Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

In 1981, James Woodard of Dallas was convicted of murdering his girlfriend and sentenced to life in prison. Over the next twenty-seven years, Woodard ? a model prisoner ? was given 12 parole hearings in which he was offered freedom in exchange for admitting that he was guilty of that crime.

Although every molecule of his body ached for freedom, Woodard refused each time that offer was made, insisting that he had been wrongfully convicted.

In late April, Woodard was vindicated when a district judge ordered his release. DNA tests on the body of the victim ? who had been raped and strangled ? confirmed that Woodard was not the assailant. In addition, new research documented that former Dallas DA Henry Wade had deliberately concealed evidence that would have cleared Woodard.

With the help of the Innocence Project of Texas, Woodard is now free after living roughly half his life in prison ? and manfully maintaining his integrity when tempted to confess to a crime he didn?t commit.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.