Bruce Lisker is a powerful voice for justice, resilience, and reform.
In March 1983, at just 17 years old, Bruce returned to the Lisker family home to a devastating scene—his mother had been brutally beaten, stabbed, and left for dead. Although he immediately called for help and administered lifesaving aid, Bruce was wrongfully arrested and charged with her murder. Despite a lack of credible evidence, he was convicted in 1985—his fate sealed by false testimony from a jailhouse informant and misconduct by the lead detective. Sentenced to 16 years to life, Bruce ultimately served more than 26 years for a crime he did not commit.
His exoneration came in August 2009, the result of tireless advocacy by his private investigator and legal team, the support of an LAPD officer who came to believe in his innocence, and more than sixty in-depth investigative reports by The Los Angeles Times. U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Phillips overturned the conviction, citing false evidence and ineffective counsel. One month later, all charges were dismissed, and Bruce was finally free.
Today, Bruce lives in Ventura County with his partner, Satya Bella. He speaks widely across California and neighboring states, sharing his story to expose the failures of the criminal justice system—and to inspire others with messages of hope, resilience, optimism, and healing.
Since December 2023, Bruce has provided website maintenance services for Death Penalty Focus and continues to volunteer with the organization, lending his voice and experience to the movement to end capital punishment once and for all.
Read more about the case at his website, on Wikipedia, at the National Registry of Exonerations, on Vimeo, on IMDB, and check out his photo art on Instagram.
Click here to request Bruce as a speaker for your group or event
