On June 1, 2023, Celester ("Les") McKinney, and his cousin Brian Betts, walked out of prison after serving 25 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Although they are out of prison, Les is not yet exonerated and still faces restrictions and burdens associated with being on parole. Attorneys from the Midwest Innocence Project, Morgan Pilate, and Lathrop GPM continue to fight to overturn his conviction, with litigation currently ongoing in Kansas City, Kansas.

Les now lives in Georgia, near family. Reacclimating into society after decades of wrongful conviction is not without challenges. You can help Les on this journey to rebuild his life after wrongful incarceration. 100% of all funds raised will go to Les to support him with vital expenses like rent, food, medical expenses, utilities, clothes, transportation, etc. Any amount helps!

Like Lamonte McIntyre and others in Wyandotte County, the misconduct of former Kansas City Kansas Police Detective Roger Golubski impacted Les’ case. Further, the State's key witness at Les' trials has now recanted his testimony, stating he was coerced by officers to give false testimony implicating Les and his relatives.

We are grateful Les is home, but know the journey to truth, justice, reconciliation, and repair continues. This holiday season, please consider helping Les as his fight for justice endures.