PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 14th, 2025 – James “Jim” Kelly, who has recently been released after spending nearly three decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia and the detectives who investigated and allegedly fabricated evidence against him. This legal action seeks to bring attention to the alleged police misconduct that led to Kelly’s conviction.

Kelly, a former U.S. Marine and father of two, was released from the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution in July 2024. Accused in 1993 and later convicted in 1996 for the murder of Travis “Bud” Hughston, Kelly spent 29 years in prison for a crime he had no connection to based on coerced witness testimony and suppressed evidence. 

“This lawsuit is about more than just being compensated,” said Kelly. “Rather, it’s about holding the City of Philadelphia accountable for its many decades of police misconduct and shining light on the systematic issues that led to my wrongful conviction.”

Kelly was accused of murder and convicted despite a complete lack of evidence linking him to the crime. In fact, Kelly was working for the City of Philadelphia as a sanitation worker at the time the murder was committed. A key witness in the case, who was allegedly using crack cocaine on the day of the murder, later recanted her testimony, revealing she was coerced by detectives to fabricate her statements. Further investigations found that the police department not only ignored concerns over witness credibility but also withheld evidence that confirmed another person committed the murder.

Mr. Kelly’s legal team, which includes Joseph M. Marron, Michael F. Pomerantz, and Keir Bradford-Grey of Marrone Law Firms, are seeking both compensation for the years Kelly spent unjustly behind bars and systemic changes to prevent further misconduct of justice.

Kelly and his attorneys will hold a press conference, on January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Bellevue Hotel, 200 Broad Street, Suit 610, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Kelly, represented by his attorney, will discuss the details of the lawsuit and the ongoing pursuit of justice for his wrongful imprisonment.

About Marrone Law Firm, LLC: Marrone Law Firm, LLC specializes in civil rights litigation, focusing on cases involving wrongful conviction and police misconduct. The firm is dedicated to making sure the justice system respects the rights of all Pennsylvania citizens, especially those whose rights have been violated.

 

Press Contact: 

Amanda Dabney

Marrone Law Firm, LLC 

200 Broad Street, Suite 610

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone: (215) 486-2671

Email: alojewski@marronelaw.com