The Innocent Man (47 page)

Denice Haraway, abducted April 28, 1984.

Tommy Ward and Karl Fontenot being escorted to trial.
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

Ron Williamson’s mug shot.
Courtesy of the Williamson family

Dennis Fritz’s mug shot.
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

District Attorney Bill Peterson.
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

Ron being led away from the Pontotoc County Courthouse after he was found guilty of murder and received the death penalty.
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

Greg Wilhoit spent four years at F Cellhouse for a murder he did not commit. He and Ron Williamson became close friends on death row.
Courtesy of the Wilhoit family

U.S. District Court Judge Frank H. Seay. As an epilogue to his decision granting a new trial he said, “God help us, if ever in this great country we turn our heads while those who have not had fair trials are executed. That almost happened in this case.”
Courtesy of Frank Seay

After eleven years in prison, Ron returns to Ada.
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

The client with his legal team. Front row: Kim Marks and Penny Stewart; second row: Bill Luker, Janet Chesley, Ron, Jenny Landrith, Mark Barrett, and Sara Bonnell. (April 15, 1999.)

Dennis Fritz and Ron Williamson in court as they hear Judge Tom Landrith dismiss the charges. (April 15, 1999.)
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

Barry Scheck and Mark Barrett celebrate at a press conference after the release of Ron and Dennis. (April 15, 1999.)
Courtesy of the Ada Evening News

Ron at Yankee Stadium two weeks after his release.