Daniel Risher has spent more than 21 years in Arkansas prisons for a crime he did not commit. He was convicted along with his girlfriend, Nikki Zinger, of the brutal murder of her mother, Linda Holley at her home in Magnolia, Ark. on March 10, 1991.
There were many mistakes during the investigation and the trial. During the trial, the state asserted substances found on some of Daniel’s clothing, including a camouflage hunting jacket, was human blood, with the implication that it was the victim’s.
Testing that is currently ongoing may provide conclusive evidence that the biological evidence used to convict Daniel was inconclusive at best.
In 2007, the Innocence Project accepted Daniel’s case and has been representing him. The Innocence Project provides pro bono legal representation on behalf of people seeking to prove their innocence post-conviction. Since its inception in 1992, the Innocence Project has only taken cases where DNA testing can prove innocence.
In 2012, Proclaim Justice became aware of Daniel’s case and, after researching it, became convinced of his innocence. We are currently working with Daniel and his defense team to develop the most effective way to bring awareness to his case and ultimately to win his freedom. Please check back in for updates concerning his case, and, when appropriate, calls to action. We are in the process of uploading original case documents and other resources concerning his case. In the meantime, Daniel would love to hear some encouraging words from you. You may write him at: