A Morgan Lewis team led by partner Andrew Gallo helped secure the release of pro bono client Walter Ogrod, a wrongfully convicted death-row prisoner who had been in jail for more than 28 years. The Philadelphia Inquirer covered the overturn of his conviction, quoting one of Andrew’s statements from the virtual hearing. “Until today, our society — our justice system — has failed Walter Ogrod and Barbara Jean’s family,” he said.
Mr. Ogrod, who was arrested for the 1988 killing of a 4-year-old in Philadelphia, made a false confession after being without sleep for more than 36 hours. After taking on the case in 2005, Morgan Lewis spent countless hours investigating the facts, interviewing witnesses, securing affidavits, and fighting for access to evidence. In 2019, the firm argued for a new trial in a motion joined by the Conviction Integrity Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. The court granted the motion and further granted a motion to reduce the charges against our client so that he can be released on bail.
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