Latoya Griffin
Latoya Griffin, one of the first clients of the Center on Wrongful Conviction’s Women’s DefenseInitiative, was released from prison after 24 years of incarceration in February 2021. In 1995, 18-year-old Latoya was charged with first-degree murder for the death of her newborn son. Latoyapled guilty and received a 70-year sentence in 1998. It turns out, Latoya was suffering fromundiagnosed postpartum illness at the time of the crime, and indeed, had experienced worseningpostpartum depression following the births of each of her other two children as well. OnFebruary 5, the Governor Pritzker commuted Latoya’s 70-year sentence to time served, andLatoya was released from prison last week!
Latoya exhibited several risk factors for postpartum depression, but tragically never wasscreened or treated. She had suffered from depression from a young age, and had a family historyof mental illness. She was a single teenage mother. Nonetheless, following her arrest she wasevaluated for her fitness to stand trial—but not for the very treatable condition that caused heractions in the first place. Furthermore, her young age never was taken into account whendetermining her sentence.
This case came to the CWC directly from Governor Pritzker’s office, which asked Steve Drizinwhether the CWC would look into Latoya’s case and claim of postpartum depression. AndreaLewis Hartung and Sara Sommervold took on the case, along with law students Sahar Merchantand Emily Ross, both class of 2021. Sahar and Emily gathered background data from Latoya toinclude in her supplement, conducted extensive research on postpartum illness, and evenidentified the psychologist who ultimately evaluated and diagnosed Latoya. The wonderful KasiaMajerczak and social work student Courtney Burkhart worked closely with Latoya to completean exhaustive re-entry plan. Upon receiving the supplement, the Cook County State’s Attorney’sOffice even withdrew its initial opposition to Latoya’s request for commutation.
Latoya has an impressive amount of family and community love and support—over 25 peopleattended her clemency hearing alone! Now, after 24 years of incarceration for a crime that neverwould have occurred had she received the proper diagnosis and treatment, she is enjoyingreconnecting with her now-adult children, her grandchildren, and her extended family. We are sohappy to share the wonderful news that Latoya is finally back in the loving arms of her family!