Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has announced the exoneration of Giovanni Hernandez and Miguel Solorio, who were wrongfully convicted and serving extensive prison sentences for murders they did not commit. Hernandez was arrested and convicted for a drive-by shooting in Culver City in 2006 that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Gary Ortiz. Solorio, on the other hand, was convicted of a drive-by shooting in Whittier in 1998, which led to the death of 81-year-old Mary Bramlett. The District Attorney’s Office has apologized to both men for the grave error and the impact it had on their lives.
During a downtown news conference, Gascón expressed his devastation at the wrongful conviction of Hernandez and Solorio, particularly considering their young ages at the time of arrest. Hernandez was just 14 years old, while Solorio was 19. Gascón acknowledged the broader implications of these cases, highlighting the tragic impact on the individuals directly affected as well as their families and friends. He emphasized his commitment to learning from this grave error and taking steps to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.
The exoneration of Hernandez came after an extensive review of his case by the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit. Initially, a claim for review was denied in 2015, but another claim submitted in 2021 with the assistance of the Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic at Loyola Law School led to the discovery of new exculpatory evidence and statements from previously uncontacted witnesses. The investigation also reviewed cell phone records that supported Hernandez’s alibi, confirming he was not present at the location of the shooting.
In Solorio’s case, the Northern California Innocence Project assisted him in the appeal for a review of his conviction. The review ultimately identified a misidentification error, as Solorio was mistakenly identified as his brother Pedro Solorio in a photo lineup. Speaking at the news conference, Solorio discussed the potential errors associated with photo lineups and called for a review of other cases where such processes were utilized.
The exonerations of Hernandez and Solorio highlight the importance of constantly reassessing and scrutinizing convictions to ensure justice is truly served. Gascón’s commitment to rectifying the injustices faced by these individuals serves as a reminder that the justice system must continually strive to learn, improve, and prevent future missteps.
As the news of these exonerations unfolds, it raises questions about the reliability of the criminal justice system. The exoneration of Hernandez and Solorio underscores the need for thorough investigations, proper safeguards to protect the innocent, and a commitment to rectify any errors made by the system.
Now, the focus turns to the future, where the lessons learned from these cases can be implemented to prevent similar injustices. District Attorney Gascón’s dedication to ensuring justice and preventing wrongful convictions serves as a beacon of hope for those who may find themselves on the wrong side of the justice system in the future.
Ultimately, these exonerations remind us that the pursuit of justice requires continuous evaluation, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. Through the exoneration of Hernandez and Solorio, Los Angeles County takes a significant step towards rectifying past mistakes and reaffirming its commitment to the pursuit of true justice for all.
