Anthony Ray Hinton | Exonerated from Alabama Death Row
Hall of Records • Wrongful Conviction
Anthony Ray Hinton | Exonerated from Alabama Death Row
Anthony Ray Hinton spent nearly 30 years on Alabama’s death row for two murders before his convictions were vacated and charges dismissed based on discredited firearms evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel.
Case Overview
What Happened
Hinton was convicted of two capital murders linked to fast-food robberies in Birmingham and sentenced to death based largely on contested firearms testimony.
Official Record
Findings and Legal Status
The U.S. Supreme Court found that his trial lawyer provided ineffective assistance by hiring an inadequate expert. Subsequent ballistics testing showed his mother’s gun could not be linked to the crime scenes, leading prosecutors to dismiss all charges.
Why This Record Matters
Accountability and Context
His case reveals the dangers of junk firearms evidence, underfunded defense, and racial bias in capital prosecutions against Black defendants.
Case Timeline
Key Events
- 1985: Hinton is convicted and sentenced to death.
- 2014: U.S. Supreme Court rules in his favor on ineffective-assistance grounds.
- April 3, 2015: He is released after charges are dismissed.
Open Record
Unanswered Questions
- What accountability followed for the flawed ballistics testimony?
- How have Alabama’s capital procedures changed since his exoneration?
- What compensation and support did Hinton receive after release?
Primary Sources
Review the Record
Image credit: Photograph via Equal Justice Initiative; confirm rights before reuse.
