Man Wrongfully Convicted Shares Story in Sacramento

Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent decades on death row, visited the city as part of the Sacramento Speakers Series.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Anthony Ray Hinton, who was wrongfully convicted and spent nearly 30 years on death row for murders he did not commit, visited Sacramento on Wednesday to share his story and inspire critical thinking about the justice system. Hinton's conviction was overturned in 2015 due to new evidence, and he is the author of "The Sun Does Shine." KCRA 3's Deirdre Fitzpatrick interviewed Hinton as part of the Sacramento Speakers Series.

Why it matters

Hinton's case highlights the flaws and biases within the criminal justice system, and his story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for reform to prevent wrongful convictions. His visit to Sacramento aims to raise awareness and encourage discussions about improving the fairness and accuracy of the justice system.

The details

Hinton was convicted in 1985 for the deaths of two Alabama restaurant managers, but his conviction was overturned in 2015 due to new evidence that proved his innocence. He spent nearly 30 years on death row before being exonerated. Hinton's visit to Sacramento was part of the city's Speakers Series, where he shared his story and inspired critical thinking about the justice system.

  • Hinton was convicted in 1985 for the murders.
  • Hinton's conviction was overturned in 2015 due to new evidence.
  • Hinton visited Sacramento on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, as part of the Sacramento Speakers Series.
  • The next speaker in the series will be environmental advocate Celine Cousteau on March 25, 2026.

The players

Anthony Ray Hinton

A man who was wrongfully convicted and spent nearly 30 years on death row for murders he did not commit. He is the author of "The Sun Does Shine.".

Deirdre Fitzpatrick

A reporter for KCRA 3 who interviewed Anthony Ray Hinton as part of the Sacramento Speakers Series.

Celine Cousteau

An environmental advocate who will be the next speaker in the Sacramento Speakers Series on March 25, 2026.

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What’s next

The next speaker in the Sacramento Speakers Series will be environmental advocate Celine Cousteau on March 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Anthony Ray Hinton's story of wrongful conviction and his decades-long fight for justice underscores the critical need for comprehensive criminal justice reform to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the system. His visit to Sacramento aims to inspire deeper discussions and actions towards creating a more just and equitable justice system.