What Happened to Valentino Dixon? Know the Story of Valentino Dixon
by A Maria
Updated Jun 27, 2023
Who is Valentino Dixon?
Valentino Dixon grew up on the Eastside of Buffalo, New York. He was the only child in his family who had an immense love for drawing. He studied Visual Performing Arts at the Buffalo Academy.
At the age of 21, he was unjustly arrested and wrongly convicted for a crime he did not commit. Despite his innocence, he was sentenced to life in prison, a devastating blow to his dreams and aspirations. However, even behind bars, he found solace and purpose through his incredible talent for drawing.
Day after day, he dedicated up to ten hours to honing his skills and creating remarkable artwork within the confines of his prison cell. It was during this time that his exceptional talent caught the attention of the nation.
One particular drawing catapulted him into the spotlight. He meticulously sketched the Warden's favorite golf hole, known as "The twelfth Hole of August." The intricacy and attention to detail in his depiction captivated not only the Warden but also the wider public.
His remarkable artwork served as a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit, despite the injustice he had endured. This extraordinary talent and the national recognition it garnered became a powerful symbol of his strength in the face of adversity. His story served as a reminder of the human capacity for creativity and determination, even in the most challenging circumstances.
What Happened to Valentino Dixon?
Dixon's journey is one of remarkable encounters and unimaginable injustice. Having crossed paths with legendary golfers Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus and even selling his artwork to Michelle Obama, Dixon's life took a devastating turn when he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison for a shooting he had no involvement in.
For a grueling 27 years, he endured the confines of prison walls, his innocence overshadowed by a grave miscarriage of justice. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Dixon's extraordinary talent for recreating golf holes on canvas gained widespread attention.
His intricate and captivating artwork captured the imagination of many, shedding light on his incredible skill and unwavering spirit. It was this newfound publicity surrounding his artwork that ultimately paved the way for the long-overdue delivery of justice.
In 2018, Dixon finally experienced the sweet taste of freedom as another man, who had confessed to the shooting just two days after it occurred in 1991, was finally recognized and accepted as the true culprit. The belated acceptance of this confession marked a turning point in Dixon's life, as he was finally exonerated and released from the prison that had held him captive for so many years.
Dixon's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that art can have on justice. Despite the years of wrongful imprisonment, he never wavered in his passion for painting and the pursuit of truth. His remarkable journey is a testament to the enduring power of art and the unwavering determination to seek justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Valentino Dixon Story
Valentino Dixon, born on October 20, 1969, hails from the Eastside of Buffalo, New York. Even as an only child, Valentino possessed a remarkable gift for art and had a deep passion for drawing. He attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual Performing Arts, where he nurtured his artistic abilities. However, at the age of 21, his life took a tragic turn when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit, ultimately leading to a wrongful conviction and a life sentence behind bars.
Despite the immense challenges and injustice he faced, Valentino found solace and purpose in his art. He dedicated up to ten hours a day to drawing, pouring his heart and soul into his creations. His talent caught the attention of the nation when he depicted the Warden's favorite golf hole, the renowned "twelfth hole of August." This extraordinary piece of art became a symbol of hope and drew national acclaim.
With the help of compassionate individuals, including a Golf Digest journalist, the Golf Channel, and Georgetown University, Valentino's case eventually gained the attention it deserved. After an agonizing twenty-seven years of false imprisonment, he was finally exonerated in 2018. Embracing his newfound freedom, Valentino continued to pursue his passion for art. His talent resonated with people from all walks of life, including influential figures like Michelle Obama, who purchased his artwork.
His remarkable achievements earned him three Emmy nominations and led to the publication of his own book, "The Soul of an Unfreed Man." Valentino's inspiring journey has been recognized and honored by many. The Vatican awarded him a gold medal for his peaceful spirit and the extraordinary challenges he overcame. As a free man, he remains dedicated to his craft and has expanded his endeavors.
