Help Norberto Peets After Wrongful Conviction

On September 30, 2022 my older brother, Norberto Peets, came home after spending 26 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Any contribution you can make to help my brother rebuild his life as our family welcomes him home is greatly appreciated.

When the court overturned his convictions a few weeks ago, it affirmed what we always knew: that Norberto is innocent. Our family’s nightmare began in October 1996, when Norberto was arrested for a shooting in the Bronx on the sole basis of an eyewitness misidentification. Members of our family testified in court that Norberto had been home with us when the crime happened. Despite this and other evidence showing his innocence, Norberto was convicted to 30 years to life in prison. He was 26 years old at the time and the father of two small children.

It was heartbreaking for our family. I grew up admiring Norberto, who is 11 years older than me. We were active kids and spent a lot of time playing sports together. He came to all of my baseball games, coaching and encouraging me. He was loving and protective of me, his kid brother. I was 15 years old when he was arrested and did not understand why he was being taken away from our family. Everyone suffered, especially our mother.

It has been beautiful to have Norberto back. Since his release, Norberto has been relishing his freedom by sharing meals with our family and simply enjoying each other’s company together at home. There is so much life to readjust to; we are by his side as he takes it in slowly. He and I are enjoying playing basketball together again and it has been so powerful watching him hug and spend time with his grown children, who now have kids of their own. We have all missed him dearly.

Though it is a new day, my brother faces a long road ahead to rebuild his life. Anything you contribute here will go directly to supporting Norberto as he gets back on his feet. As Norberto prepares to spend his first winter at home in more than a quarter-century, he needs to buy a winter coat, warm clothing and, hopefully, some Christmas presents for his grandkids. He also hopes to save up to get his own apartment.

On behalf of our family, we thank you deeply for your support. “Thank you so much for your support. After all my family and I have been through, it means so much to me. From the bottom of my heart: thank you.” – Norberto Peets