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

Penny L. Elkins was unanimously chosen by Mercer University trustees Friday to become the Macon-based institution's next president. (Courtesy of Mercer University)

Credit: Mercer University

Mercer names Columbus native, former teacher its first female president

Mercer University on Friday named its next president, Penny L. Elkins, the first female to lead the Macon-based private university in its nearly two-century history.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.

Georgia judges deal blow to ICE’s new mandatory detention policy

The ruling is a first-of-its-kind to come out of Georgia’s Middle District.

The Latest

Penny L. Elkins was unanimously chosen by Mercer University trustees Friday to become the Macon-based institution's next president. (Courtesy of Mercer University)

Credit: Mercer University

Mercer names Columbus native, former teacher its first female president

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

Some Korean techs swept up in Hyundai campus ICE raid return to Georgia

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Prosecutor takes helm of Georgia case against Trump. But will he move forward?

A veteran Georgia prosecutor will decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

With some solar power tax breaks expiring, Georgians rush to catch the sun

Georgia solar installers say they’re seeing a surge of customers trying to install rooftop solar systems before federal tax credits go away at the end of the year.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.