Wrongfully Convicted Chicago Man to be Released from Prison

A Long and Arduous Journey

A wrongfully convicted Chicago man who spent 33 years in prison was set to be released from custody on Monday night just in time for the holidays.

A Frame-Up by a Senior Gang Member

Hilton Keller was just 18 years old when, according to his attorney, he was framed by a senior gang member and Chicago police for the armed robbery and killing of Ollie Jones, a game store owner. At that time, prosecutors went off the word of a younger gang member, who later recanted and admitted he lied, Keller’s attorney said.

A Systemic Failure

But prosecutors moved forward with their case, allegedly relying on the words of two other lying witnesses.

A Pattern of Disinformation

Information that legally was supposed to be passed on to Keller’s defense team was not. Then, in May of 2019, one of the people who falsely testified against Keller spoke with him from jail, owning his role in the unjust conviction.

A Desperate Plea

In March, Keller took a deal that cut his sentence from 70 to 60 years, and because of “good time,” he was released for seven months. Keller’s attorney said he took the deal, because he was desperate to see his dying mother in Texas, whom he never actually made it to see.

The Fight for Justice

Keller then decided he wanted to vacate his conviction, demanding it be thrown out as opposed to having his sentence shortened. So because that agreement was vacated, he returned to prison while his legal team fought for the conviction to be tossed, which it finally was on Monday.

A Sense of Closure

“For all these years, me within my heart, I knew he didn’t do it,” Gertrude Barber, Keller’s aunt said. “I didn’t know what we could do to help him out.. but God saw fit today.”

The Truth Revealed

The man who Keller’s defense team believes committed the crime – that senior gang member – has since died.

The Road Ahead

Keller’s attorney said they will file for a certificate of innocence from the Cook County Criminal Court after the first of the year. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has 30 days to decide if they want to re-try the case, meaning Keller is on pre-trial release.

Conclusion

The case of Hilton Keller is a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that our criminal justice system is fair and just. While Keller’s journey has been long and arduous, his release is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of truth.

FAQs

Q: What was Hilton Keller convicted of?
A: Keller was convicted of armed robbery and murder.

Q: How long was Hilton Keller in prison?
A: Keller spent 33 years in prison.

Q: What evidence was used against Hilton Keller?
A: Prosecutors relied on the testimony of three witnesses, including a younger gang member who later recanted and admitted he lied.

Q: Why did Hilton Keller take a deal?
A: Keller took a deal because he was desperate to see his dying mother in Texas, whom he never actually made it to see.