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KWIP Client, Stephen Martinez Is Free After 27 Years!

Erin Calkins — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:58:41 +0000

KWIP Client, Stephen Martinez Is Free After 27 Years! Erin Calkins Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:58

Stephen Martinez, who spent more than 27 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, was freed on April 21, 2026, by a Denver District Court judge after new evidence showed the infant he was convicted of murdering had a pre-existing respiratory illness that caused her death.

The court’s ruling follows years of extensive investigation and advocacy led by Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at the �鶹��Ѱ�� Law School with support from Stinson LLP, including Perry Glantz and Judith Araujo, along with Seth Temin.

The Denver District Attorney's Conviction Review Unit also conducted their own thorough investigation and agreed to vacate Mr. Martinez's conviction.

“This case is a tragedy on every front,” said Jeanne Segil, assistant director of KWIP. “A four-month-old girl died. A grieving family thought they found justice for their loss. But the system failed them and Mr. Martinez. We now know he did not cause the baby’s death - yet he lost over 27 years of his life imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.”

Mr. Martinez’s case is a classic example of the changing science around “shaken baby syndrome,” which led to the convictions of dozens of people who were later exonerated. Modern medical science has fundamentally altered how “shaken baby” cases are evaluated; it is now understood that there are many other causes of these deaths.

Mr. Martinez was convicted and sentenced to life without parole after the 4-month-old infant he was watching for his girlfriend died during a medical emergency. Although Mr. Martinez had no prior violent criminal history, called 911 and attempted lifesaving measures, he became a suspect. During a late-night interrogation, he made self-incriminating statements that he later recanted.

Mr. Martinez was convicted based on those initial statements and medical findings congruent with “shaken baby syndrome,” as well as a small linear fracture in the baby’s head, which at the time of trial was discounted as a possible cause of death. In 1998, it was widely believed that these findings could only be caused by violent shaking.

Four new medical experts, including one retained by the Denver District Attorney’s office, concluded that the diagnosis relied upon at trial no longer aligned with current scientific understanding, particularly in light of the infant’s documented medical history. They agreed that the cause of death was pneumonia and related lung disease, not trauma. In addition, new evidence presented to the court showed that Mr. Martinez falsely confessed during a police interrogation. An expert determined that the statements he made during initial questioning were unreliable and directly contradicted the physical evidence in the case.

Mr. Martinez did not receive effective assistance of counsel because counsel failed to retain medical experts to investigate alternative causes of death. In addition, the defense presented evidence of other serious failures that were not addressed in the court’s ruling, including counsel not trying to suppress his false confession even after Mr. Martinez asked to stop the interrogation and failing to present critical medical history of the infant to the jury.

“It’s hard to find the right words on a day like this,” Mr. Martinez said. “After more than 27 years in prison for a crime I did not commit, I am finally free. I am looking forward to reuniting with my family and rebuilding my life.”

Mr. Martinez continued: “People often talk about light at the end of the tunnel, but for me, I didn’t even have a tunnel. I was serving life without parole. My appeals had all been denied. I was out of hope. And then I received a letter from the Korey Wise Innocence Project almost four years ago saying that they were going to review my case. And thanks to their efforts, my entire legal team, and the amazing experts on my case, I can finally return home, an innocent man, and rebuild my life.”

“We are glad Mr. Martinez can return home and begin rebuilding his life, but 27 years of wrongful incarceration leaves lasting harm,” Segil said. “During his incarceration, Mr. Martinez suffered from inadequate medical care that resulted in amputation of his leg and loss of vision in his right eye. Reentry brings significant challenges, however, he is resilient and intends to give back to the community and reconnect with loved ones.”

The Korey Wise Innocence Project remains committed to identifying and correcting wrongful convictions across Colorado and to addressing the systemic failures that lead to injustice.

Stephen Martinez, who spent more than 27 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, was freed today by a Denver District Court judge after new evidence showed the infant he was convicted of murdering had a pre-existing respiratory illness that caused her death.

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2026 KWIP Innocence Gala

Erin Calkins — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:28:47 +0000

2026 KWIP Innocence Gala Erin Calkins Wed, 07/23/2025 - 15:28

Save the Date - October 2, 2026

2026 Sponsorship Levels

KWIP Champion Sponsor - $25,000

Acknowledgement on invitation and all marketing about event.
Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship, with top billing, on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Full-page size logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) with exoneree at your firm or office.
Time on stage during the gala to introduce your work to our 300+ gala guests.
10 tickets to the event.
FMV: $1050

Exoneration Sponsor - $15,000

Acknowledgement on invitation and all marketing about event.
Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship, with top billing, on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Full-page size logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) with exoneree at your firm or office.
10 tickets to the event.
FMV: $1050

Innocence Sponsor - $10,000

Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Half-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) at your firm or office.
8 tickets to the event.
FMV: $850

Justice Sponsor - $7,500

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
6 tickets to event.
FMV: $600

Freedom Sponsor - $5,000

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
4 tickets to event.
FMV: $400

Advocate Sponsor - $2,500

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Logo included in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
2 tickets to event.
FMV: $200

Artist Sponsor - $3,000

This is a unique sponsorship opportunity that involves paying our incarcerated artists directly for their work. Please inquire with us if you’re interested in participating in this unique sponsorship opportunity.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
4 tickets to event.
FMV: $400

Please email erin.calkins@colorado.edu to reserve your sponsorship package today!

