Documentary screening pushes for release of Flint man imprisoned for over 50 years

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - An event was held Tuesday night, April 22, as a push to free a Flint man who some argue has been wrongly imprisoned for decades.

The story of Horace Peterson was shown as a documentary.

“This is just inhumane on all aspects. It’s just been a nightmare. It hasn’t been easy,” said Eric Woodyard, Peterson’s grandson.

TV5’s Trae Harris shared his case and the pledge made by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.

The lights were dimmed inside the Flint Public Library as Peterson’s story lit up the screen. He’s been locked up since 1973, convicted of first-degree murder.

But many say he’s a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“It can be a nightmare for not only you, but for your family,” said Eric Woodyard.

The documentary “Coming Home,” directed by Syria Sarkar, walks viewers through Peterson’s life, conviction, and the decades-long fight for his freedom.

Peterson was just a young man when he was charged in a deadly robbery where a woman was shot by his friend Nathaniel Porter. But the film points out Peterson wasn’t in the room when it happened, and with no physical evidence tying him to the scene, many tonight say Peterson’s story is a textbook case of injustice.

“Back then, the early ’70s, the justice system was very flawed. It shows that there’s still some strains, because there is no way this man should still be locked up,” said Percy Glover, co-executive director of community engagement with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

In 1980, the state supreme court ruled it was unconstitutional to charge a person with first-degree murder without proving malice or intent. It’s a ruling that could’ve helped his case just a decade before.

But Peterson’s family hasn’t given up their fight for his freedom.

“Even without the new law being passed, like, that’s a long time for anybody to serve,” said Onquette Woodyard, Peterson’s daughter.

“This is just inhumane on all aspects. It’s just been a nightmare. It hasn’t been easy. You know, it might’ve seemed cool on the footage, but actually living that and my family, it’s been a nightmare,” said Eric Woodyard.

After the screening, legal advocates, community leaders, and those closest to Peterson shared not just their frustrations but their commitment to seeing him finally walk free.

And that’s not where it ended. Leyton ended the panel announcing he would sign the paperwork to make Peterson a free man, after recent rulings from the Supreme Court called it unconstitutional to charge 19- and 20-year-olds with mandatory life sentences without parole.

“I’m happy, man, but it’s almost like I got to see it to believe it. I love Mr. Leyton to death, but thank God for him helping me and my family. But we just still want to see it to believe it,” Woodyard said.

“I’ve been thinking about this day for 52 years. It’s just overwhelming, but it’s a joyful overwhelming,” Onquette Woodyard said.

If you would like to learn more about Peterson’s story or sign the petition to free him, click here.

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