A new book has been reviewed this month that tells a true story not unlike that of Willie Manning. The book, ‘The Corruption of Innocence: A Journey for Justice’, by Lori St John, tells how the author tried to prevent the execution of Joseph O’Dell. As in Willie’s case, Joseph’s request for DNA testing was turned down; but for Joseph there was no temporary reprieve such as Willie has had, and he was executed without DNA testing in 1997.

Joseph O’Dell’s case is compared to Willie’s:

“Joseph O’Dell’s case highlights… why Willie Manning was denied DNA testing by the Mississippi state supreme court and the governor”.  

The review mentions several underlying reasons for continuing wrongful convictions:

“The use of jailhouse snitches, questionable witnesses, suppressed evidence and junk science made to undeniably point a finger at a suspect are among them.”

 All these feature in Willie’s cases.

St John concludes:

“If we unite to underscore the importance of transparency, integrity and accountability, the underlying causes of wrongful convictions will begin to decline.”

Joseph O’Dell’s case demonstrates just how important this unity of purpose is for Willie’s supporters, as Willie Manning continues to ask for justice from the courts.