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Proposed House Bill 1275

Erin Calkins — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:52:53 +0000

Proposed House Bill 1275 Erin Calkins Thu, 02/27/2025 - 13:52

Colorado lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan proposal aimed at tackling the fallout from the misconduct of former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods. The CBI has found that Woods manipulated tests results in hundreds of cases.

The proposed House Bill 1275 seeks to bring transparency and accountability to the state’s DNA testing labs by not only preventing future misconduct, but also investigating past errors—specifically those stemming from Woods' actions—and ensuring that those wrongfully convicted are notified.

At KWIP we understand the deep harm caused when faulty forensic work leads to wrongful convictions. But this isn’t just about those who’ve been unjustly imprisoned—it’s also about the victims and their families. Missy Woods' misconduct undermines the trust in our legal system, which affects the victims seeking closure and those wrongfully convicted who still carry the weight of a crime they didn’t commit.

By supporting HB 1275, the “Colorado Forensic Science Integrity Act,” we’re fighting for a system that works for everyone—where the innocent are exonerated, and the voices of victims and their families are heard. As our staff attorney Jud Lohnes says, "When an innocent person is convicted, we all lose."

It’s time to rebuild trust, stand up for those who’ve been silenced and fight for a legal system that works for everyone.

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Thank you to our 2024 Gala Sponsors!

Erin Calkins — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:48:25 +0000

Thank you to our 2024 Gala Sponsors! Erin Calkins Wed, 01/22/2025 - 09:48

Thank you to our 2024 Faces of Innocence Gala sponsors!

Without you, we could not continue to do this work. Thank you for your dedicated support.

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Gala Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are now LIVE!

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:27:27 +0000

Gala Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are now LIVE! Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:27

We have exciting news – tickets and sponsorship packages for KWIP’s Faces of Innocence Gala are officially LIVE!

Secure your sponsorship package or event ticket early! With limited availability, we strongly encourage you to plan ahead for this unforgettable evening. Join us at the Four Seasons Hotel on October 17 for what promises to be our most impactful gala yet.

Expect an evening filled with drinks, a plated dinner, inspirational speakers, captivating programming, and an exhibit featuring artwork from incarcerated artists. Plus, don’t miss out on our thrilling live auction!

We rely on supporters and donors like you to empower KWIP and drive our mission forward. Let’s unite to create an even greater impact together!

Purchase your tickets and sponshorship packages today!

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Save the Date for our annual Faces of Innocence Gala!

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:25:18 +0000

Save the Date for our annual Faces of Innocence Gala! Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/10/2024 - 13:25

Save the Date for KWIP's Faces of Innocence Gala!

October 17, 2024 from 6-10pm at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Denver, CO.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact erin.calkins@colorado.edu for more information.

Tickets will be on sale soon, stay tuned!

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KWIP Client Jason Hogan Released from Prison

Teresa Coberly — Wed, 24 May 2023 19:56:13 +0000

KWIP Client Jason Hogan Released from Prison Teresa Coberly Wed, 05/24/2023 - 13:56

KWIP client Jason Hogan was released from prison on May 9th, 2023!

KWIP took on Jason's case in 2019. Convicted of a robbery/kidnapping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, he was serving a 77-year sentence. To us, Jason's case immediately looked like a wrongful conviction. The conviction rested almost entirely on the victim's identification of Jason as her assailant. Yet, the victim initially told police that she had not gotten a good look at the robber's face. And, she described him as having a sun tattoo on his left hand, and Jason had no tattoos on his hands or lower arms.

KWIP embarked on a three-year long journey to uncover additional evidence of Jason's innocence. KWIP soon learned that an identical robbery/kidnapping took place at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center five days after the crime for which Jason was convicted. Because the two crimes -- and the suspect descriptions -- were strikingly similar, the police concluded that the same man committed both crimes. But, police quickly developed compelling evidence that Jason did not commit the second robbery:

The victim in the second case failed to pick Jason's picture from a photo line-up and said that the man who robbed her was not in the line-up.
A fingerprint lifted from where the robber touched the second victim's car did not match Jason.
The second victim described another distinctive feature of her attacker -- a heavily pockmarked complexion -- that did not fit Jason.

Though due process required the police and prosecution to share this helpful evidence with Jason's lawyers, they failed to do so. Consequently, the jury that convicted Jason never learned about the second identical crime and all of the evidence showing that Jason was not the robber.

In 2022, KWIP shared this new evidence with the Conviction Review Unit (CRU) at the Denver District Attorney's Office. We were prepared to file a motion for post-conviction relief based on the new evidence, but such motions can take years to litigate in the courts.

So, when the CRU offered to let Jason enter an Alford plea to a lesser charge and be resentenced to time-served, he agreed. Under an Alford plea, a person maintains their innocence, but admits that there is evidence that, if believed by a jury, could lead to their conviction. In cases of wrongful conviction, such compromise outcomes are not uncommon. By accepting the CRU's offer, Jason was able to avoid a long court battle, get home to his family immediately, and get on with his life.

Jason earned two Associate degrees while in prison and was a star participant in an entrepreneurial program run by a non-profit called Breakthrough. Indeed, Breakthrough was so impressed with Jason that they offered him a full-time job and he started working with them shortly after his release.

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