Nationwide — Former WNBA star Maya Moore has announced that she and Jonathan Irons, a man whom she helped overturn a wrongful conviction and was released from prison last July, were married over the summer.
Moore, who is now 31-years old, and Irons, who is now 40-years old, got married during the ongoing pandemic. They had a small gathering with their closest friends and family, implementing health protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Irons was then 16-years old in 1998 when he was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment after he was convicted by an all-white jury for burglary and twice shooting a homeowner. Irons maintained his innocence through the years, saying he was wrongly identified.
In 2007, Moore, who was then 18-years old, met Irons during a visit to the Jefferson City Correctional Center in Missouri. Moore paused her basketball playing career in February 2019 to focus more on helping overturn Iron’s wrongful conviction.
Their friendship blossomed gradually to a romantic relationship. Irons revealed his love for her while still in prison but waited until he was freed to ask her for marriage.
In March, a judge overturned Irons’ conviction, citing been issues with the investigation and trial of the case such as the fingerprint evidence blocked by the prosecutors that would have proved Iron’s innocence. He was released from prison on July 1.
Meanwhile, the married couple hopes to help others who have been wrongfully convicted as well.
“Hopefully, I can continue to do and whatever else, you know, that we can contribute to the fight because it’s a big fight and the more hands involved makes the work easier. So we’re doing our part,” Irons said.