Thirty years is a long time. Being on death row even longer. The NC Innocence Inquiry commission took on this project and a judge declared the men had nothing to do with the rape and murder of the young girl Sabrina Buie. He ordered their immediate release.
The double edged sword ... freedom without compensation is still incarceration of a different kind. This story is hardly over though it's disappeared from the headlines. Since their release, McCollum & Brown received $45 each from the State of North Carolina. Nothing more. Nothing less. That was six months ago. Ask yourself, could you do that. Live your life on $45 bucks for six months.
Governor Pat McCrory hasn't come forth to grant them an official pardon though it's been noted he's said it's a 'top priority.' Ah, Governor McCrory, can we get a more definitive deadline for this transaction to occur, Sir. We know you know a pardon would allow them compensation fully due them for the three decades they served time and were denied an opportunity to earn a living for themselves. Only with the help of family, friends and charity from the community have they been able to minimally exist since their release. Don't you think 30 years is long enough to pay for a crime they did not commit and yet robbed them as well.
C'mon Governor, we're all waiting for an official pardon, removal of the convictions from their records and a clean slate with restitution to financially provide for themselves. These men truly deserve more than the minimum requirement the state is obligated. The pardon would allow them to get $750,000 in compensation each from the state. Do the right thing.
A Pardon. Compensation & Restitution. Clean & Clear Slates.
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