Raphel Jerome Cherry (born December 19, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a 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.