Up To Date

Kevin Strickland 'not rested just yet' two months after exoneration

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 30, 2022 at 1:25 AM CST

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Kevin Strickland, who uses a wheelchair, speaks to the press on Nov. 23, 2021, after being released from prison.

At 43 years, Kevin Strickland served Missouri's longest wrongful conviction sentence. He and fellow exoneree Ricky Kidd share plans to raise awareness and prevent others from similar fates.

The constant reminders of serving 43 years for a crime he didn't commit, "just dredges up the pain of it," Kevin Strickland said.

After being exonerated and left empty-handed by the state, Kevin Strickland and Ricky Kidd are planning a speaking tour to educate others on wrongful convictions and lack of compensation.

Kevin Strickland, served Missouri's longest wrongful conviction
Ricky Kidd, exoneree and community engagement manager, Midwest Innocence Project

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Up To Date Podcast Kevin Strickland Missouri criminal justice criminal justice reform Midwest Innocence Project prison Advocacy prison health care

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Elizabeth Ruiz

When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.

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