The Virginia Court of Appeals has issued a writ of actual innocence to Marvin Grimm, who was wrongfully convicted in 1976 for murder, abduction, and sodomy. The decision follows a successful petition by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) based on new DNA evidence.
Marvin Grimm was sentenced to life in prison on March 15, 1976. He served 44 years before being released on parole in 2019. Modern DNA and toxicology analysis conducted between 2002 and 2023 revealed that the evidence used to convict Grimm was invalid. This led Attorney General Miyares to support his exoneration.
Attorney General Miyares stated, "Modern DNA and toxicology evidence excluded Mr. Grimm from any involvement in the death of the three-year-old victim."
This exoneration marks the second secured by Attorney General Miyares within two months and the third under his administration. On May 21, 2024, following a notice filed by Miyares, the Virginia Court of Appeals exonerated Keshawn Duffy from wrongful convictions and two consecutive life sentences for forcible sodomy.
The court’s opinion can be read [here](link).