Statement Regarding the Passing of Wiley Bridgeman
Wrongfully Imprisoned Activist and Poet Died Peacefully at Home
Cleveland, Ohio (June 28, 2021) – It is with great sadness that the family of Wiley Bridgeman and the law firm of Friedman, Gilbert, + Gerhardstein announce the passing of Wiley on June 27, 2021, after a long illness.
Wiley Bridgeman, age 66, spent more than 38 years in prison as an innocent man, after being declared wrongfully imprisoned in 2014, along with his brother, Kwame Ajamu, and childhood friend, Rickie Jackson. Before he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death at age 20, for a crime he did not commit, he had a promising future that was cut short by a malicious and fabricated prosecution. After serving his country in the National Guard, Wiley aspired to be a lawyer because of his extraordinary intellect. Instead, he languished on death row for three years before the Ohio Death Penalty in 1978 was declared unconstitutional, and then served the remainder of his time under a life sentence before he was exonerated.
His years of incarceration were difficult, compounded by mental health issues. Despite his struggles, he found his calling as a writer and poet, eventually publishing a book of poetry titled, “It’s A Something I Missed to Tell You.” After his release, he found some peace at his rural home in Richfield, Ohio, surrounded by nature while enjoying time with his family.
Wiley is survived by his brother Kwame, who worked tirelessly to bring Wiley home, never giving up the struggle for justice. Wiley’s memory will serve as a testament to the thousands of men and women who are victims of wrongful convictions and police and prosecutorial misconduct.
Donations, in Wiley’s memory, would be appreciated to Witness to Innocence.
Contact Terry Gilbert at terry@fggfirm.com or 216.241.1430 for more information.