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Live to Tell: The Trial, Conviction, and Exoneration of Anthony Wright
Anthony Wright had a shot at making the NFL as a running back in the early 1990s. But his hopes and dreams were shattered when in 1991, he returned home to Philadelphia and was charged with capital murder—accused of raping and killing an elderly woman. Attorneys Peter Neufeld, Nina Morrison, Sam Silver, and Rebecca Lacer (all lawyers of the Innocence Project) believed in his innocence. DNA testing exonerated him of the vicious crime, and a second jury acquitted him of all charges. He walked out of prison Aug. 23, 2016, a free and innocent man. After so many hopeless and lonely nights, so many rejections of his innocence by the police, district attorneys, courts, judges on all appeal levels, and the first jury, the world finally learned the truth. This book takes you through the interrogation, investigation, and trial that led to an innocent man being sentenced to life in prison without parole. It exposes the flaws in the system through the incredible story of a wrongfully convicted man.
110 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 16, 2021
"Live to Tell" is a compelling story about Anthony Wright who was framed by the Philadelphia Police and spent 25 years in jail and in prison before the Innocence Project had his DNA tested and then prevailed in a retrial.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because Mr. Wright should have had a more qualified co-writer and input from a lawyer. The book is very short, but the weirdest part is it just ends shortly during the retrial, followed by an Epilogue. There was so much drama that occurred but was not addressed. The first two witnesses -- the only ones we're told about -- were not helpful. How did the testimony come out that proved his innocence? How did the jury react as the verdict was read? Was there any opportunity of reconciliation with the victim's family?
Also, there were clear "Brady" violations because the prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence the first time around. Also what was never clear is whether he was Mirandized and/or had requested an attorney before he signed the confession.
Finally, what has he done post-release? Has he filed suit against the Philadelphia PD or the State for malicious prosecution or wrongful detention?
I appreciate that the co-writer was a fellow inmate, not trained in the law or journalism. However, this story could be done so much more justice with some professional input.
The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because Mr. Wright should have had a more qualified co-writer and input from a lawyer. The book is very short, but the weirdest part is it just ends shortly during the retrial, followed by an Epilogue. There was so much drama that occurred but was not addressed. The first two witnesses -- the only ones we're told about -- were not helpful. How did the testimony come out that proved his innocence? How did the jury react as the verdict was read? Was there any opportunity of reconciliation with the victim's family?
Also, there were clear "Brady" violations because the prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence the first time around. Also what was never clear is whether he was Mirandized and/or had requested an attorney before he signed the confession.
Finally, what has he done post-release? Has he filed suit against the Philadelphia PD or the State for malicious prosecution or wrongful detention?
I appreciate that the co-writer was a fellow inmate, not trained in the law or journalism. However, this story could be done so much more justice with some professional input.
September 9, 2021
Inspiring , and Crucially Important to Understanding Injustice In America
I chose the rating because the book kept me wanting to read more. It was never a dull moment, ironically, although I can only imagine how dull being in prison unjustly for 25 years would feel like. Anthony Wright gives us a deeper glimpse on the dark inside of how an injustice like this could happen. Highly recommend this special book.
I chose the rating because the book kept me wanting to read more. It was never a dull moment, ironically, although I can only imagine how dull being in prison unjustly for 25 years would feel like. Anthony Wright gives us a deeper glimpse on the dark inside of how an injustice like this could happen. Highly recommend this special book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews