Woman Freed From Prison With Help From Villanova Justice Group

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Villanova’s undergraduate chapter of the Philly Justice Project.
Image via The Villanovan
Villanova’s undergraduate chapter of the Philly Justice Project.

India Spellman, a woman sentenced to 30 years in prison wrongfully convicted of murder has been freed thanks in part to the support of Villanova University’s Philadelphia Justice Project, writes Isabella Balian for The Villanovan.

Spellman became the first woman, and the first Black woman, to be exonerated from prison in Philadelphia history.

Her wrongful conviction was overturned Feb. 9.

Spellman was wrongfully convicted at age 17 of second-degree murder and tried as an adult.

Even family members of the victim, George Greaves, spoke out about the injustices of Spellman’s conviction.

The Philadelphia Justice Project, which works to end the mass incarceration of women and girls, have been advocating for Spellman’s release on and off the Villanova campus.

 “[Villanova’s Philadelphia Justice Project] really prioritized getting not only her name out in the public, but also highlighting the major issues surrounding her wrongful imprisonment,” student president of PJP Ajee Robinson said.

PJP Director and Villanova professor Dr. Jill McCorkel said Spellman’s case showcases how racism and sexism contribute to wrongful convictions.

“Police and prosecutors had good reason to believe that [Spellman] was innocent at the time of these crimes but they threw her life away anyway. That is unconscionable,” McCorkel said.

Read more about India Spellman’s release from prison at The Villanovan.

Delve more into India Spellman’s situation at this Justice for India event hosted by Villanova’s chapter of the Philadelphia Justice Project for Women and Girls.

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