Update

This blog is no longer maintained. To keep up with Michael and learn more about his experiences since leaving prison, please visit the website Journey Toward Truth. Thanks and be well!

Freedom

On Monday, 22 April 2012, Michael Ustaszewski was paroled after 35 years, four months, and one day of wrongful incarceration.

Holding Pattern

Thirty-two and a wake-up. That's the count for Michael. If all continues to go well, on Monday, 22 April he will step into the fresh air and have the freedom, as he said, "...to buy a candy bar when I want." I'd like to write about the hearing, the comments on news articles, the pathetic letter I received from "D. Smith" of Toledo, the people who know the truth but won't give it up... But, I'm too tired. It will have to wait. My energies need to go into planning my trip to Ohio, improving the web of support for Michael, and thinking about the film project. Oh, and then there's my real job. But, I felt like I should "check in" here, however briefly. So, there you have it.

Website

I had to rebuild the website from scratch when the hosting service changed platforms. Except for posting images of Michael's paintings, it's pretty much up and running now. Check it out!

Breaking News

Michael has been granted parole. His POA - parole on or after - date is Monday, 22 April. I'll post more about the hearing, etc. at another time. Right now, I'm exhausted. But, I did get to visit Michael - along with his sisters, cousin, niece, and a colleague of mine. He was, of course, elated. Thanks to everyone who sent their good thoughts, prayers, etc. The ultimate in justice has not yet been achieved, but this is a major step in the right direction.

News Coverage

There is an article in the Toledo Blade about the upcoming parole hearing. If you are unable to view it because it prompts you to pay, try changing your settings to prohibit pop-up windows. On some computers it gets blocked; on others it can be read. Please be aware that this was a brief article, not full coverage of the case. As such, there is one major error and there are lots of missing details. I.e., Mr. Cordle was not staying at the Y of his own volition while his house was being worked on and, as for missing details, there were three wounds that were considered fatal; the coroner testified that neither of Mr. Ustaszewski's knives could have made these wounds; and so forth.

And, there is a blog post here that is a response to the above article.

Personally, what I found most shocking and disappointing is that a member of the bar referred to another human being as 'defective.' This from a man who, judging by his comments, has not done even the most basic review of the facts of the case, let alone read the transcripts. To refer to another human being as 'defective' is unprofessional, at best.

I do want to note that while I did contact the Blade in 2010, they weren't interested. This article was prompted by a call from someone else. As a result of that 'tip,' I was contacted.

Finally, the website will not be updated any time soon. Unfortunately the hosting company changed platforms and I am unable to edit the site. I have to completely rebuild it and that's not going to happen this week to be sure!

Parole Hearing

For those not on facebook... Michael had a parole hearing on 26 October. This sub-set of the board recommended that parole be granted. The full board then recommended, by majority vote, that parole be granted. They are statutorily obligated to notify the prosecutor and the victim's family. Since someone objected, the next step is a hearing before the full board. Michael is not physically present at that hearing. He may have up to three people speak on his behalf and may have up to 20 people present. This hearing will occur on 21 February 2013. Stay tuned.