The Case of Andre Brown

Deskovic Foundation client Andrew Brown was convicted of attempted murder for a 1999 shooting that occurred when he was a 22 year old college student from the Bronx. Brown was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for a crime he always said he had nothing to do with.

After 23 years in New York prisons, nearly half his life, Brown's conviction was overturned by the Foundation’s legal team on December 5, 2022, and he was freed. Brown was represented by Foundation attorney and founder Jeffrey Deskovic in his first victory as a lawyer, second seating Foundation advisory board member and attorney Oscar Michelen.

The Foundation’s attorneys presented new evidence showing that Brown couldn’t have been the gunman seen running from the scene because of a severe leg injury he had at the time, which Andre's trial attorney never presented. The defense also presented an alternative suspect who very closely resembled Andre; that suspect was identified by two other witnesses; and their identification was corroborated by ballistics evidence. A judge vacated Brown's conviction, citing ineffective counsel, and released him on his own recognizance.

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office is appealing the decision. The Foundation believes Andre Brown to be innocent, and will continue to support him.

For the first time in 23 years, Andre was able to celebrate the holidays in person with his family.

REFERENCES

Andre Brown Free After 22 years in Prison for Bronx Attempted Murder He Says He Didn't Commit by Jessica Moore, December 9, 2022, CBS New York

Judge Vacates Attempted Murder Charges Against Bronx Man Who Spent 22 Years in Prison by News 12 Staff, December 5, 2022, News 12

Man Freed from Prison Following New Testimony in Bronx Shooting by News 12 Staff, December 7, 2022, News 12

Andre Brown Relates His Tale Having Gone Free After 23 Years by David Greenwald, December 12, 2022, The Davis Vanguard