Introduction to the “Mike Chapel is Innocent” Series

On Saturday, September 11th, I attended a combination book launch and rally by a group that supports the theory that Police Officer Michael Chapel was wrongly convicted of the 1993 murder of Emogene Thompson. Over 150 people showed up to support the cause and listen to a presentation by the new book’s author, Henry Ball.

The event, held at Lawrenceville, GA’s Historic Courthouse, was attended by members of the Chapel family and a large group of volunteers. Ball made two presentations, both containing material covered in his new publication, “Michael Chapel.” Ball outlined in great detail the circumstances that he feels prove Chapel’s innocence and the shortcomings or misdeeds in the investigation and prosecution of Chapel. A slide show shared with attendees the documents and diagrams that back up his points. Afterward, the organizers held a peaceful demonstration on the courthouse lawn, carrying signs and engaging curious onlookers.

Chapel’s supporters do make a compelling case, and this article introduces a six-part series outlining the evidence that Chapel supporters say documents his innocence. What is published here and in the upcoming series analyzing the case is based on one side of the Chapel conviction. I would certainly want to speak with anyone involved with the investigation or prosecution of Chapel to hear their side of the story. I would also like to talk with anyone who served on the Chapel trial jury.

Over the next several days, I will present an analysis of the evidence that the “Mike Chapel Is Innocence” group and its researchers say proves his innocence. The first chapter, which will publish on Monday, September 20th, will analyze the witness testimony against Chapel.

There are a couple of facts that readers should know about this case. First, an alternate juror, who did not vote in the verdict, Phillip Sullivan, felt very strongly that the case against Chapel was “flimsy and circumstantial.” He felt so passionately about his position that he dedicated the rest of his life to professing Chapel’s innocence.

Danny Porter was the Gwinnett County District Attorney who prosecuted Chapel. He was elected to his office in 1992. His bid for re-election in 2020 was unsuccessful, losing to Patsy Austin-Gatson. One of Austin-Gatson’s first actions in her new position was establishing a Conviction Integrity Unit to examine convictions under Porter’s administration.

I had attempted to contact Johnny Moore, the attorney that represented Chapel in his trial, through a mutual friend. Sadly, Moore, who had retired to Florida, had passed away just days before.

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