Michael Lilly's Story
- Stolen Innocence -
Michael Lilly #CK-5104
SCI-Graterford
P.O. Box 246
Graterford, PA. 19426
An Inmate At Graterford State Correctional Facility
Website: www.myphillyconnection.com
Universal Shopping Network - A Proud Supporter
Greetings To All My Friends And Visitors,
It was a day filled with black ominous clouds in the city of Philadelphia. The courtroom was dimly lit and the sound of distant rumbling flashed outside the windows warning of an impending storm. The tables where the two attorneys sat opposing each other, were evenly spaced before the judge's platform. Today of all days was the end result of an ineffective defense lawyers' representation of me, Michael Lilly and the verdict that was about to be read establishing my guilt or innocence. The verdict was long awaited and most anticipated by all those who filled the courtroom throughout my trial. In one quick swoop the judge raised his gavel and hit his desk sending echoes of sound through the once still courtroom. Many who had come to hear the verdict were shocked at how quickly my case was decided rendering a judgment of guilty. The judges' voice rang with authority as he quickly pronounced judgment. "You are found, Guilty!" I sat bewildered and shocked wondering how much more pain I could endure before everyone of the opposing party was satisfied with their unjustifiable revenge. Tears welded in my eyes and thoughts of innocence paraded within my soul as I desperately pleaded with God to save me from these deceitful men. I was not guilty. I was just a another innocent man who qualified as a candidate whom the prosecution chose, even knowingly of my innocence, to close another high profile case and notch another win under his belt.
Legit Online Jobs
Now the prison system that I was cast into would have created a hardened and broken man,
who before was optimistic and hopeful about life's potential. Somehow I had to fight within myself for understanding about the whole ordeal and how a life sentence was rendered upon me. As a result of prosecutorial misconduct and the prosecutions' office to speedily and wrongfully obtain a conviction from me, an innocent man I was left without: a prepared and effective defense attorney, without a thorough investigation done on my behalf, non-consideration of repeated and confessed lies on behalf of the prosecutions' witnesses, my role as a hack offering a ride to individuals unaware of the pitfalls that was to follow. Now, I could see clearly all those who traveled the path of injustice, hypocrisy, and made mockery of by the penal system but yet was able to hold on to their undying confession of innocence. You have two strikes against you by being: (declared guilty until proven innocent and living in poverty unable to afford a competent & effective defense attorney). Inherent in the American Judicial System are attitudes that fosters a criminal mentality done by prosecutors who think that their position in life makes them powerful enough to cast innocent men and women into prison all for the sake of their reputation. What gets lost in the process is their dignity and truthfulness and becomes replaced by a tainted heart and deceptive practices. In other words, the justice system has become a very ruthless organization in their careless approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation. We have seen many times how many convicted men and women were set free after intentional, hidden evidence, by the prosecution later on surface and established innocence. DNA is another factor which helped prove the innocence of so many men and women but oftentimes this is done after the fact. By the time you are freed from imprisonment many many years would have passed by. Through heartless punishment the rush to prosecute alleged criminals sometimes actually creates what it seeks to destroy: the hardened criminal, violent, unfeeling, robot-like and broken both inside and out. Capitol punishment is a heinous act in a society which convicts and kills innocent people, and allows black men to wait on death row for crimes white men can pay to get out of, although plenty of innocent people of a wide diversity of ethnicity are put to death for crimes they did not commit. All people who commit crimes are not innocent and many have confessed to their foolishness. For those who are innocent of committing a crime and truly know this in their heart are unfortunately branded guilty from the very beginning by the prosecution. This behavior is highly unfair. The penal system in this country is inhumane. Rehabilitation is virtually nonexistent and jails today are merely holding pens at great cost to the tax payer.
On the page of any popular 21st century newspaper you will see story after story exposing individuals who have been arrested in connection to some crime that was committed somewhere and somehow. Unfortunately, you will find them treated as guilty before the trial. It is this treatment which ruins the reputations of many upstanding citizens who have the misfortune to be wrongly accused. We must remember that the mere fact of accusation does not in itself entail guilt; that is not determined until a trial by jury has been conducted. Sadly, this is not a new trend - in fact, as this historical example shows, defendants are treated as guilty more often than they are presumed innocent.
