WASHINGTON – Charles and Chris Turner, two brothers who spent decades in prison for a 1984 murder they say they did not commit, are seeking a presidential pardon to clear their names and reclaim their future.

Convicted as teenagers of the brutal murder of Catherine Fuller in Northeast Washington, D.C., near the intersection of 8th Street and H Street, the brothers live in the shadow of the crime for over 40 years.

Now free, they are fighting to be exonerated through a pardon that would overturn their convictions and restore their rights.

“With this pardon, we have a chance to put this all to rest and close this case once and for all,” Chris Turner said.

Despite decades of the Turner brothers’ lives being stolen from them, both have a positive outlook on the future and the impact they can have moving forward.

“People are even more upset because we’re not bitter,” Chris Turner said. “We believe that if you remain bitter, upset by what happened – even though it was an atrocity and an injustice – you will remain mentally locked in.”

This case, explored in the podcast “The Alley: DC’s 8th and H Case”highlighted allegations of suppressed evidence, coerced testimony and flaws in investigations.

Seventeen people were arrested in connection with Fuller’s murder, and eight were ultimately convicted. Of the six still alive, all proclaim their innocence after having collectively spent more than 200 years behind bars.

Shannon Lynch, head podcast producer and studio director at New America, noted the brothers’ resilience. She spent over 3.5 years getting to know each of them individually to tell their stories.

“Of course, I will never be able to understand what it feels like to have your name dragged through the mud like theirs was, but what is more important to look at is what they have done since then.” she said.

The Turners have immersed themselves in the community and remain optimistic about their future, despite the limitations imposed by their criminal history.

“We actually said we could join the police if we didn’t have this on our record…I used to want to be in the Navy. I can’t serve my country because I have a criminal record,” Charles Turner said. , reflecting on the opportunities he missed.

Their fight for a pardon, supported by the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, represents a crucial step in restoring their reputations and clearing up any wrongdoing. Executive Director Shawn Armbrust has been personally dedicated to this business for 20 years.

“We decided we had to do this because at the end of the day we can’t abandon them,” Armbrust said.

Charles Turner expressed hope that a pardon would bring validation not only to himself and the five other convicted men, but also to his family, friends, and others who supported him. supported throughout its journey.

“It would also validate – help validate – what they know, not what they believe, but what they know. There’s a big difference there.”

Historically, most presidential pardons are granted between Election Day and Inauguration Day, but no timetable has been set for applications for convicted men.

For more information about the case and how to get involved, click here:

Additionally, you can listen to the “The Alley: DC’s 8th and H Case” wherever you stream your podcast Spotify Or Apple Podcasts.