It’s controversial, but still, a lot of people view the death penalty as a punishment that fits the crime. But what if you were sentenced to death row when you were completely innocent? It happened to Oklahoma native Greg Wilhoit.

On May 31^st, 1985, Greg Wilhoit’s wife was found raped and murdered in her apartment. The couple had been separated for three weeks making, Wilhoit an instant suspect. But it took eight months for authorities to finally arrest Wilhoit. Once a jury convicted him of the crime, he remained on death row for five years, knowing he was an innocent man.

It’s a nightmare Greg Wilhoit has relived countless times for the past

21 years, the murder of his wife and the proof investigators found at the crime scene that left no doubt in their mind - Wilhoit was a cold-blooded killer.

“Whoever had raped and murdered my wife had bitten her on one of her breasts and they said my bite mark matched the one they had found on her breast,” says Wilhoit.

Two bite-mark experts testified at Wilhoit’s trial supporting the police’s theory. Later Wilhoit would discover both experts had never had real experience in dealing with bite mark analysis. So for four years Wilhoit and his lawyer continually requested access to that particular evidence. After numerous denials, there was a break in the case.

“We had it tested by the 12 most prominent bite mark experts in North

America and all 12 of them came back and said it wasn’t even close to a bite mark that matched me,” says Wilhoit.

A new trial was granted and after five years on death row, Wilhoit was cleared of all charges.

“I’m a living, breathing testimony to the power of prayer,” says Wilhoit.

This former advocate of the death penalty now travels across the country sharing a new message - one of compassion and forgiveness.

“I’m a hardcore abolitionist. I want to see it abolished and I’m convinced it won’t happen in my lifetime,” says Wilhoit.

His only hope comes in the form of letters from people who’ve heard his story and say their view of the death penalty has forever been changed.

“I’ve seen things most people wouldn’t want to see and I know the power of positive prayer, so I think I can make a difference. Maybe I’m just kidding myself but if I don’t try I’ll never find out,” says Wilhoit.

Wilhoit had two daughters with his wife. They were infants when the murder happened. He says he did not see the girls while on death row, but says they are extremely close today.

Author John Grisham is currently wrapping up his first non-fiction book detailing Wilhoit’s story.

The book is set to be released in early fall. Wilhoit says there are already plans to make it into a movie.

http://www.kvii.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=3775