Michael Lilly's Story - Stolen Innocence
Hello, my name is Michael Lilly, I'm from the neighborhood of 46th Street in West Philadelphia, where I spent many years growing up. In the neighborhood of 46th street, I am, still is, a well loved individual. My popularity amongst my peers and others is very rampant in West Philly and throughout Philadelphia as well. All those who know me can truly vouch to the fact that I am genuine, caring, fun to be with and a person who put others before myself many times to help that person get ahead. Hurting people was never a part of my existence and I never condone those who practice violence and physical abuse against people.
As a youngster while growing up around 46th street I often had to face challenges and difficult times as a result of poverty and related reasons. At one point in my life I was plagued by substance abuse in which I was able to overcome by having the God-given will power to defeat that addiction.
Like many other individuals, growing up around 46th Street had it's reputation at the time that residents carried around with pride for belonging to this unique neighborhood. Just like so many territorial areas of Philadelphia, people are quick to defend the neighborhood that they grew up in. For me, 46th Street was that neighborhood. I definitely appreciate living around 46th Street, I cared for the residents of 46th Street and the residents cared for me and treated me with respect and dignity. I was never a violent person but always a thinker and a positive brother who many looked up to for advice. I'm not saying that my life is perfect. At times, I had encounters with the law but never for anything of a violent nature or anything that would put any citizens in harm's way. Most of all, never for the crime that I've been wrongfully convicted of and presently serving a life sentence for...
My story of innocence begin in the month and year of November 1992. While I stood on the street corner of 46th & Folsom Street conversating with a young lady (name withheld), I was approached by 3 individuals whom I knew from the neighborhood (names withheld) of 46th Street and/or West Philly. These individuals were aware of the fact that I had a vehicle at the time. It's rare that I turn someone down for a ride especially if it's important. This is the kind of person that I am. Knowing this, I was asked for a ride to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia to a pharmacy. Thinking nothing of it, I told myself that I can get some gas money plus a few extra dollars from the 3 individuals for taking them and dropping them off at their destination or taking them where they want to go thenafter. So here I am a hack doing what all hacks or taxi-hacks do for money. I told the young lady that I would be right back after I drop off these 3 individuals.
After we arrived at the destination in Overbrook. I was told to park and wait. Like all taxi drivers do (they park and wait for the passenger(s) to return). After waiting for such a long time I became impatient knowing that I had to get right back to the young lady that was waiting for me at that corner on 46th Street. While I exit my car I started walking toward the pharmacy to tell them to hurry up because I had things to do. While I got near the pharmacy I opened the door and yelled for them to hurry up and that I got my car burning up gas. Afterwards I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun shot. My heart dropped, I didn't know what just occurred I became scared and nervous instantly. The 3 individuals ran out of the pharmacy right pass me rushing to my car. I was stuck for a moment unable to move and didn't know what to do at that moment. In an instant I just had to get away from whatever just took place inside the pharmacy.
I went back to my car nervous and shocked at the same time. The three individuals were already inside my car impatiently waiting for me to get back to the car and take them somewhere I presumed. I just knew I had to get away from them, from the surrounding area and get my thoughts together because I just witnessed a serious crime. At that moment I just wanted them out of my car. I drove back around 46th Street and got them out of my car, parked, got out and walked aimlessly around the neighborhood. The young lady that was waiting for me to return saw a change in my demeanor because I was almost non-communicative with a look of anxiety written all over my face. As the days passed by I had to live with this because the individuals (that committed the act) I knew from the neighborhood I didn't want to associated myself with them. I decided to distance myself and to be alone while I gathered my thoughts together.
Over a period of time I started hearing about the individuals getting arrested for the act that was committed in the Overbrook Pharmacy. Out of sheer panic I wanted to get far away from the madness so I decided to leave the state and go to Florida. I knew that I didn't commit this act with them, I knew that I was innocent, I knew that I didn't have prior knowledge that a robbery and murder was about to take place. I knew that I didn't have anything to worry about. But yet, I was still afraid. I thought what if someone accuse me falsely of being a participant? What if no one believed me? What if I told someone and then explain that I was only a hack and was totally unaware of a robbery and murder was going to take place? Will anyone believe me? Will I be considered a snitch and my life would be threatened? I thought the best thing for me to do is let the law deal with it while I go away for a while then come back and it would all be over with.
