Franky Carrillo
Francisco "Franky" Carrillo is an American politician, who was wrongfully convicted of the 1991 murder of Donald Sarpy and served twenty years in prison before his conviction was reversed by the Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 14, 2011.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, Carrillo currently serves on the Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission.[2]
Wrongful murder conviction
[edit]Carrillo's conviction relied on eyewitness testimony from six people. The witnesses later admitted they did not have a view of the shooter, and instead had been influenced by police officers, and each other, to identify Carrillo. Two men have since confessed to the crime, and stated Carrillo was not involved.[3]
Although always professing his innocence, Carrillo was found guilty at his second trial after his initial trial resulted in a hung jury, and subsequent appeals. After Carrillo's case was taken on by Ellen Eggers, the Northern California Innocence Project, and attorneys from Morrison & Foerster, LLP, he was able to conclusively prove his innocence.
Carrillo's story has twice been featured on the podcast Strangers by Lea Thau. His story is also told in the Netflix series The Innocence Files.[4]
Career
[edit]In April 2021, Carrillo was selected by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to serve as the Chair of the Leadership Team of the county's Probation Oversight Commission.[5]
In April 2023, Carrillo announced his candidacy in the 2024 elections to represent California's 27th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He withdrew from the race in October 2023.[6]
2024 California State Assembly race
[edit]In October 2023, Carrillo launched a campaign for the California State Assembly in District 52.[7] He finished 2nd behind Democrat Jessica Caloza in the primary election on March 5, 2024. Carrillo and Caloza will face off in the general election on November 5, 2024.[8]
In May 2024, details emerged regarding Carrillo's pending divorce. The documents detail existence of "numerous firearms laying around his home, unsecured and in the vicinity of his young children, ages 10 and 7, even after prompts by [his wife] to secure them." The documents also state that his wife recounted his history of harming animals, including that their daughter "witnessed Carrillo kick the family dog." The documents also call into question Carrillo's place of residency and whether he permanently resided in the 52nd Assembly District as of November 2023, to be eligible to run for the Assembly seat.[9][10]
Personal life
[edit]Carrillo has three children.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Brown, Kenny (April 1, 2013). "Making a new life after 20 years of false imprisonment". BBC News Magazine. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
- ^ "Exoneree featured in Netflix's 'The Innocence Files' launches campaign for Congress".
- ^ "Franky Carrillo". Safe California. SAFE CA. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
- ^ a b "The Innocence Files: A shocking Netflix series on wrongful convictions". The Guardian. April 15, 2020. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
- ^ Press Release (April 15, 2021). "L.A. County Announces New Probation Oversight Commission Leadership Team". scvnews.com. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ "Exoneree Franky Carrillo launches campaign for Congress". KTTV. April 19, 2023.
- ^ "Carrillo For Assembly 2024; Franky". californiatargetbook.com. October 13, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ "California State Assembly District 52". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ Sammarco, Ally (May 20, 2024). "Alarming Details Emerge Regarding CA Assembly Candidate Franky Carrillo". LAmag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "SHARONY, EFRAT VS CARRILLO, FRANCISCO, JR". UniCourt. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- "Murder conviction overturned after Francisco Carrillo spent 20 years in L.A. jail" - Crimesider - CBS News
- "A Mass seeking peace, mercy" – Los Angeles Times
- "Man goes free after murder conviction is overturned" – Los Angeles Times