<div><strong>Michael Politte lost his mother and his freedom at 14 years old. After 23 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, he needs your help as he fights to rebuild his life and prove his innocence. </strong>
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<div>In 1998, 14-year-old Michael Politte woke to find his house full of smoke and his mother beaten and burned to death in her room. He ran for help. When law enforcement arrived, a traumatized kid became the prime suspect. Within days, he was behind bars – where he remained for 23 YEARS.
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<div>The only physical evidence that ever allegedly connected Michael to this crime - the presence of gasoline on his shoes - has now been scientifically proven false. It was the aromatic solvent used in the manufacture of sneakers. Even State agrees, admitting this evidence was false and they should have known better at the time of the trial.
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<div>The defense mounted by his overworked public defender lasted barely half a day, and Michael was denied the opportunity to testify. And at the same time the State relied on false evidence to convict Politte, it also actively ignored substantial evidence that pointed to other viable suspects. As a result, the jury heard none of that evidence. Today, Sheriff’s Deputies involved in the investigation and multiple jurors from Michael’s trial have come forward to acknowledge Michael’s innocence.
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<div>On April 22, 2022, Michael was granted parole and is back home with his sisters, Crystal and Melonie, who never faltered in their belief of his innocence. He continues to fight his wrongful conviction. Represented by the <a href="https://themip.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midwest Innocence Project</a> , the <a href="https://www.macarthurjustice.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MacArthur Justice Center</a> , and <a href="https://www.langdonemison.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langdon &amp; Emison</a> , Michael has filed a petition with the Missouri Supreme Court asserting his innocence and asking them to re-open his case.
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<div><strong>Michael is determined to fight back – to secure his exoneration, to demand justice for his mother, and to rebuild his life. But he needs your help. </strong>
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<div>Michael has spent the majority of his life behind bars. He wasn’t even old enough to drive when he was incarcerated. He has no conventional work history. He has never had his own bank account. He has no credit score. And under Missouri statute, he is ineligible for state compensation.
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<div>You can help. Please contribute to help Michael continue rebuild his life and continue his fight for justice.
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Help Michael Politte After Wrongful Conviction

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