The Christopher Smith Story

In 2008, Christopher Smith, a musician on the cusp of breakout success, was wrongfully convicted in Cincinnati, OH and subsequently served almost 13 years in prison for an armed robbery he didn't commit.  He missed the death of his mother, his son graduating from high school and military training at the top of his platoon, and the birth of his first grandchild.  Crucial DNA evidence withheld by the State from Christopher’s defense at trial proved his innocence, and a federal court finally threw out his convictions in 2020. But then, additional misconduct by the State kept Christopher locked up in a county jail despite his high-risk for COVID-19 even after the federal court ordered his immediate release.  Under threat of contempt charges from the federal court, the State finally released Christopher, and he walked free with the help of the Ohio Innocence Project at a pivotal time—the crossroads of a worldwide pandemic and racial tension caused by a dire need for criminal justice reform.

Now Christopher has a message and practical solutions that couldn't come at a better time. Just weeks after his release, Christopher, known in the music world as Ol' Hound, has launched OH10Unlimited, his start-up company aimed at training youths and young adults to set goals, establish a rock solid work ethic, and connect with mentors.  OH10Unlimited specifically focuses on music as therapy and as a means to address the need for criminal justice reform.  OH10Unlimited promotes and trains young artists in every aspect of a complete and healthy human being: physical fitness conditioning; emotional well-being by connecting its members with a network of positive and productive people; and by providing high-quality, practical, essential tools young artists need to make a marketable product but often can't afford (such as recording studio time, technology, and videography).

Check out a synopsis of Christopher Smith's story of wrongful conviction in the video above by the Ohio Innocence Project. And in the link below, see his and OH10Unlimited's debut music video Remember Me, which tells the story of Christopher's triumph to freedom after years stolen by wrongful conviction.

Please help fund Christopher Smith's venture, OH10Unlimited, which is already proving to be powerful and productive. Christopher's debut releases received thousands of views on social media in the first 48 hours. Your donation will directly fund Christopher's efforts in this much-needed service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x4EICzQZRM