He established a clothing line, an Art Foundation, and a YouTube series where he teaches others how to draw while discussing real-life issues. Notably, Valentino had a memorable encounter with the legendary Jack Nicklaus, who compared him to Nelson Mandela after meeting him at the Masters in 2019. Remarkably, Valentino even told Tiger Woods himself that he would win the tournament in 2019, and his prediction came true.
Valentino Dixon Wife
Valentino Dixon is married to Louise Dixon who is from Australia. Valentino Dixon, who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he claims he did not commit, had an unexpected encounter that would change his life forever. It all began when an Australian woman named Louise Dixon, residing in Sydney, stumbled upon Valentino's illustrations online. Intrigued by his talent, she decided to reach out to him through a letter.
Their extraordinary journey to love and companionship is revealed in an interview with ABC's 7.30. Louise emphatically states that she never viewed Valentino as a murderer, and their correspondence evolved into a genuine friendship and pen pal relationship. After exchanging letters for a considerable period, Louise became convinced of Valentino's innocence and made the courageous decision to meet him in person.
Upon their first meeting, Louise instantly recognized the authenticity of Valentino's words and feelings. She recalls the moment, stating, "The minute I met him, I really knew everything he had written me, everything he had said, it was genuine, and from that moment forwards, I was just like, 'I'm in for the ride.'" In 2002, the couple defied the odds and got married while Valentino was still in prison.
They were granted some time together as husband and wife, as the prison allowed couples to be together if certain conditions were met. However, in 2006, Louise's visa expired, leading to her deportation back to Australia.
Since then, they have been separated for 12 long years. Recently, Valentino pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was finally released from prison. Expressing his gratitude for the strength that kept him going all those years, he acknowledged the challenging journey he endured.
Sadly, due to Louise's visa overstay and Valentino's conviction, they face travel restrictions that keep them apart. However, their determination to make their relationship work remains unwavering.
Valentino eagerly anticipates the day he can be reunited with Louise in Sydney, even though he has only seen glimpses of Australia through the pictures she sent him. He admires the beauty of the Opera House, is aware of Bondi Beach, and eagerly looks forward to the opportunity to be there with Louise.
Their love story is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and unwavering support. Despite the physical distance that separates them, Valentino and Louise remain devoted to one another and are determined to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. Their enduring love and hope serve as a beacon of inspiration for anyone facing adversity in the pursuit of happiness.
What Happened to Valentino Dixon - FAQs
Valentino Dixon is an artist who grew up on the Eastside of Buffalo, New York. Despite being wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison at the age of 21, his remarkable talent for drawing gained national attention and became a symbol of hope and resilience.
Valentino Dixon was arrested for a crime he did not commit and wrongly convicted. He spent 27 years in prison before being exonerated in 2018. During his time behind bars, he dedicated himself to drawing and gained recognition for his artwork, which ultimately played a crucial role in shedding light on his case and achieving justice.
Valentino Dixon, born and raised in Buffalo, New York, had a passion for drawing from a young age. However, his life took a tragic turn when he was unjustly arrested at 21 and sentenced to life in prison. Despite his wrongful conviction, he honed his artistic skills during his time in prison and gained national attention for his exceptional drawings. After 27 years, he was exonerated in 2018, and since then, he has continued to pursue his passion for art and inspire others through his remarkable journey.
Valentino Dixon is married to Louise Dixon, an Australian woman who reached out to him after coming across his artwork online. Their friendship developed into a deep connection, leading to their marriage while Valentino was still in prison. Unfortunately, due to Louise's visa overstay and Valentino's conviction, they have been separated for 12 years. Despite the challenges, they remain devoted to each other and determined to overcome the obstacles that keep them apart.
Louise Dixon, living in Sydney, Australia, discovered Valentino Dixon's artwork online and decided to write him a letter. Their correspondence blossomed into a genuine friendship, and after exchanging letters for a significant period, Louise became convinced of Valentino's innocence. She made the brave decision to meet him in person, leading to a deep connection and their eventual marriage while Valentino was still in prison.