Who Is Ryan W. Ferguson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ryan W. Ferguson was born on October 19, 1984, which makes him 40 years old in 2025. He gained national attention when he was wrongfully convicted in 2005 for a crime he did not commit, leading to a tumultuous nine-year battle for his freedom. His story is a testament to the flaws in the criminal justice system and has inspired many.
| Occupation | Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Northern Territory, Australia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Ryan W. Ferguson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ryan stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). His weight is around 180 pounds (82 kg), and his workout regime, adjusted for his busy lifestyle, tends to keep him fit. His body stats are a reflection of a man who has overcome challenging circumstances and has emerged as a vibrant public speaker and advocate for justice.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ryan W. Ferguson is believed to be single. His focus has primarily been on his advocacy work and public speaking engagements. He is close to his family, and their support played a crucial role during his tumultuous years of wrongful incarceration. While he has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, he has expressed in interviews that he values meaningful connections.
The government offered Erickson a plea deal in exchange for testimony against Ferguson at his trial, which took place in 2005. Along with Erickson, Trump testified that he had seen Erickson and Ferguson at the scene. Trump testified that while he was in jail on unrelated charges, his wife sent him a news article about the crime.
He claims that as he removed the newspaper from the envelope, he saw photos of Erickson and Ferguson and immediately recognized them as the two men standing over Heitholt on the evening of the murder.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Ryan W. Ferguson’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His earnings primarily come from his speaking engagements, book deals, and various media appearances. His advocacy for criminal justice reform has garnered him significant recognition, which further contributes to his income.
In November 2024, Ferguson was awarded $38 million in damages after Traveler's Insurance failed to pay him from a previous wrongful conviction lawsuit.
Career, Business and Investments
Since his release, Ryan has built a career as a motivational speaker and has authored a book detailing his experiences, titled “Example: A True Story.” He actively invests in advocacy groups focused on wrongful convictions and criminal justice reform. Ferguson's career is a blend of personal storytelling and professional activism, making a substantial impact on society.
Social Network
Ryan is actively engaged on social media platforms. He utilizes Instagram and Twitter to connect with friends, family, and supporters. His online presence not only provides updates on his life and activism but also serves to raise awareness about the issues surrounding wrongful convictions.
Following the conviction, Ferguson gained a following with wrongful-conviction advocacy groups. In 2009, high-profile Chicago attorney Kathleen Zellner took over Ferguson's case, working pro bono. In 2012, both Erickson and Trump recanted their trial testimony in statements obtained by Zellner and her investigator.
In the subsequent habeas corpus hearing, both Erickson and Trump admitted that they had lied at Ferguson's trial.
Education
Ryan W. Ferguson attended the University of Missouri, where he studied communications before his wrongful conviction interrupted his academic journey. Post-incarceration, he has used his platform to advocate for education reform and to raise awareness about the importance of proper legal representation.
Ryan W. Ferguson (born October 19, 1984) is an American man who spent nearly 10 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a 2001 murder in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri. At the time of the murder, Ferguson was a 17-year-old high-school student.
