William Nieves - After Innocence, an untimely death

When William Nieves was released from prison on October 23, 2000, after six years on death row for a crime he did not commit, Philadelphia County gave him a SEPTA token and a set of clothes. At 1 A.M.

In the five years between his release and his passing on October 8, William had ongoing health problems, problems stemming from his wrongful incarceration, during which he claimed he did not receive proper medical care. This lack of care is ultimately what killed him at the young age of 39. William also did not have health insurance, and his numerous doctor's visits and hospital stays created a tremendous financial burden on himself and his family.

And now his family has the additional costs of funeral and burial arrangements to say goodbye to their son, brother, and father who left us much too early.

It was inevitable that the question be asked: How can we help?

Friends of William have created, especially those with whom he worked after his exoneration, to create The Innocents Assistance Fund to try to help the family in this time of sorrow. To contribute, simply make a check payable to "Innocents Assistance Fund" and note in the memo "William Nieves memorial". Checks can be sent to:

Innocents Assistance Fund

c/o Central Pennsylvanians to Abolish the Death Penalty

315 Peffer Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102

All donations to the Innocents Assistance Fund are tax-deductible. I suspect a way will eventually be arranged to take care of this online, but that option is not yet available.