PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges against Daniel Gwynn, who had been imprisoned for almost 30 years for a 1994 arson murder in West Philadelphia. This decision came after it was revealed that police and prosecutors had suppressed critical information during his trial. Gwynn, 54, was ordered released from SCI Phoenix by Judge Barbara McDermott of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, marking the 42nd exoneration under District Attorney Larry Krasner’s administration.
District Attorney Krasner highlighted the case as an example of flawed policing and prosecution practices from the past that have undermined community trust. He emphasized his commitment to solving crimes with accuracy and integrity. Assistant District Attorney David Napiorski, who led the investigation into Gwynn’s claims for federal habeas relief, pointed out the tunnel vision in policing and prosecution that led to Gwynn’s wrongful conviction and highlighted the necessity for justice systems to follow facts, even when they contradict initial assumptions.
Gwynn was convicted based on questionable testimony and a confession he later recanted, for the murder of Marsha Smith, an unhoused woman. Critical evidence pointing to an alternative suspect was never disclosed to Gwynn’s defense. Recent disclosures revealed suppressed evidence, including photo arrays that did not include Gwynn’s picture but pointed to another suspect, challenging the integrity of the original trial.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld Gwynn’s conviction and death sentence in 1998, despite dissenting opinions. However, recent legal proceedings acknowledged the violation of Gwynn’s rights, leading to his exoneration and highlighting systemic issues within the justice system that allowed the real perpetrator to remain unaccountable. This case underscores the ongoing need for reforms to ensure the accuracy of convictions and uphold the principles of justice.