Lamar Johnson, wrongfully imprisoned for nearly three decades for the murder of 25-year old Marcus Boyd, found an unwavering friend in Ginny Schrappen. She believed in his innocence, wrote to him regularly, and visited him during his court appeals. Their story is a testament to friendship, resilience, and hope.
Eighteen years ago, a letter from Johnson arrived at Mary, Mother of the Church in St. Louis County. It was Schrappen who opened it and responded with her own heartfelt words. Johnson’s elegant longhand script impressed her, marking the beginning of their unlikely pen pal relationship that would last until his release from prison last year.
Over two decades, they shared small details through their correspondence. Despite numerous failed appeals that kept Johnson behind bars and confessions from the real culprits coming forth later on, their bond continued to strengthen. Schrappen remained unwaveringly committed to helping her new friend, visiting him in prison despite being a mother and grandmother.
Schrappen’s belief in justice never wavered throughout the ordeal. Her hope for Johnson’s release was expressed every time she visited him in court or wrote letters to him before appeal dates. After years of advocacy by the Innocence Project, Johnson finally regained his freedom 28 years after his wrongful conviction.
Following his release from prison last year, a GoFundMe page was set up and has raised almost $600k to help Johnson start anew. However, beyond financial assistance, their story underscores the power of relationships forged through adversity.
The chance encounter between Schrappen and Johnson 18 years ago blossomed into a steadfast friendship that endured nearly three decades until it ultimately led to Johnson’s liberation from unjust confinement last summer. It serves as a reminder that we can find strength within ourselves when faced with life’s curveballs if we keep our hearts open and continue to believe that anything is possible with enough courage and tenacity.
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