Exoneree and advocate Quedellis “Rick” Walker was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder in December of 1991. Although there was no physical evidence connecting Walker to the crime, he was tried and sentenced to 26 years to life in prison. After years of futile appeals, new evidence came to light by way of his new attorney, Alison Tucher (now a superior court judge) prompting the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office to reopen the case. DNA evidence confirmed Walker was not the perpetrator. Walker was set free in June of 2003 with an apology from the District Attorney’s Office. Walker used his experience to promote positive change within the justice system. He was also a member of Northern California Innocence Project’s Advisory Board.

In Memoriam 1955 – 2020

Rick was an amazing man and spirit.  We are proud to be associated with him through Exonerated Nation.   He was a forerunner and visionary for the exonerated community, and worked diligently to help the wrongfully convicted seek justice.  His passion and commitment for “righting the wrongs” of the State and standing up for others, truly helped to set the tone for an organization committed to healing and policy reform for exonerees.  He will always be the heartbeat of Exonerated Nation. 

He had a big heart, and was eloquent in standing up for those who could not stand up for themselves.  Rick’s warm and enduring spirit served to comfort those of us who had the privilege of working closely with him. He will have a lasting legacy for anyone concerned with equal justice.  He was a genuine soul who treated everyone with compassion and gave of himself for a more fair, humane, and equitable justice system.