top of page
California-Innocence-Project-Justin-Brooks-Michael-Hanline-Alex-Simpson-1080x780.jpeg

Michael Hanline

Years served: 36

County of Conviction

Ventura

Convicted of

First Degree Murder

Sentence

Life Without Parole

Released

November 24, 2014

Michael Hanline was convicted of murdering a biker named J.T. McGarry in 1978.  After many years of investigation, the California Innocence Project discovered that the entire case against Michael was fabricated and based on the testimony of a 19-year-old woman who later recanted her trial testimony.  Furthermore, there was strong evidence of innocence that was withheld from Michael’s trial counsel at the time of his trial that would have led to his acquittal.  On November 24, 2014, Michael was released from prison after 36 years of wrongful incarceration for a crime he did not commit.  At the time, it was the longest sentence ever served by a person in California who was later found to be innocent. For more information about Michael’s case go to: https://californiainnocenceproject.org/read-their-stories/michael-hanline/

bottom of page