Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
March 16, 2023 ·  3 min read

 ‘I Can’t Have Hate’: Man Serving 400-Year Prison Sentence is Freed

Although we put a lot of faith into the legal system, it does occasionally fail us. For example, someone dangerous may be released back into society because there was a lack of evidence. Arguably worse though, is when someone receives a wrongful conviction, and is forced to spend their lives behind bars. After all, they’ll lose out on precious moments with their loved ones, with no way of getting those moments back. Sadly, Sidney Holmes fell victim to a mistake made by the justice system and was sentenced to 400 years in prison. Fortunately, justice would prevail, and Sidney Holmes was finally granted his freedom.

Making a Wrongful Conviction

In October of 1988, Sidney Holmes was arrested after a report was made regarding a man and woman being held up at gunpoint by two men who stole their car. The following year, in April of 1989, he received a wrongful conviction from the state of Florida. Charged with armed robbery, he was given an astronomically high sentence of 400 years. There seemed to be no chance of freedom or the opportunity to enjoy the rest of his life.

As it is, 400 years is an outrageous sentence, particularly because it was a wrongful conviction. However, the prosecution asked for more than double that at 825 years, meaning there was no chance Holmes would ever be free. According to the Conviction Review Unit, prosecutor Peter Magrino presented the following statement.

“The reason for my recommendation and an exceedingly high number of years is to ensure that he won’t be released from prison while he’s breathing.” Explaining that asking for a life sentence would have given Holmes a chance at parole after 25 years. Unfortunately, Holmes had previously been convicted of armed robbery twice, which solidified for the jury that (the unbeknownst at the time) wrongful conviction was actually justified.

Requesting an Appeal

In 2020, more than 30 years after the wrongful conviction, Holmes Contacted the Conviction Review Unit, whose purpose is to “eliminate wrongful convictions” within their local communities. North Carolina was the first state to implement this government agency in 2007 since a handful of other states have adopted the unit, including, lucky for Holmes, Florida.

After taking on the case, the Conviction Review Unit found that there was “no evidence” to connect Holmes to the robbery. Holmes was simply a victim of miscommunication. Evidence revealed that he was suspected due to an incorrect or incomplete report regarding the description of the car and the person involved in the robbery. Furthermore, he would then be given a wrongful conviction based on his previous crimes.

The same year as the reinvestigation, Harold F. Pryor was elected Broward State Attorney and was the first black man in Florida’s history to be elected for the position. Currently, he leads a staff of more than 460 employees. Of those staff members, early half are prosecutors tasked with ensuring justice, equity, and safer communities.

We have one rule here at the Broward State Attorney’s Office – do the right thing, always. As prosecutors, our only agenda is to promote public safety in our community and to ensure that justice is served.” He said in a statement regarding the wrongful conviction. “I commend the victims, witnesses and law enforcement officers for their candor and assistance in reinvestigating a crime that occurred more than 34 years ago.” He concluded.

Amending the Wrongful Conviction

After more than three decades of time wrongfully served, Holmes has been released and is now free to enjoy the remaining years in his life. The 57-Year-Old told WPLG, “I can’t put it into words. It’s overwhelming.”

Nothing in life is a sure thing, including the almost accurate methods for deciphering criminology. Sadly, Sidney Holmes isn’t the only person whose had their time wasted by a wrongful conviction. In fact, according to estimates, there is around 10% of inmates who’ve received a wrongful conviction due to faulty evidence. Many of us would feel angry, frustrated, saddened or robbed of life if we were in that position. However, Mr. Holmes has somehow attained peace and remained positive. “With the Christian faith I have, I can’t have hate. Just have to keep moving.” He said, looking forward to a brighter future.

Keep Reading: Evidence Unearthed by Podcasters Frees 2 Georgia Men Wrongfully Imprisoned for 25 Years

Sources

  1. Man serving 400-year prison sentence exonerated after new probe finds wrongful conviction.” ABC News. Kiara Alfonseca March 14, 2023.
  2. ‘it’s overwhelming’: Wrongfully convicted man finally freed after 34 years in jail.” WPLG. Terrell Forney. March 14, 2023.