History
GIP History


Calvin C. Johnson Exoneration
Calvin is Georgia’s first DNA exoneree and his exoneration inspired the creation of the Georgia Innocence Project. He went on to serve on GIP’s board and as board President.
Georgia Post Conviction DNA Testing Statute
The state statute allows any person convicted of a crime to petition for post conviction DNA testing with the court that entered the judgement of conviction. GIP played an instrumental role in the passing of this statute.
Robert Clark Exonerated
Robert was exonerated in December 2005, and walked out of prison an innocent man. At the time of his arrest, he was 21 years old, the father of a 5-year-old son, and lived with his mother, who never lost faith in him throughout his trial and incarceration.
Pete Williams Exonerated
On January 23, 2007, after serving over 22 years of a 45-year sentence, Pete Williams was released from prison at the age of 45. When asked how it felt to be released after all the years he spent in prison, Pete said, “Being free—nothing can replace that.”
Michael Marshall Exonerated
On December 14, 2009, more than two years after being wrongfully convicted, Michael Marshall was set free after post-conviction DNA testing proved his innocence.
Michael Googe Exonerated
A unique partnership between the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Innocence Project led to the exoneration of Michael Googe of Brunswick, GA. He was convicted in 2007 for the burglary of a convenience store.
Johnny Lee Gates Exonerated
Johnny Lee Gates spent more than 43 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. On May 15, 2020, he walked free from Muscogee County Jail.
Dennis Perry Exonerated
After more than 20 years behind bars, and just over one year after his release from prison, Dennis Perry was finally exonerated of the 1985 double murder of Harold and Thelma Swain.
Ron Jacobsen Exonerated
At 61 years old, after spending more than half his life incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Ron Jacobsen was at last fully exonerated.