Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of Wrongful Convictions,

Miguel Neil, a loving son, brother, father and grandfather, was indicted on multiple counts of robbery in Columbus, OH. Prior to this wrongful conviction Miguel Neil had a successful career in personal training and bodybuilding. Miguel was a member of the 2006 Bodybuilding Team representing the USA in the World Bodybuilding Championships held in the Czech Republic. He won the first Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championship in Columbus, OH in 2007. Miguel was even featured in multiple bodybuilding and fitness magazines. As a personal trainer he helped many people from those looking to improve their health and wellness to athletes working to build their own bodybuilding careers. 

Miguel had hired an attorney, unfortunately that attorney suffered a heart attack and was forced to withdraw from the case. Because his family could not recover the funds used to hire this attorney, he was left with a court appointed attorney. During trial, this court appointed attorney told the jury, "This is a unique case involving identification"..."I will defend Miguel with regards to any identification issues in the 2011 cases". His theory was there were "multiple suspects who did these 2011 situations". He stated he would prove the suspect was not Miguel by showing "distinguishing characteristics" such as complexion, ethnicity, height, "distinguishing body marks" such as a tattoo that Miguel had that the suspect did not, and "specific type of clothing". In the end, this attorney did none of this.

As you swipe through the photos in the gallery of this campaign you will see screenshots taken from the video of one of the robberies. In this particular robbery the detective noted in his review of the video that, "it appears the suspect is a white male". In the screenshot there are 2 employees. You will notice that one is white and the other black. As well as a closeup of the suspect, who according to police, appears to be a white male. As you can see from the cover photo and family photo as you swipe through the photos included in this campaign you can clearly see that Miguel Neil is not a white male, nor could he ever be mistaken to be a white male.

It is important to know that there was in fact a white male who was a suspect in this robbery.

Another photo here is a suspect photo of a white male who was 1 of 3 male white suspects that were part of the detective's investigation. (The name and face are blacked out as it is not known whether he committed this or any of the other robberies.)

Also included in the campaign photo gallery is the police report, which is available and was obtained through a public records request. You will see the highlighted note in this police report regarding the "white male".

For some unexplained reason, Miguel's appointed trial counsel failed to subpoena the detective to testify to his report, failed to even present the detective's report, and even failed to mention the detective's observations at trial at all, about the suspect appearing to be a white male, thereby rendering at the very least, ineffective assistance of counsel.

And Miguel Neil, a black man, was convicted of this robbery and others and received an exorbitant amount of time.

It should also be noted that there was no physical evidence, no DNA and no witnesses at trial who could describe or identify Miguel Neil as the person who committed the robberies.

We are seeking your support to help cover the costs needed for an investigator to do an independent investigation into his case, and to obtain certain experts who we believe will be able to unveil newly discovered evidence, as well as to assist with legal fees to present this evidence.

Our goal is to ensure that all evidence that was not presented in Mr. Neil's case is examined and justice is done. Additionally, we hope to raise awareness around the way in which the police and prosecutors work hand in hand to secure convictions rather than what they are supposed to do, which is to seek the truth in support of justice.

The funds raised will be used for:

• Costs associated with an independent investigation, including funding the private investigator that has been retained to gather evidence and interview witnesses is approximately $1,500 -$2,500.

• Expenses related to hiring certain experts to perform photogrammetry and forensic video and photo analysis in order to obtain new evidence. We have learned that the estimated cost for photogrammetry/photo analysis is $2,100 and $825 for video analysis, for a total of $2925.

• Legal fees to hire an experienced attorney who specializes in wrongful conviction cases, post-conviction petitions, and motions for new trial is approximately $4,000 - $8,000.

Closing:

We believe that if Miguel had been represented with a vigorous defense, he would not be incarcerated today. Your generous contributions will help us uncover the truth which could also potentially help others in his same or similar situation. Any amount you can donate will make a significant impact and will be deeply appreciated.

We understand that some of these campaigns may appear to be a scam. To ensure the legitimacy of this fundraiser we are sharing the link to the Ohio Department of Corrections inmate search engine along with Miguel’s inmate number so that you can confirm this.

Offender Search - https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch

Miguel Neil - Inmate Number: A 710531

Thank you for your support, prayers, and kindness during this incredibly challenging time. Together, we can ensure that Miguel's story is heard and that steps are taken to prevent similar injustices in the future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Miguel Neil and Family