A Cleveland man, Isaiah Andrews’ life was marked by a wrongful conviction that saw him spend 45 years behind bars for a crime he always insisted he did not commit.
Although he passed away at the age of 83 in 2022, his story leaves a legacy of resilience and unwavering determination.
Andrews’ wrongful conviction stemmed from the 1975 murder of his wife, Regina Andrews, whose body was found in Forest Hill Park, wrapped in bedding from nearby hotels.
Despite the lack of physical evidence tying him to the crime, Andrews was convicted based on witness testimony alleging his strange behavior following his wife’s disappearance.
In a twist of fate, it was later discovered that crucial evidence implicating another man, Willie Watts, had been withheld by Cleveland police during Andrews’ original trial.
This revelation ultimately led to Andrews’ acquittal in a new trial held in October 2021.
His fight for exoneration continues as a testament to the enduring pursuit of truth and justice!
Confirmation of Andrews’ death came from Marcus Sidoti, his attorney, who had been by his side since his release from prison in 2020. Sidoti, who had spent the last five days with Andrews as his health rapidly deteriorated, spoke of the tight circle of trust that surrounded Andrews, given that he had little remaining family.
Despite his harrowing ordeal, Andrews strived for a sense of normalcy in his post-prison years, aided by Sidoti’s efforts to secure Social Security and healthcare benefits and to reconnect him with surviving relatives.
Just a month prior to his passing, Andrews was granted the official declaration of being wrongfully imprisoned, making him eligible for compensation from the state for each year of his wrongful incarceration.
While Andrews did not live to see any financial restitution, his legal team intends to pursue justice on his behalf through a federal lawsuit against the city of Cleveland and its police officers.
Sidoti expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fight alongside Andrews for justice, affirming that Andrews’ greatest wish was to clear his name and seek justice for his late wife.
