Randal Padgett
Randal Padgett was convicted and sentenced to death in 1992 for the rape and murder of his estranged wife. He was on death row for three years and spent another three years waiting for his second trial. He was convicted almost completely on DNA evidence. The DNA in semen found on his wife’s body matched DNA in Randal’s blood. He spent three years on death row before receiving a new trial. In 1995, his conviction was overturned by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals because the state had not turned over blood-typing evidence that might have aided in Randal’s defense. There were discrepancies in the blood tests that were conducted.
In preparation for the second trial, Randal’s family sought the help of a new lawyer known for defending death row prisoners. His defense focused on the fact that there was more evidence against the co-worker that Randal was having an affair with than there was against Randal. In October 1997, Randal was acquitted of all charges. His brothers, children and other relatives burst into tears when the jury foreman read the not guilty verdict.
Because of Randal’s experience, he has become much more wary of the simplistic way that most Americans view the criminal justice system. “When I heard something on the news, that we arrested someone at such and such time, I would say, ‘Well, good. They finally got the criminal,’” he recalls. Prior to his arrest, Randal thought that innocent people were never arrested. “I thought in the good ol’ U.S. of A., that when you went to court and you went to trial, the truth was supposed to be foremost, and the court endeavors to seek out the truth. But I know firsthand that’s not how it is.” Randal is now well aware that innocent people are convicted, and that once you are convicted it’s difficult to find anyone willing to believe otherwise.
Randal currently lives in Alabama. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He works in the poultry industry with his wife Brenda whom he got to know during his fight for freedom. Both are active members of Witness to Innocence and passionate anti-death penalty advocates.