(Philadelphia) After spending more than four decades incarcerated, Lonnie Dawson, now 78, has been released from prison following a successful post-conviction petition filed by David B. Mischak of McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis.
Dawson was originally convicted in the 1975 slaying of Herschell Williams, a reputed narcotics trafficker. That decision was later overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court due to trial errors. Dawson was retried and convicted again in 1982, and then subsequently sentenced to a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
Dawson sought relief from his life sentence in 1988, arguing ineffective assistance of counsel. He claimed that his attorney had failed to investigate witnesses who might have undermined key elements of the government’s case. The effort was unsuccessful.
In 2021, Mischak filed a Petition for Relief under Pennsylvania’s Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA), challenging the continued imposition of a mandatory life sentence. On December 19, 2025, the court granted the petition and re-sentenced Dawson to time served, clearing the way for his release. Dawson was freed shortly thereafter and is now home with family.
“Mr. Dawson has spent the majority of his adult life behind bars,” said Mischak. “This outcome is a reminder that justice is not just about punishment, but also about fairness, proportionality, and recognizing when continued prison no longer serves a meaningful purpose. After more than 40 years of incarceration, Lonnie Dawson is grateful for the opportunity to live out his remaining years with dignity and peace.”
Mischak, successfully defended clients charged in high profile homicide cases, corruption and narcotics cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In his federal criminal practice, he has successfully represented individuals in complex criminal cases including corruption and white-collar matters.
Formed in 1995, McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis is a nationally known criminal defense, personal injury and family law firm based in Philadelphia. The firm consistently litigates high profile cases resulting in acquittals and/or million-dollar awards/settlements. Practice areas include criminal defense, personal injury and family law. For more information, visit www.mpmpc.com or call (215) 981-0999.