By Bill Branham, Proving Innocence
Proving Innocence <newsletter@provinginnocence.org>
December 2, 2023
We are so sad to learn about the death of Carl Bruner, 39. He died of a heart attack on November 21st. He was found in his apartment unresponsive when his sister arrived to pick him up for the trip from Kentucky back to Detroit for Thanksgiving. Carl was released from prison three and a half years ago.
Carl Bruner, March 2020
Carl had a difficult time adjusting to life outside prison. In addition to that, the police officer that he was suing for his wrongful conviction was suing him in response. The pressure on him was significant. It weighed on him. In one sense, Carl was never free from his wrongful conviction and imprisonment.
A lot of people were involved in getting him out of prison and supporting him afterward. He was a recipient of Proving Innocence’s Walking Free Fund. But sometimes all the support in the world can’t penetrate and heal the damage that has been done to one’s soul. We try. Many times we succeed. But not always. We grieve. And now we move on and help the next person. Carl is posted on our site at Carl Bruner. For those interested in his case, you may go to Carl Bruner II – National Registry of Exonerations (umich.edu),
The viewing will be held this Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023, at Stinson Funeral Home, 16540 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235 from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Funeral will be Thursday, Dec 7, 2023, at Triumph Church, 2760 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48211, beginning at 1 p.m.
The family is in need of $2,700 for the funeral expenses. If anyone would like to help, you may send funds to Carl’s mother, Vernell Vass through Zelle, ID 313-645-0959, or Cash App: $VernellVass.