As I started my journey out of town I contemplated to myself saying, "I should just turn around someone would believe my story." "Why run away, that would make me seem like I was involved as well?" At that particular time I couldn't think straight. I just kept going. I thought maybe I could start telling my family and others what happened once I get to my destination.
When I arrived at my destination in Florida I never got the chance to tell any of my family members because I was greeted by police officers who apprehended me and took me into custody.
While in custody and being questioned by the officers of Florida and in Philadelphia, after extradition, I declared my innocence the whole time.
One of the most amazing aspect of my case occurred. I found someone who believe my story. Of all people it was the prosecutor Roger King who came to me saying that he knew that I wasn't involved in the crime that was committed in Overbrook Pharmacy. He said that he would work things out only if I cooperated with him and agreed to whatever documents that were printed up charging the three individuals with the crime committed and other crimes.
The deal he offered me was to basically tell what I know, testify, and receive a small amount of time All I had to do was sign my signature on the paper he showed me, testify against the 3 individuals, and I would get maybe a few years of incarceration. With this in mind, this goes to show that I didn't have any involvement in the crime that I was accused of. I knew of my innocence and thought to myself I shouldn't do any jail time because I didn't do anything.
I took and read the documents that the Prosecutor Roger King presented to me. It had printed on the documents a whole lot of other robberies and serious crimes that were committed all over Philadelphia. I said this would be a lie if I sign these papers accusing these individuals of crimes other than the Overbrook Pharmacy crime. I had no knowledge of other crimes that were done so why should I perjure myself. The prosecutor said, "it doesn't matter and this was the only way that I could help myself;" by agreeing to lies and going through with lies and testifying against the 3 individuals by accusing them of a whole bunch of lies in regards to other robberies. I said this is insane. How can you do this? He said watch and see. I told Mr. King,"I am not signing no paperwork perjuring myself and telling lies. It's wrong and I refuse to do it."
Roger King said, "okay, we'll do things the hard way." "I'm going to charge you with murder and other related charges." I said, "you can't do that and get away with it." "That's wrong!!!" He then proceeded to charge me with the serious charges just like the other three individuals. He told me I better get a good lawyer because I'm going to need one.
As the months passed by I still was clinging to my innocence. I was able to get an attorney (name withheld) who was supposedly preparing for my upcoming trial to defend me against murder and robbery charges. I declared my innocence to my trial attorney. When the trial day finally arrived I went to court and went through a normal trial process up until the jury deliberated. When the verdict came back announcing that I was found guilty of second degree murder. I could not believe my ears. I could not believe what just happened. I thought no way is this possible. How could someone who wasn't involved in this case, wasn't a part of it could end up being found guilty of second degree murder?
I was completely devastated. Throughout my trial my lawyer was very ineffective and throughout the appeal process my lawyer mishandled my case and it seem like my attorney was working for the prosecution.
Now here I am sitting in prison unjustly, falsely accused, and without a justification. The prosecution used deception and misconduct against me. My lawyer used misrepresentation against me. So now I've been sitting in Graterford Prison for over 17 years with no relief, no help, and I exhausted all of my resources. The only person who knows of my innocence and believe in my innocence is God, my family, and my closest friends. The people in my life are fighting day and night to get me out of this nightmare and back with my family and child where I was before back in the year 1992.
Is there anyone out there who can help me? Is there anyone who can look into my situation?
Is there anyone who can offer legal advice? Is there anyone who can direct me to any legal organizations that offer help?
Is there anyone who can write me at the above address with assistance?
Please help me reclaim my innocence.
My name is Michael Lilly
Michael Lilly CK#5104
SCI-Graterford
P.O. Box 246
Graterford, PA. 19426
Thank you for taking the time to read this plea of innocence and I hope that you can offer any assistance or services. It would be greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Michael Lilly... - Stolen Innocence -
Bookmark This Page Or Save It As One Of Your Favorite Sites
- Stolen Innocence -
Michael Lilly #CK-5104
SCI-Graterford
P.O. Box 246
Graterford, PA. 19426
An Inmate At Graterford State Correctional Facility
Website: www.myphillyconnection.com
Universal Shopping Network - A Proud Supporter
Greetings To All My Friends And Visitors,
It was a day filled with black ominous clouds in the city of Philadelphia. The courtroom was dimly lit and the sound of distant rumbling flashed outside the windows warning of an impending storm. The tables where the two attorneys sat opposing each other, were evenly spaced before the judge's platform. Today of all days was the end result of an ineffective defense lawyers' representation of me, Michael Lilly and the verdict that was about to be read establishing my guilt or innocence. The verdict was long awaited and most anticipated by all those who filled the courtroom throughout my trial. In one quick swoop the judge raised his gavel and hit his desk sending echoes of sound through the once still courtroom. Many who had come to hear the verdict were shocked at how quickly my case was decided rendering a judgment of guilty. The judges' voice rang with authority as he quickly pronounced judgment. "You are found, Guilty!" I sat bewildered and shocked wondering how much more pain I could endure before everyone of the opposing party was satisfied with their unjustifiable revenge. Tears welded in my eyes and thoughts of innocence paraded within my soul as I desperately pleaded with God to save me from these deceitful men. I was not guilty. I was just a another innocent man who qualified as a candidate whom the prosecution chose, even knowingly of my innocence, to close another high profile case and notch another win under his belt.
Legit Online Jobs
Now the prison system that I was cast into would have created a hardened and broken man,
who before was optimistic and hopeful about life's potential. Somehow I had to fight within myself for understanding about the whole ordeal and how a life sentence was rendered upon me. As a result of prosecutorial misconduct and the prosecutions' office to speedily and wrongfully obtain a conviction from me, an innocent man I was left without: a prepared and effective defense attorney, without a thorough investigation done on my behalf, non-consideration of repeated and confessed lies on behalf of the prosecutions' witnesses, my role as a hack offering a ride to individuals unaware of the pitfalls that was to follow. Now, I could see clearly all those who traveled the path of injustice, hypocrisy, and made mockery of by the penal system but yet was able to hold on to their undying confession of innocence. You have two strikes against you by being: (declared guilty until proven innocent and living in poverty unable to afford a competent & effective defense attorney). Inherent in the American Judicial System are attitudes that fosters a criminal mentality done by prosecutors who think that their position in life makes them powerful enough to cast innocent men and women into prison all for the sake of their reputation. What gets lost in the process is their dignity and truthfulness and becomes replaced by a tainted heart and deceptive practices. In other words, the justice system has become a very ruthless organization in their careless approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation. We have seen many times how many convicted men and women were set free after intentional, hidden evidence, by the prosecution later on surface and established innocence. DNA is another factor which helped prove the innocence of so many men and women but oftentimes this is done after the fact. By the time you are freed from imprisonment many many years would have passed by. Through heartless punishment the rush to prosecute alleged criminals sometimes actually creates what it seeks to destroy: the hardened criminal, violent, unfeeling, robot-like and broken both inside and out. Capitol punishment is a heinous act in a society which convicts and kills innocent people, and allows black men to wait on death row for crimes white men can pay to get out of, although plenty of innocent people of a wide diversity of ethnicity are put to death for crimes they did not commit. All people who commit crimes are not innocent and many have confessed to their foolishness. For those who are innocent of committing a crime and truly know this in their heart are unfortunately branded guilty from the very beginning by the prosecution. This behavior is highly unfair. The penal system in this country is inhumane. Rehabilitation is virtually nonexistent and jails today are merely holding pens at great cost to the tax payer.
On the page of any popular 21st century newspaper you will see story after story exposing individuals who have been arrested in connection to some crime that was committed somewhere and somehow. Unfortunately, you will find them treated as guilty before the trial. It is this treatment which ruins the reputations of many upstanding citizens who have the misfortune to be wrongly accused. We must remember that the mere fact of accusation does not in itself entail guilt; that is not determined until a trial by jury has been conducted. Sadly, this is not a new trend - in fact, as this historical example shows, defendants are treated as guilty more often than they are presumed innocent.
Michael Lilly's Story - Stolen Innocence
Hello, my name is Michael Lilly, I'm from the neighborhood of 46th Street in West Philadelphia, where I spent many years growing up. In the neighborhood of 46th street, I am, still is, a well loved individual. My popularity amongst my peers and others is very rampant in West Philly and throughout Philadelphia as well. All those who know me can truly vouch to the fact that I am genuine, caring, fun to be with and a person who put others before myself many times to help that person get ahead. Hurting people was never a part of my existence and I never condone those who practice violence and physical abuse against people.
As a youngster while growing up around 46th street I often had to face challenges and difficult times as a result of poverty and related reasons. At one point in my life I was plagued by substance abuse in which I was able to overcome by having the God-given will power to defeat that addiction.
Like many other individuals, growing up around 46th Street had it's reputation at the time that residents carried around with pride for belonging to this unique neighborhood. Just like so many territorial areas of Philadelphia, people are quick to defend the neighborhood that they grew up in. For me, 46th Street was that neighborhood. I definitely appreciate living around 46th Street, I cared for the residents of 46th Street and the residents cared for me and treated me with respect and dignity. I was never a violent person but always a thinker and a positive brother who many looked up to for advice. I'm not saying that my life is perfect. At times, I had encounters with the law but never for anything of a violent nature or anything that would put any citizens in harm's way. Most of all, never for the crime that I've been wrongfully convicted of and presently serving a life sentence for...
My story of innocence begin in the month and year of November 1992. While I stood on the street corner of 46th & Folsom Street conversating with a young lady (name withheld), I was approached by 3 individuals whom I knew from the neighborhood (names withheld) of 46th Street and/or West Philly. These individuals were aware of the fact that I had a vehicle at the time. It's rare that I turn someone down for a ride especially if it's important. This is the kind of person that I am. Knowing this, I was asked for a ride to the Overbrook section of Philadelphia to a pharmacy. Thinking nothing of it, I told myself that I can get some gas money plus a few extra dollars from the 3 individuals for taking them and dropping them off at their destination or taking them where they want to go thenafter. So here I am a hack doing what all hacks or taxi-hacks do for money. I told the young lady that I would be right back after I drop off these 3 individuals.
After we arrived at the destination in Overbrook. I was told to park and wait. Like all taxi drivers do (they park and wait for the passenger(s) to return). After waiting for such a long time I became impatient knowing that I had to get right back to the young lady that was waiting for me at that corner on 46th Street. While I exit my car I started walking toward the pharmacy to tell them to hurry up because I had things to do. While I got near the pharmacy I opened the door and yelled for them to hurry up and that I got my car burning up gas. Afterwards I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun shot. My heart dropped, I didn't know what just occurred I became scared and nervous instantly. The 3 individuals ran out of the pharmacy right pass me rushing to my car. I was stuck for a moment unable to move and didn't know what to do at that moment. In an instant I just had to get away from whatever just took place inside the pharmacy.
I went back to my car nervous and shocked at the same time. The three individuals were already inside my car impatiently waiting for me to get back to the car and take them somewhere I presumed. I just knew I had to get away from them, from the surrounding area and get my thoughts together because I just witnessed a serious crime. At that moment I just wanted them out of my car. I drove back around 46th Street and got them out of my car, parked, got out and walked aimlessly around the neighborhood. The young lady that was waiting for me to return saw a change in my demeanor because I was almost non-communicative with a look of anxiety written all over my face. As the days passed by I had to live with this because the individuals (that committed the act) I knew from the neighborhood I didn't want to associated myself with them. I decided to distance myself and to be alone while I gathered my thoughts together.
Over a period of time I started hearing about the individuals getting arrested for the act that was committed in the Overbrook Pharmacy. Out of sheer panic I wanted to get far away from the madness so I decided to leave the state and go to Florida. I knew that I didn't commit this act with them, I knew that I was innocent, I knew that I didn't have prior knowledge that a robbery and murder was about to take place. I knew that I didn't have anything to worry about. But yet, I was still afraid. I thought what if someone accuse me falsely of being a participant? What if no one believed me? What if I told someone and then explain that I was only a hack and was totally unaware of a robbery and murder was going to take place? Will anyone believe me? Will I be considered a snitch and my life would be threatened? I thought the best thing for me to do is let the law deal with it while I go away for a while then come back and it would all be over with.
As I started my journey out of town I contemplated to myself saying, "I should just turn around someone would believe my story." "Why run away, that would make me seem like I was involved as well?" At that particular time I couldn't think straight. I just kept going. I thought maybe I could start telling my family and others what happened once I get to my destination.
When I arrived at my destination in Florida I never got the chance to tell any of my family members because I was greeted by police officers who apprehended me and took me into custody.
While in custody and being questioned by the officers of Florida and in Philadelphia, after extradition, I declared my innocence the whole time.
One of the most amazing aspect of my case occurred. I found someone who believe my story. Of all people it was the prosecutor Roger King who came to me saying that he knew that I wasn't involved in the crime that was committed in Overbrook Pharmacy. He said that he would work things out only if I cooperated with him and agreed to whatever documents that were printed up charging the three individuals with the crime committed and other crimes.
The deal he offered me was to basically tell what I know, testify, and receive a small amount of time All I had to do was sign my signature on the paper he showed me, testify against the 3 individuals, and I would get maybe a few years of incarceration. With this in mind, this goes to show that I didn't have any involvement in the crime that I was accused of. I knew of my innocence and thought to myself I shouldn't do any jail time because I didn't do anything.
I took and read the documents that the Prosecutor Roger King presented to me. It had printed on the documents a whole lot of other robberies and serious crimes that were committed all over Philadelphia. I said this would be a lie if I sign these papers accusing these individuals of crimes other than the Overbrook Pharmacy crime. I had no knowledge of other crimes that were done so why should I perjure myself. The prosecutor said, "it doesn't matter and this was the only way that I could help myself;" by agreeing to lies and going through with lies and testifying against the 3 individuals by accusing them of a whole bunch of lies in regards to other robberies. I said this is insane. How can you do this? He said watch and see. I told Mr. King,"I am not signing no paperwork perjuring myself and telling lies. It's wrong and I refuse to do it."
Roger King said, "okay, we'll do things the hard way." "I'm going to charge you with murder and other related charges." I said, "you can't do that and get away with it." "That's wrong!!!" He then proceeded to charge me with the serious charges just like the other three individuals. He told me I better get a good lawyer because I'm going to need one.
As the months passed by I still was clinging to my innocence. I was able to get an attorney (name withheld) who was supposedly preparing for my upcoming trial to defend me against murder and robbery charges. I declared my innocence to my trial attorney. When the trial day finally arrived I went to court and went through a normal trial process up until the jury deliberated. When the verdict came back announcing that I was found guilty of second degree murder. I could not believe my ears. I could not believe what just happened. I thought no way is this possible. How could someone who wasn't involved in this case, wasn't a part of it could end up being found guilty of second degree murder?
I was completely devastated. Throughout my trial my lawyer was very ineffective and throughout the appeal process my lawyer mishandled my case and it seem like my attorney was working for the prosecution.
Now here I am sitting in prison unjustly, falsely accused, and without a justification. The prosecution used deception and misconduct against me. My lawyer used misrepresentation against me. So now I've been sitting in Graterford Prison for over 17 years with no relief, no help, and I exhausted all of my resources. The only person who knows of my innocence and believe in my innocence is God, my family, and my closest friends. The people in my life are fighting day and night to get me out of this nightmare and back with my family and child where I was before back in the year 1992.
Is there anyone out there who can help me? Is there anyone who can look into my situation?
Is there anyone who can offer legal advice? Is there anyone who can direct me to any legal organizations that offer help?
Is there anyone who can write me at the above address with assistance?
Please help me reclaim my innocence.
My name is Michael Lilly
Michael Lilly CK#5104
SCI-Graterford
P.O. Box 246
Graterford, PA. 19426
Thank you for taking the time to read this plea of innocence and I hope that you can offer any assistance or services. It would be greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Michael Lilly... - Stolen Innocence -
Bookmark This Page Or Save It As One Of Your Favorite Sites
