Life in Pictures: Tim Cole

Witness Tim Cole's life in pictures.

Military Service - Tim Cole was bright in high school, excelling at sports and exhibiting leadership qualities. Instead of heading straight to college, he decided to serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years. (Photo: Courtesy US Government)
The Arrest and Conviction - One night, Cole offered Michele Mallin a ride because she was walking home alone in the dark. She declined. In subsequent days, Lubbock police illegaly searched Cole's home, taking advantage of his innocence, and arrested him for her rape. In 1985, Cole was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.  (Photo: Lubbock Police Department, Courtesy Cole Family)
Exoneration - Tim Cole maintained his innocence and hope throughout his incarceration. Before his name was able to be cleared, he died from an asthma attack in December 1999. Texas inmate Jerry Wayne Johnson confessed to the rape in 1995, but was unable to contact Cole until 2007. He did not know that Cole had already passed away. (Photo: AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Posthumous Pardon - On March 2, 2010, Governor Rick Perry granted Timothy Cole Texas' first posthumous pardon because of the overwhelming evidence. Michele Mallin assisted in clearing his name once she learned the truth. Pictured: Michele Mallin and Ruby Session (Tim Cole's mother.)(Photo: Courtesy Afram News)A Picture of Pardon - Although the pardon couldn't end the pain of losing a brother, child and best friend, it helped to preserve the legacy of Cole's name. Pictured here, Texas Governor Rick Perry poses for a photograph with the family of Tim Cole after presenting them with his posthumous pardon   (Photo: Courtesy US Government)

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The Arrest and Conviction - One night, Cole offered Michele Mallin a ride because she was walking home alone in the dark. She declined. In subsequent days, Lubbock police illegaly searched Cole's home, taking advantage of his innocence, and arrested him for her rape. In 1985, Cole was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.  (Photo: Lubbock Police Department, Courtesy Cole Family)

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