Alprentiss Nash, a 40-year-old African American man, was fatally shot on July 28, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois. Nash had previously spent 17 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, before being exonerated in 2012 through DNA evidence. On the day of his death, Nash was with his girlfriend and had stopped at a gas station in the 1600 block of West Van Buren. He walked to a nearby currency exchange when he was approached by an individual who attempted to rob him.
During the confrontation, Nash was shot in the chest and later died at Stroger Hospital.
The police investigation revealed that the shooting was narcotics-related, and both Nash and the suspect were armed at the time of the incident. A suspect was taken into custody, and charges were pending. Nash's attorney, Kathleen Zellner, stated that Nash had been worried about his safety, fearing that people believed he had received a large settlement from his wrongful conviction case, which he had not yet received. Nash had expressed concerns about the dangers he faced and had considered leaving Chicago for a safer location.
Nash's wrongful conviction stemmed from the 1995 murder of Leon Stroud, a reputed drug dealer. Nash was convicted based on witness testimony and sentenced to 80 years in prison. However, DNA testing on a ski mask found at the crime scene later excluded Nash and identified another individual, leading to his release. Following his exoneration, Nash received a certificate of innocence and a settlement of over $200,000 from the state. He also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Chicago and the police department, alleging misconduct in his original case. This lawsuit continued after his death, with Nash's son serving as the plaintiff.
Nash's tragic death highlights the ongoing challenges faced by exonerees as they attempt to rebuild their lives after wrongful imprisonment. Despite his efforts to move forward, including attending culinary school and seeking employment, Nash's life was cut short by violence, underscoring the persistent dangers in his environment.
