Feature series

Tim Cole is an African-American who was wrongly convicted of rape and died in prison before being exonerated. Sarah’s award-winning series on Cole allowed her explore all facets of the story, including rare and exclusive interviews with rape victim and the presiding judge in Cole’s case. It culminated with a story about the unveiling of a statute in Cole’s honor, which then-Gov. Rick Perry attended.

The five-part feature series won first place in the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors competition, where judges said:

“Timothy Cole, the subject of reporter Sarah Rafique’s intense reporting, is already dead when her articles begin. Yet, as Rafique so aptly reveals, Cole’s death and wrongful imprisonment continue to trouble the living. It united his family with his accuser. It incited prosecutors to scour the law for ways to acquit him. It inspired the city of Lubbock to create a park and statue to ensure the circumstances of his case were not forgotten. And, state legislators created laws to discourage similar miscarriages of justice in future. The judges commend Sarah Rafique and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal for their insightful, thorough coverage of this disturbing case.”

Links to the stories are listed below:

Part 1: Justice system failed Tim Cole, victim

Part 2: ‘Creative’ process used to grant first posthumous pardon in Texas

Part 3: Cole family seeks reconciliation from remorseful Judge Jim Bob Darnell

Part 4: Cole leaves legacy of legislative changes

Part 5: Cole statue unveiled after state leaders praise first Texan posthumously exonerated