In the United States, DNA evidence is used everyday to send people to prison. Since the late 1980s, DNA evidence has also been used to exonerate more than 200 innocent men and women. And yet, for more than 10 years, the State of Illinois has blocked DNA testing for Johnnie Lee Savory.
In 1977, when Johnnie was 14 years old, he was sent to prison for murdering his friend and his friend’s sister in their hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Johnnie’s conviction rests on a foundation that has crumbled. The key witnesses in his case have recanted their testimony, telling authorities that police had pressured them to lie about Johnnie.
DNA testing didn’t exist when Johnnie was convicted more than 30 years ago. If it had, the evidence would have been tested as part of routine police procedure.
Given these facts, The New York Times recently asked, why the state has persistently refused to grant this testing?
Only Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons knows. However, given his previous attempts to justify his actions, it is unlikely that he can offer a reasonable explanation.
When asked by the Chicago Sun-Times why he opposes testing for Johnnie, Lyons said that "as a prosecutor, I understand that justice is the most important objective, but I also understand in wild goose chases like this when defense lawyers say something, I know that just saying it does not make it true."
Lyons also once suggested to a local magazine that he’d simply “set [him]self on fire” before allowing Johnnie to test the evidence that would likely not only exonerate him, but also establish the identity of the real killer.
Johnnie’s only hope for justice lies with Governor Quinn. He can order DNA testing today, and he’ll do it if enough people demand it.
Take one minute to e-mail Governor Quinn. Tell him to order DNA testing for Johnnie Lee Savory.
Justice delayed should not mean justice denied.
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John Maki
John Maki is a new media consultant for Chicago non-profits. In his spare time, John is also a multi-media producer and contributor for The Windy Citizen. Before working in new media, John taught high school literature, and before that was a graduate student in English literature at the University of Chicago. John is currently in his third year at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
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