Darryl A. Burton, an innocent man, spent 24 years in prison, was exonerated in 2008, and is now an associate pastor at the largest United Methodist Church in the US.

In 1984, a drug dealer was shot to death at a gas station in St. Louis, Missouri. The man who shot him was a light-skinned African American male, 5’5” in height. Police looked for suspects and even though Darryl Burton was dark-skinned and 5’10” in height, he was summoned to a police lineup. Two men came forward identifying Darryl as the murderer. Both were awaiting trial but were given a lighter sentence if they testified that Burton was guilty. Assigned a public defender who spent only one hour with him before his trial, the jury convicted him in less than an hour. Darryl found himself being sentenced to life in prison without parole. He was assigned to the Missouri State Penitentiary, one of the most violent prisons in the U.S.  

Darryl remained in prison for 24 years from 1984-2009 and spent many of those days in the prison law library, dedicated to proving his innocence. He wrote over 600 letters to members of the government, and nonprofit organizations. However, it was not until he allowed Christ into his life that he began to experience a change. Darryl discovered that anger and hate can be another prison and that Jesus said we must love our enemies, pray for them, and forgive them.

Darryl now shares his nightmare story of adversity to help others and bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ. Since 2008, he has spoken about forgiveness, redemption, and hope at churches, conferences and lectures around the globe. Sixteen years after his exoneration, he never takes one day for granted.

Hear his story and stay for a book signing. Books will be available at the event or purchase them in advance.