Twenty-nine years ago, Humberto “Beto” Duran was arrested for a crime he did not commit. While in prison, Duran developed serious health issues. He is now confined to a wheelchair. Loyola Project for the Innocent (LPI) attorney Megan Baca began investigating his case in 2018 and uncovered compelling evidence supporting his claim of innocence.
While incarcerated, Duran has completed scores of courses and programs. On August 4, 2022, the Board of Parole Hearings recognized Duran’s hard work, his overwhelming family and community support, and the evidence of innocence submitted by LPI’s lawyers, and found him suitable for parole. Pending the governor’s review, Duran will be released on New Year’s Day after 30 years of incarceration.
The Project for the Innocent (LPI), part of the Loyola Social Justice Law Clinic at LMU Loyola Law School, pursues claims of actual innocence on behalf of those wrongfully convicted of crimes. Students work under the supervision of Founder, Professor and David W. Burcham Chair in Ethical Advocacy Laurie Levenson, Program Director Adam Grant, and other supervising attorneys. Since 2011, the LPI has secured the release of 13 clients seeking justice after wrongful convictions. They include Dwight Jones (2021 release after 21 years in prison); Mark Evans (2021 release after 23 years in prison); Emon Barnes (2020 release after 19 years in prison); Jane Dorotik (2020 release after 20 years in prison); Johnathon Ramos (2020 release after 8 years in prison); Janet Dixon (2020 release after nearly 40 years in prison); Michael Tirpak (2019 release after 25 years in prison); Maria Mendez (2018 release after 11 years in prison); Jaime Ponce (2017 release after 19 years in prison); Marco Contreras (2017 release after 20 years in prison); Andrew Leander Wilson (2017 release after 32 years in prison), Kash Delano Register (2013 release after 34 years in prison), and Obie Anthony (2011 release after 17 years in prison). Learn more at www.lls.edu/ProjectfortheInnocent.
