Memphis Man Declared Wrongfully Convicted Remains Behind Bars Despite DA’s Conclusion

A Memphis man who prosecutors now say was wrongfully convicted is still sitting in prison months after officials determined he should never have been found guilty in the first place.

The case centers on Andrew Hayes, who was convicted in 2010 for the 2007 beating death of Danny Harris. For years, Hayes maintained that he was innocent of the murder. Now, even the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office says the conviction was wrong.

According to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, his office conducted a review of the case and concluded that Hayes was wrongfully convicted. Prosecutors have publicly stated that they no longer believe the conviction should stand.

Despite that conclusion, Hayes remains incarcerated while the legal process continues.

The situation highlights one of the major challenges in wrongful conviction cases. Even when prosecutors agree that a conviction was unjust, courts must still formally overturn the conviction before an inmate can be released. That process can take months and sometimes longer, depending on hearings, filings, and judicial review.

Hayes has now spent years behind bars for a crime that prosecutors themselves say he did not commit. The District Attorney’s Office has reportedly taken the unusual step of supporting efforts to correct the conviction, but the final decision remains in the hands of the court system.

The case has drawn attention across Memphis because it raises questions about how long someone can remain imprisoned after officials acknowledge a wrongful conviction. Supporters argue that every additional day Hayes spends in prison is another day served for a crime prosecutors no longer believe he committed.

As the legal proceedings continue, Hayes remains incarcerated while awaiting a court ruling that could determine whether he will finally regain his freedom after years behind bars.