Montana Innocence Project Supporters,
As we settle into the new year, we are excited to share a winter recap with you! Read on for legal updates, MTIP’s upcoming involvement with the Innocence Network Conference, ways you can support our clients in their healing journeys, and human-centered stories behind unjust convictions.
Legal Updates:
Katie Garding
In March of 2023, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana granted Katie’s habeas petition, finally overturning her conviction of vehicular homicide that she had long-sought. However, her freedom from state custody was short-lived, in June of 2024 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the U.S. District Court’s decision. In a 2-1 decision, the Circuit Court found that it was reasonable for the Montana Supreme Court to determine that Katie’s trial counsel was not deficient. One of the three circuit judges dissented, stating that it is clear from the trial and postconviction record that Katie is innocent.
Katie’s pro-bono attorney Lars Phillips is currently working on a Petition of Certiorari to request the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Katie’s case. Concurrently, Katie is appealing to the MT Supreme Court to reverse the Missoula District Court’s decision to reinstate state supervision after the Circuit Court’s ruling. MTIP is assisting with both legal proceedings.
Aaron Oliphant
MTIP continues to explore all options to exonerate Aaron from his wrongful conviction. We recently obtained records from medical providers that were previously withheld from MTIP attorneys. MTIP has engaged medical experts to review the records in preparation for next steps.
MTIP client Bernard Pease Jr. to attend Innocence Network Conference
MTIP client Bernard Pease Jr. will attend the Innocence Network Conference for the first time this year in Seattle, WA, April 3-5.
The conference brings together innocence advocates from around the globe, alongside clients of innocence organizations and their supportive family members and friends. Participants have the opportunity to engage in critical discussions on emerging issues in criminal legal reform, share their personal stories, and connect with like-minded advocates and people with shared experiences.
We are overjoyed for Bernie to join the conference this year and hope he will feel empowered by the experience! MTIP staff members will also be in attendance.
Make sure to follow us on social media @Bigskyinnocence for updates and photos from the conference!
Help MTIP client Katie Garding achieve a personal goal to backpack through Montana’s wilderness this summer:
with family and her dogs.
The Montana Innocence Project is seeking support on behalf of our client Katie Garding. This summer, Katie hopes to participate in a guided backpacking retreat in Whitefish, Montana. Our goal is to raise $2,000 to help cover the costs of this experience for her, including retreat fees, travel expenses, and necessary gear.
This immersive retreat is designed to foster healing and rejuvenation, providing Katie with an opportunity to reconnect with nature and herself. Over three enriching days, Katie will embark on hikes to Doris Lake and Doris Peak, while also engaging in daily practices that promote healing and growth, such as stretching, meditation, and journaling.
As Katie awaits the next steps in her fight for innocence, she believes that this trip will offer her a sense of peace and freedom. Katie shared, “The whole time I was incarcerated all I could think about was getting back into the mountains and being free. I think that this trip would really signify that I’m no longer in prison, even if I’m not completely free.”
Your generous support can profoundly impact Katie’s healing journey after wrongful conviction. Please consider making a contribution today.
For more information about the retreat, please read here. Thank you for your generosity!
In case you missed these winter stories:
MTIP Client Joseph Jefferson-Dust to Spend First Holiday Season as a Free Individual
This Holiday Season: The Oliphant Family Remains Resilient in Their Continued Fight for Justice