Terry Talley - Innocent and Freed after 40 Years

On February 23, 2021, Terry Talley walked out of Dooly State Prison a free man after fighting 40 years to prove his innocence. “Today is such a blessing. Words can’t describe how it feels to finally be free after all these years,” said Terry on his first day of freedom. “I’m so thankful for my family, who kept me going all this time, and for the Georgia Innocence Project, who never gave up.”

Terry has spent the last couple weeks getting acclimated at home with his family, who hadn’t seen Terry free since he left home for a police interview in 1981. In a recent interview, Terry’s mom JoAnn had the following to say: “As a mother, I feel like he was born all over again from a baby up to now… I can enjoy the life here with him that I have missed for so many years and we can rejoice together and learn more about each other.”

The future for Terry is bright, but there's a long road ahead. Unfortunately, Georgia is one of 15 states that does not currently have a statutory compensation law, which would provide financial relief for years lost to wrongful conviction. Without one, exonerees like Terry can be left on their own, with virtually no support from the State, to rebuild their lives.

With that in mind, GIP has set up a personal fundraiser as a way to help Terry get back on his feet. With your support, Terry can use these funds to establish medical care, transportation, and housing for himself long-term.  

As such, ALL funds raised on this MightyCause fundraiser will go directly to Terry Talley and are not tax-deductible.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to contact GIP Program Manager Mike Coszalter at (404) 373-4433.