Breaking News: Virginia Supreme Court Issues Decision Clearing Way for Exoneration of Edgar Coker

The University of Virginia’s Innocence Project Clinic won a major victory in the Virginia Supreme Court today in the rape case of Edgar Coker.  The lower courts had denied his habeas claims of innocence solely on the ground that they lacked jurisdiction because Coker had been released on parole before he filed (under the lower court’s ruling, habeas is a remedy only for those still incarcerated when they file).  But the Virginia Supreme Court held that Coker may avail himself of the habeas remedy even while out on parole, and remanded for a hearing on the merits.  The details of Coker’s innocence claim, which includes a compelling recantation from the alleged victim, are set forth here.

Leave a comment