Innocent & Free After 29 Years

In 1993, Herman Williams, an active member of the U.S. Navy and father of two young children, was wrongly convicted for the murder of his ex-wife in Lake County, Illinois. Because of egregious misconduct, his children not only lost their mother but grew up needlessly separated from their father.  He spent twenty-nine years fighting for his freedom.

On September 6, 2022, Herman's conviction was vacated and all charges were dismissed based on new evidence. Specifically, the State acknowledged that there was new DNA proving Herman’s innocence, the State had previously used false forensic testimony to make out its case, and the police officer who claimed Herman made an admission is now known to have engaged in a pattern of misconduct, obtaining false confessions in other innocence cases including Juan Rivera and Jason Strong. Herman was represented by the Innocence Project and Illinois Innocence Project. This week, his case is being featured on the Wrongful Conviction podcast. 

The State has not compensated Herman for the years he wrongly served, but he is pushing forward with an incredible will, a loving family, and the support of our community. Following his release, Herman embarked on a road trip with his long-time Navy friend, driving from Illinois to Arizona where he now lives in an RV. Along the route home, Herman saw his grandchildren for the first time. With his ability to fix just about anything, Herman wants to put his skills to use and is actively looking for a job.  

As he prepares for his first Thanksgiving in three decades, we are asking our community to help us celebrate Herman. If you have the means, please consider donating to this fundraiser and making this holiday season one filled with joy.  

Photo Credits: Williams Family & Tori Williams