Charles Erickson was released from prison on January 9, 2023
On January 9, 2023, Charles Erickson’s lawyer, Landon Magnusson stated, “Today is the day to #FreeCharlesErickson! He’s been paroled after nearly two decades behind bars for crimes he did not commit. We are so glad he gets to return home to his family and pray that his innocence will one day be recognized by the state of Missouri.”
Please visit the Injustice Anywhere Free Charles Erickson website to view extensive analysis, and court transcripts, and to keep up to date with recent updates on this compelling case.
Charles Erickson and Ryan Ferguson were wrongfully convicted in 2005 for the 2001 murder of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt in Missouri. There were no witnesses, no physical evidence, no DNA, and no motive, in fact, nothing tying either of them to the crime.
Thankfully, Ryan Ferguson is now rightfully a free man. Unfortunately, Charles Erickson remains wrongfully convicted and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence in Missouri for the murder of Kent Heitholt. Anyone that supports Ryan Ferguson should support the release of Charles Erickson.
Charles Erickson had absolutely nothing to do with the murder of Kent Heitholt. It is understandable that many of Ryan’s supporters may feel that Charles bears some responsibility for Ryan’s wrongful conviction. People really need to take the time to learn about false confessions before passing judgment. The police are responsible for extracting a false confession out of a young man that was in no position to give a proper statement. Charles must not be held accountable for the egregious misconduct of the police investigating the Heitholt murder. Charles must not continue to be punished for a murder he did not commit. The Heitholt family deserves justice. The continued incarceration of Charles Erickson brings no justice and no real closure for the family of the victim.
Case Updates
January 9, 2023: Charles Erickson released from prison after serving nearly 20 years for Kent Heitholt murder
December 17, 2018: Charles Erickson seeks release from prison in Heitholt homicide
Media Coverage Update: Supporters For The Wrongfully Convicted Gather At Columbia Missouri’s Earth Day 2016 Festival
MAY 15, 2017: Court Junkie Podcast –Charles Erickson and The Murder of Kent Heitholt
March 10, 2016, Charles Erickson to appeal conviction in 2001 killing
Website
Injustice Anywhere launched FreeCharlesErickson.org in 2014. The website was created to help bring a better understanding to Charles Erickson’s case. It is now blatantly obvious that Charles Erickson had absolutely nothing to do with the murder of Kent Heitholt. This case continues to highlight the terribly flawed Missouri justice system. It is time for the nonsense to end.
Social Media
Supporters of Charles Erickson have created a Facebook cause page to help bring more attention to his case. Please visit the Charles Erickson Facebook page to learn more about this case and to keep up with current events.