Charleston Man Released After Four Years in Jail
Charleston, SC – It was a day filled with emotions and relief as Dominick Marquis Archield stepped out of the Charleston County Courthouse on November 29, 2024, after spending more than four years in jail. This was not just any day; it marked the end of a long, painful ordeal for Archield, who had been fighting for his freedom following accusations of serious crimes in 2019 and 2020. Thankfully, this year, Archield finally got to celebrate Thanksgiving with his loved ones after missing five of them.
A Battle for Justice
Archield stood alongside his family, including his mother, Iris, and aunt, Dianna, as he spoke to the press about his experience. The 39-year-old man couldn’t hide his gratitude towards those who supported him during this tumultuous period. “It feels great that love is still around,” he shared, thankful for the big support team he had by his side throughout the years.
His case was anything but simple. Accused of killing a transgender woman in 2019 and later attempting to murder a man in 2020, Archield consistently asserted his innocence. Unfortunately, a trial never came, leaving many to wonder about the integrity of the justice system. According to a memo from the Ninth Circuit Solicitor, Scarlett Wilson, the evidence in Archield’s case was significantly flawed. Prosectors sustained, “the case against Archield was built on circumstantial evidence that was weak from the beginning.”
Daylight Savings Time Confusion
One of the critical pieces of evidence that contributed to the dismissal of Archield’s charges was a simple oversight by police: a daylight savings time change. It turned out that due to this oversight, it was deemed “physically impossible” for Archield to have been present at the scene of the attempted murder. The memo highlighted several other lapses, including the failure to preserve vital evidence like body camera footage and important witness statements. This led to questions about the procedures of the North Charleston Police.
A Call for Accountability
At a press conference, James Johnson, president of the Racial Justice Network, called for accountability from local authorities, stating, “(Wilson) owes the community an explanation why Dominick Archield stayed in a county jail for almost five years.” This highlights a broader issue of prolonged detentions—a situation that they believe Archield’s case painfully exemplifies.
Aunt and Uncle’s Heartfelt Support
Archield’s family held steadfast in their belief in his innocence during his time behind bars. His uncle, Harvey Mack, paid tribute to the importance of family support, voicing, “I always believed him.” Archield himself revealed that he managed to cope throughout the ordeal with the help of regular phone calls and writing, even being diagnosed with diabetes while incarcerated.
The Path Ahead
Looking to the future, Archield expressed his relief and joy upon his release, but not without addressing the scars left behind. Following his release, he is eager for answers, particularly from former North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, who had politicized the case from its inception. Archield stated, “I want an apology from Mr. Keith Summey because he kind of railroaded me on TV.”
As he steps into this new chapter of his life, he continues to focus on healing while still advocating for change in the justice system. Archield’s story is one of resilience, and it shines a light on the importance of fighting for justice.
As the sun sets on a warm November day in Charleston, Archield is ready to embrace his freedom, surrounded by family and friends who stood by him all along. Here’s to new beginnings and the hope of a just system, where such lengthy detentions and miscalculations do not happen to others.
