Latest update

Randy would like to extend gratitude to the many people who have read this site, sent messages and support, and shared his story over the last months.

In November 2020, Randy Riley’s conviction was vacated in a unanimous decision at the Supreme Court of Canada. Previously, his appeal to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal was denied in a 2-1 split decision. Because one judge disagreed, this allowed his case to be heard at the Supreme Court. The justices of that court agreed that the jury was improperly warned about a witness who gave testimony showing Randy’s innocence. A new trial has been ordered.

Randy is still facing re-trial in October, 2021 on the charge of 2^nd degree murder. In December, the Crown attempted to remove Randy’s lawyer from the case. This application was rejected. Even though many issues with the prosecution of Randy’s case have come to light since his initial wrongful conviction – including the key witness recanting his testimony under oath – the Crown continues to pursue his prosecution.

In March of 2021, Randy was finally released on bail. For the first time in nearly a decade, he is able to live and move outside of prison walls. However, he still does not have freedom, as he is monitored by an ankle bracelet and still faces the possibility of being convicted yet again by the Nova Scotia justice system.

We ask people reading this website to continue to share Randy’s story, to write to your MLA asking questions about his conviction, and to express your concerns about this wrongful conviction and the racial issues surrounding it to the Department of Justice and to the Public Prosecution Service.

Now that Randy is out on bail, watch this space for more information on his journey to justice and how you can support the struggle against racism in the Nova Scotia courts.

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