Help Don Degruy Rebuild His Life

On July 28, 2016, Don Degruy was freed from Angola State Penitentiary after serving 15 years for an armed robbery that was committed by another man. Don was sentenced to 66 years without parole for the 2001 crime. IPNO investigated the case, initially with the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, and discovered a wealth of evidence corroborating the confession of the real perpetrator. When presented with compelling evidence of Don’s innocence, the District Attorney offered him early release from prison in exchange for pleading guilty. Don chose to accept the deal so that he could reunite with his three children.

Don must now begin the difficult process of putting his life back together with an armed robbery conviction on his record. Don was the highest classification of trusted prisoner in Angola and spent his time teaching CPR to inmates and guards. He literally saved lives even as he was wrongly imprisoned. We are very excited to see who he becomes.

Don needs help with daily expenses like bills while he looks for full-time work. He also would like to buy his children presents for the holidays.

Thank you for your support in helping Don rebuild his life.