Wilmington 10 get their pardons

Wilmington, N.C. — The surviving members of the "Wilmington 10," the nine men and one woman wrongly convicted more than 40 years ago in the fire-bombing of a grocery store, and family members of the four who are deceased gathered Saturday in the town where their long journey started to accept the formal certificates of pardon signed last week by the governor.

Benjamin Chavis, Connie Tindall, Marvin Patrick, Wayne Moore, Reginald Epps, Jerry Jacobs, James McKoy, Willie Earl Vereen, William Wright Jr. and Ann Shepard were convicted of arson after a race riot in the city in 1971 only to see their convictions overturned years later after findings of prosecutorial misconduct. Perdue's action was the final step in a long battle waged by civil rights groups, lawyers and families.

"These pardons help remove a stain from the nation, help to heal the breach of the world," State NAACP President Rev. William Barber said. "Each of Gov. Perdue's ten pardons of innocence are national and international acts of redemption and grace."

On Saturday, hundreds crowded Gregory Congregational United Church of Christ to hear from Barber and Chavis, among others.

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So, now they can get jobs without impunity right?

gvmntcheese
January 8, 2013 3:56 p.m.

"How come the story doesnt mention the taxpayers money they recieved...50 grand for each year or part of that they spent in jail each. So at least a half million! Good going Bev!" ncrepublican1776 So you believe the state should be able to wrongfully incarcerate you with impunity? How is it Bev's fault? To be fair, the screen name is that of the party that does not want victims of medical malpractice to be compensated.

goldenosprey
January 8, 2013 9:12 a.m.

"How come the story doesnt mention the taxpayers money they recieved...50 grand for each year or part of that they spent in jail each. So at least a half million! Good going Bev!"

So you're saying it was worth it? You would be willing to go to jail for $50k a year?

Bill Brasky
January 7, 2013 3:23 p.m.

How come the story doesnt mention the taxpayers money they recieved...50 grand for each year or part of that they spent in jail each. So at least a half million! Good going Bev!

and well deserved!!

NiceNSmooth
January 7, 2013 2:22 p.m.

Why are the pardons needed when the 4th Circuit of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia threw out their convictions. The last time I checked a federal court is higher up the chain of command then a state governor.

trekkie13
January 7, 2013 2:21 p.m.