After nearly 21 years of wrongful incarceration, Marquez Powell has finally been exonerated!

A Fulton County judge granted a Joint Extraordinary Motion for New Trial filed by the Georgia Innocence Project and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit based in part on newly discovered DNA evidence connected to the 2005 killing of Shah Walton. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office then moved to dismiss all charges against Powell.

Powell was convicted in 2008 when he was 23 years old under a party-to-the-crime theory alleging he participated in a plan to rob Walton, his best friend, before Walton was fatally shot by another man, who was later separately convicted of the murder.

“For years, Mr. Powell fought to be heard and never stopped advocating for his innocence,” said Kristin Nelson Verrill, Executive Director of Georgia Innocence Project. “This case reflects the importance of conviction integrity review and a willingness to follow the evidence wherever it leads. The newly developed DNA evidence, combined with a thorough reexamination of the case by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit, made clear that Marquez Powell’s conviction could no longer stand.”

Imagine losing over 20 years of your life to wrongful incarceration and stepping out of prison - with no money, no savings, and no credit history. Consider the limited job opportunities, relationship challenges, and struggles with trauma. People like Marquez are often left on their own after being freed, and won't have the chance to receive any form of compensation from the State for months or even years.

While Marquez is committed to working hard to rebuild his life, he should not have to do it alone. With his freedom comes his first real chance to build a sustainable future. Georgia Innocence Project has set up this personal, private fundraiser on Marquez's behalf, so you can donate directly to Marquez and help him get financially back on his feet. With your support, Marquez can use these funds to establish medical and mental health care, secure basic necessities, pay for critical services, and support himself and his family long-term.

NOTE: Any contributions to this GoFundMe fundraiser will go directly to Marquez Powell as an individual and are NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE.