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Man spent 21 years in prison for murder he didn’t commit: ‘I was never going to give up’
By Susan Hendricks, WSB-TV at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
A man who spent more than two decades in prison for a murder he did not commit is free.He shared his story exclusively with Channel 2’s Susan Hendricks. Marquez Powell was convicted in 2008 at the Fulton County Courthouse. Nearly 21 years later, he walked out of prison after the Georgia Innocence...
Key takeaway He shared his story exclusively with Channel 2’s Susan Hendricks.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The case of Marquez Powell, who spent 21 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, raises questions about the reliability of the justice system in Fulton County. Powell's conviction in 2008 at the Fulton County Courthouse and his subsequent exoneration nearly two decades later, with the help of the Georgia Innocence Project, highlight the need for continued scrutiny of wrongful convictions in the area. As Powell rebuilds his life, his story may also bring attention to the resources available to wrongfully convicted individuals in Atlanta , including the Georgia Innocence Project. The fact that Powell's best friend's sister has become a strong supporter underscores the complex personal dynamics at play in these cases, and the potential for healing and redemption. With Powell's focus on using his story to help others, the community may see increased awareness and advocacy for justice reform in the years to come.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man who spent more than two decades in prison for a murder he did not commit is free.He shared his story exclusively with Channel 2’s Susan Hendricks. Marquez Powell was convicted in 2008 at the Fulton County Courthouse. Nearly 21 years later, he walked out of prison after the Georgia Innocence...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Susan Hendricks, WSB-TV at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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