Nationwide — Edric Wilson, a 47-year-old African American man from Texas, was released after spending 18 years in Harris County Jail without a trial. He was charged in 2006 for the murder of Johnnie Daniel, the great-aunt of pastor Joel Osteen, and aggravated assault. His case highlights serious delays in the legal system.
The DNA evidence, once considered crucial, was found to be less reliable than initially believed. The reexamination showed a much lower chance that the DNA belonged to anyone other than Wilson. He pleaded guilty to the assault charge and was released on parole in February.
His case also highlights overcrowding at Harris County Jail, where he spent years waiting for trial due to court backlogs and disagreements over his mental competency. Although doctors at psychiatric hospitals found him fit to stand trial three times, his defense attorneys challenged those findings, causing further delays.
Wilson denied having any mental illness and claimed the evaluations were a “stall tactic.” Despite being declared competent, his case remained unresolved for years.
Now free, Wilson is adjusting to life outside jail, learning to use a cell phone and searching for his children, whom he hasn’t seen in nearly two decades. He hopes to become a peer recovery coach and move forward with his life.