Raphel Jerome Cherry (born December 19, 1961) is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions. He was selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL draft.[2] He played college football at the University of Hawaii.
No. 37, 45 | |
Date of birth | December 19, 1961 |
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Place of birth | Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
Career information | |
Position(s) | Defensive back |
US college | Hawaii |
NFL draft | 1985 / Round: 5 / Pick: 122 |
Career history | |
As player | |
1985 | Washington Redskins |
1986 | San Francisco 49ers[1] |
1987–1988 | Detroit Lions |
Career stats | |
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In 1999, Cherry was convicted of first degree murder in the death of his wife. He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment,[3] but upon appeal of his conviction, his sentence was reduced to 30 years. Cherry became eligible for parole in 2019. He was released on parole in July 2023.[4][5]
Raphel Cherry | |
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Born | Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. | December 19, 1961
Criminal status | Paroled |
Spouse | Jerri Cherry (Deceased) |
Children | 1 daughter |
Conviction(s) | First degree murder |
Criminal penalty | Life imprisonment; commuted to 30 years imprisonment |
References
edit- ^ Lions, 1988 Media Guide (PDF). p. 44. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ "1985 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
- ^ Raphel Cherry convicted of murdering wife
- ^ Raphel CHERRY v. STATE of Arkansas
- ^ "Arkansas DOC :: Parole Board". www.ark.org. Retrieved August 19, 2023.