Neighbor Reacts After Convictions Overturned for Men Accused of Killing NBA Star Chris Paul's Grandfather in Winston-Salem
Forsyth County DA appeals after convictions overturned due to recanted testimony, unidentified DNA, and false confessions, affecting two men incarcerated over 20 years for a 2002 murder.
- Amid renewed scrutiny of the 2002 murder, Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed the Winston-Salem Five convictions, but Forsyth County DA Jim O'Neill filed a notice of appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
- Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie cited Jessica Black's recanted testimony, unidentified DNA profiles, poor legal representation, and police missteps in overturning convictions, prompting DA Jim O'Neill's appeal.
- A 2023 relief motion was filed for Cauthen and Banner, an evidentiary hearing began in January 2025, and a three-judge panel previously denied their innocence claims after a 2022 hearing.
- The North Carolina Court of Appeals granted a temporary stay, delaying the release of Nathaniel Cauthen and Rayshawn Banner, held in Western and Eastern North Carolina.
- This case underscores how wrongful convictions can steal entire lives, as Nathaniel Cauthen and Rayshawn Banner face long-awaited relief after more than 20 years behind bars.
33 Articles
33 Articles

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Chris Paul's grandfather
A North Carolina judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the death of basketball star Chris Paul's grandfather over two decades ago.
Winston-Salem Five Cleared: Convictions Overturned For Men Accused Of Killing Chris Paul's Grandfather After Witness Admits To Lying
The long-running legal battle of the “Winston-Salem Five” reached a turning point on Friday when a judge overturned their convictions and dismissed all charges in connection with the 2002 killing of Nathaniel Jones — the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul. Source: seb_ra / Getty WYMY News 2 reports that Jones was beaten to death in the carport of his Winston-Salem home in November 2002. The attack occurred just one day after a then-17-year-old P…
Release of two members of 'Winston-Salem Five' on hold as state prepares to appeal judge's ruling
Nathaniel Cauthen and Rayshawn Banner were set to be released from prison after their convictions for the 2002 murder of Nathaniel Jones were overturned last week.
Neighbor reacts after convictions overturned for men accused of killing NBA star Chris Paul's grandfather in Winston-Salem
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) - A defense attorney is sharing how she's worked tirelessly to clear the names of the men she said were wrongly convicted in the murder of NBA star Chris Paul's grandfather more than 20 years ago. On Friday, FOX8 learned the convictions for four of the five people charged in the case were overturned, and two of the men who have been in prison all this time will finally get to go home. An anonymous neighbor who lived in…
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A North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now, state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal. Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County. Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliv…
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