Preview
Creation Date
4-12-2024
Description
Please join us Friday, April 12, at 12:30, in the McCartan Courtroom for a very special event with Anna Vasquez—one of the “San Antonio Four” exonerees and the current president of the Innocence Network Executive Board.
In the Fall of 1994, Anna and three of her friends were charged with the sexual assault of two young girls. The four women, who are all Latino members of the LGBTQ+ community, maintained their innocence, refused to accept plea deals, and testified as a part of their defense. The Texas prosecutors in the case used the womens’ sexual orientations as “proof” of their guilt. All four women were convicted, and Anna was sentenced to 15 years.
While fighting their convictions, one of the purported victims came forward and admitted she lied, that the sexual assault had never occurred, and that family members pressured her into the accusations due to resentment over romantic rejections.
Anna was released on parole after 12 years and continued working to clear her name. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals exonerated Anna and the other women in 2016. The case found fame through a 2016 documentary titled "Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four," which portrays the witch-hunt-like prosecution of the women.
Anna will tell her story tomorrow in the McCartan Courtroom. Her resiliency and spirit prove inspirational. Anna will participate in a fireside chat/question and answer session moderated by third-year student Claire Ramsey. Chick-fil-A will be served.
Co-sponsors:
Exoneration Justice Clinic
American Constitution Society
American Civil Liberties Union
Public Interest Law Forum
Exoneration Justice Project
Future Prosecuting Attorneys Council
Women’s Legal Forum
Hispanic Law Students Association
LGBT Law Forum