New England Innocence Project

06/01/2026

We’d love to imagine a judicial system that is self-correcting. But Tommy Rosa, who was exonerated this year after spending 34 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and his case reveal the truth: even an innocent person with an expert legal team and compelling evidence has to spend decades fighting for freedom and exoneration.

And Tommy’s story is not an anomaly—not by a long shot.

Every fight against injustice is fueled by this community. Your generosity made it possible for Tommy to reunite with his family. And your support today will help us continue fighting for people still imprisoned in an unjust system.

Right now, every gift made through the end of June will be doubled (2X), thanks to a special match donor.

Will you make a gift today to help free and exonerate the next innocent person?

05/30/2026

More than a cookout: A day of resilience and joy.

“No matter the weather, this day always becomes a day of smiles, laughter, healing, and love.

For many of us gathered here today, the journey has not been easy. Many have endured some of life’s hardest moments—times marked by pain, separation, injustice, and loneliness. There were days when we felt unseen, unheard, isolated, and pushed into the shadows, wondering if anyone could truly understand our experiences.

But today is different.

Today, we stand together.

Today, we take up the space we deserve—not quietly, not apologetically, but boldly and courageously. We gather in a community of people who understand. A community that knows the truth of our stories. A community that reminds us that we are not who they said we are.”

— Sean K Ellis, Director of The Exoneree Network at the annual at Kimball Farm

Sean K Ellis

05/26/2026

🗣️ 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Last week, Senior Staff Attorney Stephanie Hartung and Sean K Ellis, Director of The Exoneree Network, gave a presentation to an engaged audience at The Newbury of Brookline, a senior living community.

The pair provided an overview of NEIP's work, and Sean shared his powerful story of wrongful incarceration and eventual exoneration—residents had spent the past few weeks watching and discussing the Netflix documentary, "Trial 4," which chronicles Sean's fight to prove his innocence.

They said, "Hearing Sean share his journey firsthand was deeply impactful. His resilience, and the meaningful work he has built through The Exoneree Network to support fellow exonerees, is truly inspiring and has left a lasting impression on our community."

➡️ If you'd like a representative of NEIP or EN to speak at your organization or event, please contact Sadie Blanco at [email protected].

05/22/2026

👥 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒: We’re excited to co-sponsor the exhibition and panel discussion: “Window Into Solitary,” which features portraits and testimony of 17 men and women who have experienced long-term solitary confinement.

It seeks to expose the cruel and unusual punishment experienced by close to 125,000 of our fellow citizens each day inside prisons across America.

📅 Opening Reception & Panel: Saturday, June 13, 6:00-8:30pm
📍 Spencer Lofts Gallery (60 Dudley St, Chelsea, Mass.)

🎤 Panelists:
• Christopher Blackwell: Founder and Director of Look2Justice
• Bonnie Tenneriello: Senior Staff Attorney and Solitary Confinement Project Director at Prisoners' Legal Services
• Albert Brown: Wrongfully convicted alongside Jabir Pope of a Boston murder and spent 38 years in prison

Albert and Jabir, members of The Exoneree Network, will also perform “I Cry Freedom” with their musical group The OG's (Original Gentlemen).

More details here: https://www.socialdocumentary.net/cms/Window-Into-Solitary-Chelsea-MA

➡ The exhibition is on display June 3-30, 2026, and gallery hours are June 20 & 27, noon-4:00pm. To visit the gallery at other times, please contact Darlene DeVita at 617-974-7233

05/21/2026

🎤 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬!

For so many years, members of our community didn't have a say in the media's public narrative about their story.

As part of the programming offered by The Exoneree Network, we recently hosted a private media training for community members and their support people at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library to help take the power back!

Attendees practiced skills and gained tools to confidently participate in media interviews and public speaking opportunities and to take control of the narrative. This is an incredible group of folks. A special thank you to everyone who participated!

05/12/2026

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀!

Contact your Massachusetts State Senator today and ask them to co-sponsor two amendments to the budget filed by Senator Patricia Jehlen, Amendment 891 and Amendment 892, which will increase funding to the Exoneree Network and help ensure exonerees receive adequate compensation.

To ensure these amendments are included in the Senate budget proposal, Senators need to hear from their constituents this week. Please act today!

To find your senator: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator.

Read our script for your calls or emails to your Senator:
https://www.newenglandinnocence.org/innocence-blog/2026/5/12/exonereesupportbudget

05/08/2026

A very special thank you to The Philanthropy Lab and the students in the "Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and the Social Good" course at Harvard University for selecting New England Innocence Project and The Exoneree Network as recipients of their Social Good class grant.

Students worked in groups to identify and evaluate local nonprofits as potential donation recipients and assess the impact of a donation — we are delighted to have been selected!

05/07/2026

It is with great sadness that we share that our client Edward Knight passed away yesterday morning after a months-long battle with oropharyngeal cancer. He was 54 years old. Today would have been his 55th birthday.

It was a privilege to stand beside him, along with the CPCS Innocence Program, in his pursuit of justice over the last many years. It is a tragedy that his life was cut short before he could see his name cleared for a crime he very clearly did not commit.

Read the full letter on our blog below.

It is with great sadness that we share that our client Edward Knight passed away yesterday morning after a months-long battle with oropharyngeal cancer. He was 54 years old. 

05/05/2026

📣 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: The priority application deadline for our Development Director position is this Friday, May 8th.

If you or someone you know is committed to community-centric fundraising & building resources to fight injustice in the criminal legal system, you can find the details here: newenglandinnocence.org/careers