Cheers and embraces swept through Richmond’s Copper Hall on Saturday as Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne, known as the “Waverly Two,” celebrated their release from prison with family, friends and supporters after more than two decades behind bars.

Richardson and Claiborne were convicted in connectionwith the 1998 death of Waverly Police Officer Allen Gibson. Although a jury acquitted them of murder, a federal judge sentenced them to life in prison based on related drug charges.

The two men have maintained their innocence for decades, navigating a long and winding legal fight. Their efforts saw a breakthrough in January, when President Joe Biden commuted their sentences in the final days of his term.

Richardson learned of Biden’s decision at FCI Petersburg Medium when a news story aired on his unit’s TV. 

“I just hollered out loudly in the pod,” he said. “All 130 people came up, hugged me, shook my hand and I broke down crying.”

The decision was just as meaningful for Claiborne, who was in a separate unit and was told about the pardon by Richardson later.

“I thought something bad had happened because he was crying,” Claiborne said, “and he ran up to me and he hugged me, and he said, ‘Man, we’re free.’”

“At that moment, I caught a chill. It must have been the chill of freedom because I was so excited and just ready to get to this moment, because I knew it was long overdue.”

Tears of joy continued throughout the three-hour brunch hosted by Life After Justice, a legal nonprofit focused on wrongful convictions that played a key role in their release.

Richardson and Claiborne shared the meal with family members, including children who had grown up without them, and honored supporters who helped lead, fund and raise awareness for their case.

Richardson and Claiborne were released in April and, after three months of home confinement that ended last Wednesday, are already rebuilding their lives. They have launched a clothing line, are working on a book and have made progress finding jobs.

Life After Justice presented the two with a financial assistance check during the brunch.

 Joi Adams, executive director of Life After Justice, Terence Richardson, Ferrone Claiborne and Life After Justice Co-Founder Jarrett Adams celebrate during a “Celebration of Freedom” brunch Saturday, July 19, when the organization presented the two men with a check.
 

While their federal sentences were commuted, efforts continue to clear their names of guilty pleas they said they were pressured to enter decades ago in state court to avoid harsher sentences.

“Having this moment to celebrate their freedom is nice and special, but it’s not just for them not to have a clear vindication in their innocence,” said attorney and Life After Justice co-founder Jarrett Adams, who represents the two. “It’s just not right.”

The Court of Appeals has rejected their actual innocence claim, while Attorney General Jason Miyares and his office have repeatedly opposed their filings. Both Miyares and Gov. Glenn Youngkin have condemned the commutations.

Despite the ongoing legal hurdles, Richardson and Claiborne are positive about their futures and shared words of encouragement for others seeking justice in similar cases.

“Don’t give up,” Richardson said.

 Richardson’s daughter, Iquisha Wyatt-Richardson, performs a song she wrote titled “Two Innocent Men.”