Justice Should Not Depend on Resources, Visibility, or Influence
The Michigan Justice Investigation Project was created around a simple principle: people facing serious questions involving justice, safety, and the well-being of their families deserve meaningful support, regardless of their resources, visibility, or influence. MJIP advocates for individuals, families, and communities by helping them understand what happened, identify what may have been overlooked, and determine what can be done next. Through advocacy, independent investigation, research, case analysis, and collaboration, we work to uncover facts, address unanswered questions, connect people with appropriate resources, and help create a path forward.
Our Approach to Investigative Justice
MJIP puts people first. We work alongside individuals, families, and communities facing difficult questions involving justice, safety, and accountability. Advocacy guides our work, while investigation, research, and evidence analysis give us the tools to pursue answers and identify meaningful paths forward.
Advocacy & Independent Inquiry
We listen to the people affected, identify their concerns and unanswered questions, and independently examine the facts without predetermined conclusions
Investigation & Evidence Review
We examine records, case materials, public information, evidence, and other available sources to identify inconsistencies, investigative gaps, overlooked information, and meaningful avenues for further action.
Access to Justice
We prioritize people and communities who may face barriers to obtaining meaningful advocacy, information, investigative resources, or other forms of support. A person’s ability to pursue answers should not depend on money, visibility, influence, or access to powerful institutions
Who We Stand With
MJIP stands with individuals, families, and communities navigating difficult questions involving justice, safety, accountability, and the well-being of children and families. That includes families searching for answers in unresolved crimes and missing-person cases, people confronting possible wrongful convictions or civil-rights concerns, and those navigating child- and family-welfare matters where additional advocacy and support may be needed.
We begin by listening. From there, we help identify the questions that matter, examine available information, pursue additional facts when appropriate, and determine what resources, referrals, advocacy, or investigative work may help move the matter forward.
For the unseen. For the unheard. For those still searching for answers.
How We Help
No two situations require the same response. MJIP evaluates each request individually and determines what form of assistance may be appropriate.
Advocacy & Support
Helping individuals and families understand their circumstances, identify concerns, navigate available resources, and determine possible next steps.
Investigation & Case Review
Reviewing records, evidence, timelines, investigative decisions, and other available information to identify unanswered questions, inconsistencies, or areas requiring further examination.
Resources & Collaboration
Connecting people with appropriate attorneys, agencies, advocacy organizations, community resources, subject-matter professionals, and other sources of assistance when needs extend beyond MJIP’s role.
Meet the Founder
Jewerel W. McGowan III
Founder & Executive Director
Jewerel W. McGowan III founded the Michigan Justice Investigation Project after a personal and professional journey through the criminal justice system transformed his understanding of investigation, law, and accountability. His path began with firsthand experience as the subject of criminal investigations and developed through years of independent legal study, case review, formal education, and investigative work. He earned an Associate of Business Administration from Jackson College and completed his Bachelor of Arts in Law at Wayne State University with a minor in Criminal Justice. Today, he brings together lived experience, legal education, and investigative analysis to examine evidence, identify unanswered questions, and pursue facts without predetermined conclusions. His work is grounded in a simple principle: accountability applies to everyone, and every serious question deserves an honest examination of the evidence.