I MARRIED A MAN LOCKED UP FOR MURDER
BUT LOUISE DIXON KNEW FROM THE VERY BEGINNING HER HUSBAND WAS INNOCENT
Although it’s certainly no fairytale, Louise Dixon and her husband Valentino’s incredible love story bears all the hallmarks of a classic Hollywood blockbuster.
When fate brought them together 17 years ago, Sydneysider Louise was a carefree 27-year-old with the whole world at her feet and Valentino was a convicted murderer, languishing in one of America’s toughest prison’s for a crime he did not commit.
In August 1991, 17-year-old Torriano Jackson was gunned down on a New York street.
Despite another man admitting to pulling the trigger, 21-year-old Valentino was convicted of Torriano’s murder and sentenced to life.
As the years passed, Valentino found solace in drawing. His mother Barbara posted his art on a website – which is how Louise stumbled across him.
Louise, now 44, tells New Idea: “I saw these beautifully drawn horses and I posted a comment. At that time I didn’t know who the artist was or anything about him.
“I then received an email from Valentino’s mother advising that it was her son’s artwork, he was in prison, and did I mind her passing my comment on to him to lift his spirits? I didn’t see anything wrong with it – after all we were in different countries.”
Barbara then asked Louise if Valentino could write to her and thank her. Louise agreed and they became penpals. “He sent me trial transcripts, police statements, eyewitness statements, victim statements, video footage of the real perpetrator’s confession and a few other things.
“After reading everything myself, I asked a couple of human rights attorneys I knew to have a look at it for me. One came back and said: ‘This guy was railroaded.’ The other one said: ‘This guy has been set up’.”
Louise couldn’t understand how Valentino had ever been
convicted and vowed to help him. But as the letters between them flowed, she realised she was falling in love. Luckily, Valentino felt the same.
“I was so amazed at how positive, insightful, open he was and how he had so much compassion for others.
“Our letters were filled with our day-to-day activities, legal talk about the case, everything we wanted to see and do together, having children.”
But Valentino didn’t have access to international calls at that time, so the first time they spoke was when Louise travelled to the US to visit him in 2001.
“Valentino’s beautiful grandmother came with me on our first visit. Attica Correctional Facility is an intimidating place, but I hardly noticed. When Valentino walked into that visiting room, my first thought was he’s even more handsome in real life.”
A year later, the couple married behind bars. Despite the bleak circumstances – there was no wedding party or beautiful dress, or even a photographer – Louise says there was no sadness on the day. “We were ridiculously happy.” The besotted couple were able to spend two nights together in a compound within the prison and for the next four years, Louise lived in the US to be close to her new husband.
“I visited Valentino at least three times a week.”
When she wasn’t visiting Valentino or volunteering within the local community, Louise spent a lot of time in the law library helping Valentino put together his motions.
They were sure it was only a matter of time before justice was done and Valentino was exonerated. Louise returned to Australia for a holiday in 2006, planning to spend a few months with her family. But in a cruel twist of fate, visa redtape prevented her from getting back on American soil.
“When I returned to Australia, I had no idea I wouldn’t be able to return to the US. It was completely devastating. Now Valentino and I have got to go to another country to even see each other.”
It’s been 12 long years since Louise and Valentino have seen each other in the flesh. But incredibly Louise says their love is stronger than ever.
“It’s been heartbreaking and frustrating not being able to have that physical connection, not being able to start a family, no birthday or holiday celebrations, no photos for the family album and so many other little things. But it only made us more determined than ever to be together.”
So how do they make it work? “We talk every day. We have consistent communication, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
In September this year, Valentino finally walked free from prison after serving 27 years when his conviction was vacated, after a long legal battle. “He’s doing great,” a thrilled Louise says.
“You wouldn’t believe how easily he has transitioned into life on the outside, although he was physically in prison for 27 years, his spirit and mentality was always set on being free.
“His biggest challenge has been technology, but with each passing day he is learning something new. He has plenty of support from family, friends and advocates. He’s constantly kept busy with interviews, filming, spending time with his mother, grandmother, children and grandchildren and friends.”
Louise still hasn’t seen Valentino but as he’s just got his passport, she hopes it’s only a matter of time before they are reunited and can finally work on “extending their family”.
“Nothing is going to stop us from being together,” she smiles.