Georgia News
Georgia News

The AJC’s coverage of Devonia Inman and his bid to be cleared in a 1998 Georgia murder

Devonia Inman with his mother, Dinah Ray, during happier times. Inman is serving a life-without-parole sentence in Georgia for armed robbery and murder, even though DNA evidence discovered years after his trial strongly suggests another man committed the crimes. But a stunning Georgia Supreme Court decision in his favor on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, might begin to turn things around. Family photo courtesy of Troutman Sanders LLP
Devonia Inman with his mother, Dinah Ray, during happier times. Inman is serving a life-without-parole sentence in Georgia for armed robbery and murder, even though DNA evidence discovered years after his trial strongly suggests another man committed the crimes. But a stunning Georgia Supreme Court decision in his favor on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, might begin to turn things around. Family photo courtesy of Troutman Sanders LLP
By AJC Staff

The story of Devonia Inman’s conviction in South Georgia was spotlighted in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Breakdown podcast, “Murder Below the Gnat Line.” The 2017 podcast asked, “Is the wrong man in prison?”

He was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a 1998 murder. The victim, the night manager of the Taco Bell in Adel, Ga., was shot through the right eye as she carried the night’s proceeds to her car in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Inman has always insisted he was innocent. On Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, he was freed from prison after a judge signed an order dismissing the charges against him.

ExploreDevonia Inman freed after 23 years in prison for wrongful conviction

Here are some links to our continuing coverage

Intro: What happened to put Devonia Inman in prison?

2021: Devonia Inman, behind bars for 23 years, was wrongfully convicted, judge says

2019: Georgia Supreme Court justices question imprisoned man’s conviction

2017: “Murder Below the Gnat Line,” Listen to Season 4 of the AJC’s “Breakdown” podcast

Learn more about the AJC Breakdown podcast

RELATED: What is the Georgia Innocence Project?

ExploreListen to Breakdown Season 4: Murder Below the Gnat Line

About the Author

AJC Staff
More Stories

Keep Reading

Dexter Weaver sits in the kitchen chopping celery for his stuffing after the lunch rush is over. The restaurant opened in 1986 and has long been a favorite of local musicians and students. (Nell Carroll for AJC)

Credit: Nell Carroll for the Journal Constitution

Iconic Athens eatery Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods is up for sale

R.E.M. borrowed the restaurant’s slogan — “Automatic for the People” — for its 1992 album, which sold more than 18 million copies worldwide.

The Latest

Placeholder Image

Hawks host the Raptors in season opener

Winning numbers drawn in Monday’s Georgia Cash 3 Night

Winning numbers drawn in Monday’s Georgia Fantasy 5

Featured

Housing affordability is the top concern for metro Atlanta residents, according to a new survey. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Metro Atlantans sour on housing affordability, pessimism is growing, poll says

The economy ranked as the top issue facing metro Atlanta last year, supplanting crime for the number one spot. This is the first year housing affordability has been an option.

DeKalb schools superintendent pleads not guilty to federal charges

Devon Horton has resigned from his role as DeKalb County superintendent, He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his previous job in Illinois.

See video police say shows ex-PSC candidate Durand take Georgia Power secrets

Patty Durand has long criticized Georgia Power for concealing information under the cloak of trade secret about various initiatives and requests of state regulators.