Toforest Johnson has been on Alabama’s death row since 1998. He was convinced of killing a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy, a crime he says he didn’t commit.
For years, advocates have worked to share Johnson’s story, hoping to have a new trial for his case.
A billboard now standing over downtown Birmingham is working to get more people behind that movement.
The billboard, at 22nd Avenue and 1st Street, states: “How did an innocent man end up on Alabama’s death row?” and features the cover art for the podcast “Earwitness.” The 8-episode series tells Johnson’s story.
Johnson’s youngest daughter, Akeriya Terry, hopes the billboard will attract new people to learn more about her dad’s case. She said the billboard is a dream come true.
“This billboard attracts a lot of attention because people can speak out more. The more people that notice, the more people that’ll be able to speak out and be like ‘okay this is wrong.’ And we can get more help on the back end,” said Terry.
Earlier this year, District Attorney Danny Carr filed a brief with the court for a new trial, citing thin evidence.
Source: WBRC news, Staff, August 14, 2024
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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde
