The U-M Innocence Clinic

continued

Deshawn Reed leans across the defense table and whispers something to Bridget McCormack, who pats him on the shoulder. The doors open, and Shannon Gholston is wheeled right past the men his words sent to jail eight years ago. Gholston is wearing a green sweatshirt, gray pants, and green tennis shoes. His hair is braided into cornrows.

There is another conference at the judge’s bench. It’s quiet as church.

Deshawn Reed’s brow is knitted, and he holds his chin in his fist.

Zoe Levine mounts the podium and in a shaky but firm voice asks the big question.

“Do you know who shot you?”

“No, I don’t,” says Gholston softly.

“Did you feel any pressure to come here?”

“No. I never felt any pressure.”

Deshawn Reed is biting his lip as if to hold back tears.

“Did you tell anyone why you testified falsely at the trial?”

“I’ve been trying to tell people the truth for several years.”