Jimmy Dennis

Convicted despite lack of evidence

Compiled from various sources
published: 4WardEver UK – June 2011
Any news updates on this case will be listed at the foot of this item

Jimmy Dennis was convicted and sentenced to death for the tragic murder of seventeen-year-old Chedell Williams in northeast Philadelphia in 1991. was wrongly convicted because of a general misunderstanding of eyewitness testimony (especially in regards to stranger identification), the limited number of eyewitnesses his defence lawyer called to testify at his trial, intimidation of a key witness who provided circumstantial evidence, and unintentional false testimony given by an acquaintance of Jimmy which impeached his alibi.

In spite of the fact that witnesses could not initially identify Jimmy from photo arrays, he was charged, tried, and convicted, and now sits on Pennsylvania’s death row.

Jimmy’s’ conviction was won by the prosecution on the basis of five witnesses. There was no physical evidence tying him to the crime. No gun was ever recovered and Jimmy was never found to be in possession of a firearm. There were no forensic tests for gunshot residue on Jimmy’s clothing. No fingerprint evidence was found linking him to the crime, and the earrings were never recovered.

The car used in the crime was never found; in spite of the fact that several witnesses gave descriptions of the vehicle and at least one provided a partial license plate number. Jimmy Dennis never owned a car and had no driver’s license.

After reading the transcripts of the case along with the supporting evidence, his supporters believe he is innocent. They commented; “the evidence shows Jimmy has spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, while the true perpetrator is still walking free”.

Jimmy was wrongly convicted because of:

a general misunderstanding of eyewitness testimony (especially in regards to stranger identification),
the limited number of eyewitnesses his defence lawyer called to testify at his trial,
intimidation of a key witness who provided circumstantial evidence, and
unintentional false testimony given by an acquaintance of Jimmy which impeached his alibi.

Jimmy’s supporters are dedicated to seeing that Jimmy is freed from prison so he can return to his family and his singing career.

Jimmy received a stay of execution in March 2011 and published a video statement in response to the decision.

The case continues…

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