Joel Kirkpatrick: Anniversary of a Stolen Life

Joel Kirkpatrick: Anniversary of a Stolen Life

“He slid toward the kitchen—such a wonderful place for a predator; always a weapon in easy reach.  He picked up a knife and weighed its balance in his hand.  He headed straight for the first bedroom door.  There, 10-year-old Joel Kirkpatrick dreamed his...
Overwhelmed and Humbled: Defender of the Innocent award

Overwhelmed and Humbled: Defender of the Innocent award

At the tenth anniversary celebration of the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project on Monday night, I was the main speaker and a recipient of a Defender of the Innocent award.  I cannot find the words to express how incredible it was to be at an event with Julie Rea...
Defender of Innocents Award and More

Defender of Innocents Award and More

Time for a personal note. I’m heading up to Springfield, Illinois, to the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project this Monday.  The reason I’m going is to accept a Defender of Innocents award.  I am thrilled, honored and...