Greensboro, NC — July 10, 2025 — After nearly three decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit, 47-year-old Benjamin Cole is finally free. Convicted in 1998 for the murder of Calvin Jenkins, who was fatally shot in his Greensboro apartment, Benjamin’s wrongful conviction has now been overturned. On June 25, 2025, a judge officially vacated his sentence, ending a 27-year-long fight for justice.
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What Happened?
Benjamin Cole’s conviction was based on a deeply flawed trial that saw critical evidence and police files withheld from his defense team. For years, his younger sister, Britney Butler, alongside Duke University’s Wrongful Convictions Clinic, fought tirelessly to expose the errors and misconduct that led to his wrongful imprisonment.
On June 25, 2025, a judge vacated Cole’s conviction, allowing him to walk free at last. Rather than face a retrial that could have trapped him in the system for years longer, Cole accepted an Alford plea to a lesser charge — a legal move allowing him to maintain his innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors might have sufficient evidence to convict him again. While bittersweet, this decision was key to securing his immediate release.
Who Is Benjamin Cole?
Benjamin Cole was only 20 years old when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit, his life abruptly derailed. His sister, Britney Butler, was just nine years old at the time. She promised to fight for her brother’s freedom — a vow that led her to become an attorney and eventually spearhead his defense.
Cole’s story is one of resilience, unwavering faith, and the power of family. Despite losing 27 years of his life, he never wavered in asserting his innocence. Now free, he is cautiously adjusting to a world that has changed dramatically during his decades of imprisonment — encountering smartphones, social media, and other modern realities for the first time.
Public and Family Reaction
Benjamin’s release has been met with mixed emotions — overwhelming joy for his newfound freedom, but profound grief over the decades lost. Britney reflected on their journey, saying:
“I became a lawyer because I had to. The system didn’t protect my brother — so I had to grow up and fight that system myself.”
Community members and legal advocates have praised Britney’s dedication and the relentless work of innocence organizations. His story has sparked renewed conversations about wrongful convictions and the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system.
Official Statements and Next Steps
Benjamin is now receiving reintegration support and counseling to help him adjust to life outside prison walls. He has expressed interest in speaking to young people about resilience and hope and plans to write a book sharing his story in detail.
With Britney and his family standing strong beside him, Benjamin is cautiously stepping into his new life, determined to rebuild and reclaim the years that were stolen from him.
Conclusion
Benjamin Cole’s journey is a sobering reminder of the flaws within our justice system and the devastating impact wrongful convictions have on individuals and families. His freedom, while long overdue, stands as a powerful testament to love, persistence, and the ultimate triumph of truth.
As Benjamin begins to heal and rebuild, his story offers a beacon of hope and a call to action to ensure no one else suffers the same fate.