Two brothers, Charles and Chris Turner, who were wrongfully convicted of a 1984 murder in Washington, D.C., are currently seeking a presidential pardon to clear their names and restore their rights. The brothers were teenagers when they were convicted for the killing of Catherine Fuller in Northeast Washington, D.C. near the intersection of 8th and H Street.
Despite spending decades in prison for a crime they maintain they did not commit, the Turner brothers remain optimistic about the future and are determined not to let their past injustices hold them back mentally. They have expressed a desire to move forward positively and make a difference in their community.
The case of Catherine Fuller's murder brought to light allegations of suppressed evidence, coerced testimony, and investigative errors. A total of seventeen people were arrested in connection with the murder, with eight individuals ultimately convicted. The six surviving individuals, including the Turner brothers, continue to assert their innocence after collectively serving over 200 years behind bars.
While the brothers have been able to reintegrate into their community, they still face challenges such as limited career prospects due to their felony records. Charles Turner shared that he had aspirations of joining the police force or serving in the Navy, but his criminal record has hindered those opportunities.
Seeking a presidential pardon is seen as a crucial step in the Turner brothers' journey to restore their reputation and regain the rights they lost due to their wrongful convictions. Charles Turner emphasized that a pardon would not only validate himself and the other wrongfully convicted men but also provide validation to their families, friends, and supporters.
Presidential pardons are typically granted between Election Day and Inauguration Day, making this period a critical time for the Turner brothers as they continue to fight for justice and exoneration.
