My Story

Bruce Lisker

Wrongfully convicted at seventeen of my mother's murder. Exonerated after twenty-six years. This is my story, in my own words.

Bruce Lisker leaving prison on August 13, 2009 — freedom after 26 years of wrongful imprisonment.
Freedom — August 13, 2009
26 years wrongfully imprisoned
9,653 days until I walked free
22+ TV & film appearances
60+ published articles

About Me

On Thursday, March 10, 1983 I returned to our family home to find my 66-year-old mother beaten, stabbed, and dying. I tried desperately to save her. I called the police, the paramedics, my dad. Applied direct pressure to her stab wounds.

48 Hours Mystery: The Whole Truth — the episode examining Bruce Lisker's wrongful conviction. Featured Full Episode 48 Hours Mystery
“The Whole Truth”
S23 E38 · Aired Oct 16, 2010 Watch now →

Nothing could save her. She died in emergency surgery that afternoon.

While all evidence pointed elsewhere and her killer walked free, I was arrested, charged, and ultimately convicted of her murder.

A life sentence was handed down. I spent the next 26 years in California state prison. An innocent man.

Then in August 2009 — after 9,653 days and heroic levels of re-investigation and legal wrangling — I walked free. I had met the perilously high bar of proving my innocence in federal court. I had been given my life back.

That was over 16 years ago. I have not stood still since.

Our family tragedy — my mother's botched murder investigation and my wrongful conviction — has been covered widely in more than 22 television and film appearances, over 60 published articles, and 25 radio interviews and podcasts to date.

It is all here. And I invite you to explore it.

That was the case. And this is my life.
Thank you for your interest.

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