Tribute to David Milgaard on the One-Year Anniversary of His Passing

David Milgaard was a 16-year-old youth with dreams and aspirations who suddenly faced an unimaginable injustice and yet still found the strength to fight for what was right and true. After being wrongfully convicted of the murder of Gail Miller and spending 23 years in prison, he was released in 1992 and finally exonerated in 1997. Instead of letting bitterness and anger consume him, David became a tireless advocate for the wrongfully convicted in Canada, and a voice for those who were vulnerable and marginalized.

David stood up against systemic failure and helped bring to light the need for greater accountability and reform in the Canadian justice system. David and his mother Joyce fought tirelessly for years for Canada to establish a body independent of the justice system to review claims of innocence. After his mother passed away, David breathed new life into this effort and fought hard to compel the government to act. His efforts and those of others finally paid off when, on February 16, 2023, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada introduced a bill to establish an independent commission to review claims of innocence. They named the bill David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law in recognition of David and his mother’s staunch advocacy for Canada’s wrongly convicted. David's strength and perseverance were an incredible gift that brought us to where we are today. His legacy inspires those who continue his fight for a fair, equitable and just system and society.

David Milgaard passed away on May 15, 2022, but his impact will endure, and his presence will always be felt by the wrongful conviction community in Canada and by all the lives he touched during his time amongst us. Rest in peace, David. We owe you a great debt of gratitude. You are not gone as you shall live forever in our hearts.