On October 31, 2024, Bermuda’s highest appellate court, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council handed down a ruling that sent shock waves through Bermuda’s criminal justice system. Julian Washington, who had spent more than a decade behind bars for a murder he did not commit, had suffered a grave miscarriage of justice.

It was revealed that the DNA evidence used to convict him, presented by Trinity DNA Solutions and its lead analyst, Candy Zuleger, was fundamentally flawed. Improper statistical analysis, unvalidated methods and misleading testimony resulted in this unfortunate miscarriage of justice, which resulted in the Director of Public Prosecutions launching a sweeping review of more than 400 criminal cases involving Trinity DNA Solutions — with 247 of those relying on DNA evidence.

This unprecedented review, still under way, is likely to reveal other wrongful convictions, underscoring how fragile and fallible forensic science can be when misused — and how easily the scales of justice can tip against the innocent.

Behind the headlines: a human story

Behind the headlines is a human: a humble, soft-spoken young man. Julian’s life was stolen by a justice system that failed him. But even more remarkable than the injustice itself is how he survived it and who he still is despite it.

In all my experiences with him, Julian has radiated grace, not grievance. He’s kind, emotionally intelligent and disarmingly hopeful. He doesn’t dwell in bitterness or rage, although he would have every right to. He talks instead about healing, about rebuilding, about helping others avoid the same fate. His mantra in prison was simple but powerful: keep hope alive by believing that one day the truth would come to the fore.

Last month, Julian and I were whale-watching on South Shore. As we watched these majestic marine creatures grace our shores, I noticed as Julian’s eye lit up at the simple joy of being able to observe nature, something many of us often take for granted. His journey has taught him to be grateful for all things and graceful through all things. Despite the tragic and traumatic experience of navigating our justice system as someone who was wrongfully convicted, Julian has found some semblance of peace in being given a second chance at life.

Behind his peace is undeniable and inescapable pain. Julian has openly shared the emotional and psychological toll that wrongful incarceration took on him. Imagine spending ten years watching life move forward without you: birthdays, funerals, milestones, moments all lost. Therapy has become a critical part of his re-entry, helping him process the trauma and rebuild a new normal in a world that moved on without him.

The long road to redemption

Freedom is not the end for Julian; it’s the beginning of another uphill climb.

After the system acknowledged that it had got it wrong when it imprisoned him for a decade, he was released back into society with no job, no money and a résumé over a decade old. He had no bank account, no phone and was forced to navigate the psychological hurdles that come with reintegration into society after such a long period of incarceration.

And yet, Julian is determined to write a new chapter. In the year since his release from custody, he has been taking proactive steps to rebuild his life. He has been actively trying to craft a CV, which, understandably, has proved difficult after a decade in prison. But that has not stopped him. With determination and grace, Julian recently completed the Marine Imports Engine Driver’s Test, taking real steps to re-enter the workforce with skills and qualifications.

A year after release, Julian has been unable to find work. It’s hard enough for those of us who don’t have the stain of a wrongful conviction on our record to find gainful employment in our island; imagine having to explain to an employer that you spent the past decade in prison for something you didn’t do?

The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative is asking our community, our business owners and anyone with a positive opportunity to give this young man a chance. He is not asking for charity; he is seeking an opportunity to work, to contribute and live with dignity. Whether it’s a dockhand role, marine assistant or something entry-level to get his foot in the door, he is ready and willing. This is an opportunity to reflect and reform. I pray that as a community, we’re bold enough to do both.

Reform in motion: a chance for change

In a powerful and commendable move, the Bermuda Government announced in the 2025 Throne Speech its intent to introduce statutory compensation for the wrongfully convicted. Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, reaffirmed this legislative commitment, aligning Bermuda with international human rights standards upheld by countries such as Britain, Canada and New Zealand.

No amount of money can restore the lost time, the stolen years or the life experiences missed. It cannot return Julian to the age he was. It cannot erase the trauma. But it can and will help him to rebuild and start again.

A hopeful call to action

Julian’s story will be featured in the first episode of Stories of Injustice, Hope and Redemption, a new video podcast series produced by the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative, which launches next month. In the first episode, Julian speaks openly about his wrongful conviction, his prison years and what life looks like now. He also offers heartfelt advice to at-risk young men.

Julian is not broken; he is rebuilding. He is not bitter; he is determined. He is not a statistic; he is a survivor. The marathon pursuit of equal justice for all Bermudians continues.

• Eron Hill is the founder and executive director of The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit, non-governmental justice advocacy group