Sherwood Brown was released after over two decades in prison. Photo courtesy Sherwood Brown Go Fund Me.
In one of the most heart-wrenching exoneration cases in Mississippi history, Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, played a pivotal role in the exoneration of Sherwood Brown, a man who spent 26 years on death row for crimes he did not commit.
In 1995, Sherwood Brown was convicted of the 1993 murders of 13-year-old Evangela Boyd, her mother Verline Boyd, and grandmother Betty Boyd in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Despite a lack of physical evidence connecting Brown to the scene, prosecutors built their case on circumstantial evidence, flawed forensic testimony, and the claims of a jailhouse informant who liked to change his story. Brown maintained his innocence from day one.
Sherwood Brown’s fate was sealed by “junk science” and a system that failed to thoroughly investigate the evidence. After conviction, Brown was sentenced to death for Evangela's murder, life in prison for Verline’s murder, and life in prison for Betty’s murder.
The Role of DNA Evidence and Legal Persistence
Advancements in DNA testing provided new insights. Two decades later, in 2012, a determined team of attorneys and advocates from Mississippi Innocence Project secured access to evidence collected from the crime scene for modern DNA testing. The results were indisputable: Sherwood Brown’s DNA was not present at the crime scene.
This new evidence prompted a review by the Mississippi Supreme Court, which overturned his conviction in 2018. At that point Merrida Coxwell, managing partner of Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, joined the legal team. For years, the team had to continue to fight for Mr. Brown. The prosecution requested additional DNA tests, and each time the tests exonerated Mr. Brown. The prosecution continued to obdurately fight against Mr. Brown’s innocence. Finally, Mr. Brown's legal nightmare ended in August 2021, when all charges were dismissed by the State and Brown finally walked out of prison a free man. When asked about the case Merrida “Buddy” Coxwell stated, “This is the 3rd or 4th Innocence Project case that I have been asked to help solve. It is distressing to see innocent people spend decades in prison. I know the legal system is not perfect, but these types of horrendous errors should never be acceptable.”
This case was more than just a legal win – it was a human victory. (See: Brown enjoys his first freedom meal with his legal team.)
Photo courtesy of Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian
Life After Prison and Continued Legal Efforts
The end of imprisonment did not mean the end of Sherwood Brown’s legal battle. After 26 years on death row, he re-entered society with no compensation, no resources, and no formal apology. Our legal team is working to ensure Sherwood is recognized not just as a survivor of injustice, but as a man who deserves every opportunity to rebuild his life with dignity.
Under Mississippi law, wrongfully convicted individuals may receive up to $500,000—but the process is complex and rarely straightforward. On August 3, 2022, Coxwell & Associates initiated Brown’s claim in DeSoto County Circuit Court, seeking a small form of “justice” in the form of financial compensation.
Sherwood Brown’s case underscores the importance of diligent legal representation and the pursuit of justice. Brown’s pursuit for “justice” is still actively ongoing, with the last filing date being April 4, 2025.
Coxwell & Associates' Involvement
Merrida "Buddy" Coxwell, managing partner at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, contributed invaluable expertise to Brown’s case. With over four decades of experience in criminal defense, Coxwell navigated the complexities of the legal system to advocate for Brown’s release.
Coxwell & Associates, PLLC has a long-standing commitment to justice, particularly in cases involving wrongful convictions. The firm’s involvement in cases like Sherwood Brown’s illustrates their dedication to defending the wrongly accused, defending constitutional rights, and ensuring fair trials for all. The attorneys at Coxwell & Associates understand that one wrongful conviction is one too many, and we work relentlessly to expose injustices wherever they exist.
Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, represents both criminal defense and serious personal injury. The law firm has been asked to manage the most serious criminal cases in Mississippi, and the firm has handled severe injury cases involving millions of dollars. Merrida “Buddy” Coxwell has always said “when you can represent a human in a serious criminal case against the Federal Government or the State of Mississippi, fighting an insurance company to protect the rights of an injured person in a car wreck or other injury case is not hard.
Why Choose Us
At Coxwell & Associates, we’ve dedicated our practice to fighting for the wrongly accused and standing up to broken systems. With over $300 million recovered for injury victims and thousands of successful criminal cases, our Jackson-based firm is one of the most trusted in Mississippi.
Whether you need strong criminal defense, a skilled injury lawyer, or representation in a civil rights matter, our experienced team is ready to help. With over $300 million recovered for injury victims and thousands of successful criminal cases, our Jackson-based firm is one of the most trusted in Mississippi.
Contact Coxwell & Associates today for a free consultation. We fight for justice—no matter how long it takes.