Life in Pictures: Tim Cole

Witness Tim Cole's life in pictures.

Life in Pictures: Timothy Brian Cole  - Timothy Brian Cole (1960?1999) was unjustly convicted of rape in 1985. Throughout his incarceration he maintained his innocence and belief that the justice system would set him free. Unfortunately, he succumbed to asthma while incarcerated and was posthumously pardoned on March 2, 2010. Witness his life in pictures.  (Photo: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

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Life in Pictures: Timothy Brian Cole  - Timothy Brian Cole (1960–1999) was unjustly convicted of rape in 1985. Throughout his incarceration he maintained his innocence and belief that the justice system would set him free. Unfortunately, he succumbed to asthma while incarcerated and was posthumously pardoned on March 2, 2010. Witness his life in pictures.  (Photo: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

Family Man - Timothy Brian Cole was born July 1, 1960, in Brenham, Texas. He was the oldest of four and took care of his younger brothers with the care of a mother and the sternness of a father. To say they looked up to Tim would be an understatement.  (Photo: Courtesy Lubbock Avalanche Journal)

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Family Man - Timothy Brian Cole was born July 1, 1960, in Brenham, Texas. He was the oldest of four and took care of his younger brothers with the care of a mother and the sternness of a father. To say they looked up to Tim would be an understatement.  (Photo: Courtesy Lubbock Avalanche Journal)

High School - Tim Cole studied hard and graduated high school with flying colors. He was revered by his classmates and respected by his teachers for his positivity and willingness to help others. Ruby Cole Session, Tim's mother, was proud. (Photo: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

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High School - Tim Cole studied hard and graduated high school with flying colors. He was revered by his classmates and respected by his teachers for his positivity and willingness to help others. Ruby Cole Session, Tim's mother, was proud. (Photo: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

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)

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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)

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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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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)

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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)

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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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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)

The Tim Cole Act - Texas lawmakers were so moved by Tim Cole's story that legislation was passed to help other exonerees transition back into the world with help. The act provides $80,000 for each year of wrongful incarceration and free college tuition as well as financial and personal counseling. The annuity can be passed down through the exoneree's estate.  (Photo: Texas Wesleyan School of Law)

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The Tim Cole Act - Texas lawmakers were so moved by Tim Cole's story that legislation was passed to help other exonerees transition back into the world with help. The act provides $80,000 for each year of wrongful incarceration and free college tuition as well as financial and personal counseling. The annuity can be passed down through the exoneree's estate.  (Photo: Texas Wesleyan School of Law)

Tim Cole's Legacy - During his incarceration, Tim Cole was offered parole if he would admit guilt. He stood by his convictions and would not leave prison unless he was free of the weight of a conviction that he did not deserve. Although he died incarcerated, his legacy lives on to help others who find themselves in the same situation.  (Photo: Texas Wesleyan School of Law)

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Tim Cole's Legacy - During his incarceration, Tim Cole was offered parole if he would admit guilt. He stood by his convictions and would not leave prison unless he was free of the weight of a conviction that he did not deserve. Although he died incarcerated, his legacy lives on to help others who find themselves in the same situation.  (Photo: Texas Wesleyan School of Law)