Make wishtv.com your home page

Death row inmate falsely accused, now honored at ISU

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – A man who was victimized, but never became a victim, was honored at Indiana State University.

Randy Steidl was convicted of murder and spent 17 years in prison, 12 of those years on death row.  In 2004, he was proven innocent.

To honor Randy and his past, the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at ISU presented him the first annual Randy Steidl Excellence in Justice Award.

Steidl said he hopes his story inspires the students he talks to at Indiana State.

“When death row inmates like myself get the chance to speak in front of them, we’re trying to change not only hearts and minds, but we’re trying to put some integrity into the system. It’s not just about winning, it’s about justice,” said Steidl.

Each spring semester the award will be presented to a student or someone in the community who has made an impact in the justice system.