Support Kenneth's Fresh Start
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On March 1981, Kenneth Granger was having dinner with his common law wife and daughters in their home in South Philadelphia. Little did he know, his life would change forever that night.
Kenneth, who was only 24 years old at the time, was arrested in his home and accused of murdering a taproom cook in North Philadelphia. During the time of the murder, Kenneth was on his way to a party. Due to unreliable eyewitness testimony given at the trial, Kenneth was convicted of murder in 1982, and sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit.
For years, Kenneth’s daughters worked tirelessly to free their father while he continued to maintain his innocence. Kenneth taught himself criminal law while he was incarcerated and fought to keep his case alive. He was also determined to also make something of his life while in prison and earned several achievements, including obtaining his GED and his Associates Degree in General Studies from Montgomery County Community College. He maintained an exemplary conduct and work record during his incarceration.
Finally in 2008, public defender Karl Schwartz and Pennsylvania Innocence Project Co-Founder David Rudovsky agreed to take on Kenneth’s case and got to work trying to free him. After being wrongfully incarcerated for 28 years, Kenneth was finally released on July 14, 2010 and reunited with his family.
Today, 12 years later, Kenneth’s life continues to be impacted by having been wrongfully convicted and having spent almost 3 decades in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of only 12 states that provides no compensation or services for the wrongfully convicted. Kenneth is now 64 years old and still struggles to make ends meet. He has been working as a laborer for the same company for 10 years. Currently making $15 an hour, he continues to live paycheck to paycheck to pay for his rent, bills, healthcare, and other necessities. Because he spent his working years in prison, he didn’t build up social security funds or other things we take for granted. For Kenneth, saving money for retirement feels nearly impossible.
Kenneth’s few joys in life include going on bike rides and taking long walks around the neighborhood. However, since living in Southwest Philadelphia, Kenneth has felt unsafe and unable to do the things he loves and truly experience life in the way he wants to. He has wanted to move out of his neighborhood for many years now but has not been able to save enough money to afford it. One of Kenneth’s favorite places in Philadelphia is Clark Park in Spruce Hill. He hopes to find a studio or one bedroom apartment in the Spruce Hill neighborhood.
We are asking for a financial contribution of any amount to reach a goal of $10,000 to support Kenneth in finding a new apartment, give him a chance to retire, and ultimately help him live a life where he feels financially secure, an opportunity that was stolen from him when he was wrongfully incarcerated.
With your support, Kenneth hopes to one day feel comfortable and safe to take walks and ride his bike around the neighborhood for the first time in a long time. Kenneth has waited for this dream to come true.
To learn more about Kenneth:
Organizer
Kenneth Granger
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA