Help us bring Ronald Kliner home!

It completely breaks my heart even writethis. Ronald Kliner fought for 29 years to prove his innocence and always maintained it. He spent 7 years on death row for a crime he did not commit and his sentence was commuted to life in 2003 by Gov. George Ryan. He was a warrior for the underdog. He spoke out against the justice system that stole the best years of his life. He was optimistic about being exonerated and everyone around him believed he was extremely close. He had a passion for life, law and helping others. His plan upon exoneration was to assist others who were wrongfully convicted. His next hearing was scheduled for October 29, 2021. The judge on his case was finally going to rule on his Motion For A New Trial, it was four years in the making. It was not an easy feat, but no hurdle was too mighty for Ron.

On October 4, 2021, Ron died while still in custody at the Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg. We still do not have any answers as to what happened or what caused this tragedy but his family and friends want to know. We need to get Ron back home from Galesburg and have an independent autopsy done. We also want to respect Ron’s wishes and lay him to rest next to his maternal grandparents.

We loved Ron with all of our hearts. We will continue to fight to clear his name.

Thank you,

Natalia Bogucka (an extension of Ronald Kliner, as he used to say)