A Florida man, Crosley Green, who spent 30 years in prison for a murder he maintains he did not commit, has returned to prison after a brief period of freedom. Green, 65, surrendered to authorities on Monday, April 17, 2023, following a federal court ruling that reinstated his life sentence.
Green was released conditionally in 2021 after a federal court in Orlando overturned his conviction. However, the state of Florida appealed this decision and successfully reinstated the conviction late last year. Green’s legal team had hoped to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but their request was denied in February, leaving Green with limited options for remaining outside prison walls.
During his two years of conditional release, Green built a new life. He held a job at a machine grafting facility, attended church regularly, and cherished time spent with his grandchildren. His fiancée, Kathy Spikes, expressed her anxiety over his return to prison, noting the daily routines they had established together.
Green turned himself in at 5 p.m. on Monday, accompanied by his fiancée, family members, and his pro bono attorneys, Keith Harrison and Jeane Thomas, who have supported him for 15 years. Despite the setback, Green expressed a sense of peace, stating, “I can’t be angry at no one… I’m happy. I’m not happy about going back.”
His conviction stems from the 1989 shooting death of 21-year-old Charles Flynn. Initially sentenced to death by an all-White jury, Green was later resentenced to life in prison due to a technicality. In 2018, a judge ruled that prosecutors had improperly withheld evidence that suggested another individual might have been the actual shooter. However, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that this evidence was not significant enough to overturn his conviction.
Green’s attorneys are now focusing on pursuing clemency or parole as potential avenues for his release. They believe he is a strong candidate for parole, citing his successful reintegration into society during his conditional release. Thomas emphasized that clemency does not equate to exoneration but rather acknowledges that someone has served enough time.
Despite the challenges he faces, Green remains hopeful about proving his innocence. He conveyed his determination, stating, “To me, it’s just another part of what I’m going through now to get my freedom. That’s all it is.” He attributes his resilience to his faith, encouraging others to believe in themselves as he does.
As Green returns to prison, his legal team and supporters vow to continue fighting for justice, believing that the system can ultimately correct this perceived injustice.