Bring Adrian Home
Adrian Small, a resident in the United States since the age of 9, found himself entangled in a web of legal complexities surrounding a murder case that has haunted him for over three decades. The incident, dated November 17, 1988, led to his initial arrest, later dismissed due to discrepancies in the arresting report. However, the specter of justice loomed large as he was again charged in connection with the murder of Miguel Terrero on February 13th, 1991.
During the arraignment, a crucial legal threshold loomed as Small faced potential release on his CPL 180.80 day. The prosecution, however, managed to secure an extension based on the claim that a key witness, Zenola Samantha Lewis, had been involved in a car accident. This extension was granted, despite the absence of official documentation supporting this assertion.
As the trial unfolded, the prosecution relied heavily on Lewis, a self-identified drug addict and prostitute, who claimed to have witnessed the murder from Hector Osorio's apartment kitchen window. Strikingly, Osorio contradicted Lewis's account, asserting that she was not present at his apartment, and the crime was not visible from that vantage point. Despite a court order to refrain from introducing drug-related elements, the prosecution attempted to portray the case as a drug-related murder.
Tragically, Small was found guilty of second-degree murder on July 22, 1992, and subsequently sentenced to 20 years to life. Shockingly, insights from the jury room highlighted prejudiced discussions revolving around Small's ability to afford legal representation, casting shadows on the jury's impartiality. An affidavit from a juror later attested to the pressure exerted on him to change his vote from not guilty to guilty.
In 1996, a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request uncovered a UF-61 report not disclosed during the trial. This report implicated Ruben Santiago, who had been present at the precinct that night but had not shared his observations with the police. Despite hiring an investigator to locate Santiago and submitting a motion under CPL 440.10 citing newly discovered evidence, the court denied the motion.
In 2010, Detective Chris Killen expressed concerns about Small's innocence to the facility where he was incarcerated, but bureaucratic hurdles prevented a written confirmation. Parole hearings in subsequent years saw repeated denials until 2013 when, after 23 years, Small was finally released. However, this triumph was bittersweet as he faced deportation to Barbados, separated from his family that had long migrated to the USA.
Adding to the complexity of his situation, Adrian Small requires dialysis, and unfortunately, he is unable to receive proper care in Barbados, adding a layer of urgency and human concern to his prolonged struggle for justice. The tale of Adrian Small reflects a protracted and arduous journey through the intricacies of the American legal system, marked by claims of injustice, unexplored evidence, and a quest for redemption that spans a significant portion of his life.
We need your support to #BringAdrianHome from Barbados and get him the medical treatment he needs!
