A man from New Brunswick who was wrongly imprisoned for murder for 18 years has passed away at the age of 77. Robert Mailman lived with the burden of an unjust conviction for more than half of his life before being acquitted of the crime. Tragically, he lost his battle with liver cancer less than two years after his exoneration.
Back in 1984, Mailman and Walter Gillespie, his childhood friend, were found guilty of the 1983 killing of George Gilman Leeman in Saint John. Despite having solid alibis, they were convicted of second-degree murder and given life sentences without the possibility of parole. Mailman served his full 18-year sentence, while Gillespie spent 21 years in prison. Both men consistently maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal.
After seeking assistance from Innocence Canada, Mailman and Gillespie applied for a review of their convictions in December 2019. Despite facing setbacks in the appeals process, a new trial was eventually ordered by then federal justice minister Arif Virani due to undisclosed significant information.
Chief Justice Tracey DeWare of New Brunswick’s Court of King’s Bench acquitted Mailman and Gillespie in January 2024, acknowledging the “miscarriage of justice.” The Crown opted not to present any evidence in the new trial, leading to the formal declaration of the men’s innocence.
Following his legal victory, Mailman settled with the New Brunswick government in a deal whose specifics remain confidential. Unfortunately, Gillespie passed away in April 2024 at the age of 80, with the cause of his death undisclosed.
Mailman, who had endured immense personal loss during his time in prison, expressed gratitude for the support he received as his health deteriorated. Despite his declining physical condition, he remained resolute in his determination to keep moving forward.
As Mailman’s health continued to decline, he reflected on the irreplaceable losses he had suffered, including the passing of his two sons while he was incarcerated. Despite his frailty, his unwavering spirit and resilience remained unbroken as he faced his final days with courage.
