Francisco "Franky" Carrillo is an American Democratic politician from California. He was wrongfully convicted of the 1991 shooting murder of Donald Sarpy. His conviction was reversed by the Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 14, 2011, after he had served twenty years in prison.[1] Carrillo currently serves on the Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission.[2]
Carrillo's conviction relied on eyewitness testimony from six people. The witnesses later admitted they did not have a view of the shooter, and instead had been influenced by police officers, and each other, to identify Carrillo. Two men have since confessed to the crime, and stated Carrillo was not involved.[3]
Although always professing his innocence, Carrillo was found guilty at his second trial after his initial trial resulted in a hung jury, and subsequent appeals. After Carrillo's case was taken on by Ellen Eggers, the Northern California Innocence Project, and attorneys from Morrison & Foerster, LLP, he was able to conclusively prove his innocence.
Carrillo's story has twice been featured on the podcast StrangersbyLea Thau. His story is also told in the Netflix series The Innocence Files.[4]
In April 2021, Carrillo was selected by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to serve as the Chair of the Leadership Team of the county's Probation Oversight Commission.[5]
In April 2023, Carrillo announced his candidacy in the 2024 elections to represent California's 27th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He withdrew from the race in October 2023.[6]
In October 2023, he launched a campaign for State Assembly in district 52.[7]
Carrillo has three children.[4]
