, she found more than comfort - she found community. Surrounded by advocates, volunteers, and other exonerees, Patty felt what many formerly incarcerated individuals seldom receive: unconditional welcome, empathy, and hope. Now a proud mother of three daughters and one son, grandmother to seven, and great-grandmother of four, Patty continues to rebuild a life rooted in love and legacy. Miracle of Innocence’s Exoneree Care Program provides essential post-release support for clients like Patty - including housing assistance, technology access, mentorship, legal referrals, and emotional care. Our goal is to walk alongside every individual not just until release, but through restoration. “They didn’t know me - but they fought for me anyway,” Patty says. “Miracle of Innocence didn’t just give me a phone. They gave me hope.” Please buy Patty’s book today! https://www.somepeoplepress.com/patty. Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar: Letters from Prison — Some People Press
ELLEN REASONOVER
Missouri 16 Years Incarcerated |1983 Exonerated |1999
Reclaiming Life, Faith, and Freedom with the Support of Community. On August 3, 1999, Ellen Reasonover walked out of prison a free woman. But freedom didn’t mean life was easy. Ellen had spent 16 years wrongfully incarcerated for crimes she did not commit. When she returned home, the world had changed - and it wasn’t ready to support her transition. She reunited with her daughter, who was just two years old when Ellen was convicted. At the time of her arrest, Ellen had only been married for two weeks. Her husband, stationed in Florida, was expecting her to join him - until the police came to her apartment and took her away. She was charged with two unrelated offenses: murder and till tapping. When Ellen was finally exonerated, there were no services in place for exonerees - no financial assistance, no emotional support, no system designed to help her restart her life. She was suddenly alone after years of never being alone. The transition was terrifying. Thankfully, Ellen wasn’t completely without support. Her family stood by her side, and one juror from her trial - Donna Ellis, who never believed Ellen was guilty - became a vital part of her reentry journey. Ellen initially stayed with her family, but the media attention became overwhelming. Donna invited Ellen to live with her, and for six months, she helped Ellen start over: finding her a job at the post office and even co-signing her first apartment lease. Ellen’s path took a hopeful turn when she connected with Miracle of Innocence. It started with a simple $100 donation - her way of paying it forward. That gift led to a thank-you letter, a phone call from co-founder Darryl Burton, and an invitation to an MOI retreat. Ellen accepted - and the experience was transformational. “It was beautiful,” she said. “I live alone, and I needed that community. I needed that fresh air.” At the retreat, Ellen reunited with friends Patty and Sandy, women she’d spent time with inside prison but hadn’t seen in over 25 years. “If it wasn’t for MOI, I would have never gotten to see them again. I was so happy to see my family.” They laughed, sang, played games, shared meals, and - most importantly - reconnected as free people. For Ellen, it wasn’t just a retreat. It was healing. Throughout everything, Ellen’s faith never wavered. “I always knew I was going to get out,” she said. Her family fought tirelessly, advocating on radio stations, telling her story to anyone who would listen. Her daughter, only seven at the time, made sure her mother’s voice was heard. Today, Ellen is rebuilding her life with resilience, gratitude, and a love for simple pleasures, like fishing. She credits God, her family, and Miracle of Innocence for helping her find freedom, connection, and peace after so many years lost.