Michael Sullivan, a Massachusetts man wrongfully convicted of murder in 1987, has been awarded $13 million after spending nearly three decades in prison. Sullivan was exonerated after DNA testing, unavailable during his original trial, revealed no evidence linking him to the crime. The jury found that a state police chemist had falsely testified, contributing to his conviction. Despite the financial compensation, Sullivan struggles to adjust to life outside prison, having lost significant life opportunities and family connections during his incarceration.
Two men, Eric Smokes and David Warren, who were imprisoned for decades for the 1987 killing of a French tourist in Times Square have had their convictions overturned after prosecutors uncovered evidence of police pressuring witnesses. The men, who maintained their innocence, were released on parole in 2007 and 2011 after serving 20 and 24 years, respectively. The case, marked by lack of DNA evidence and recanted witness statements, was initially opposed by the judge and the district attorney's office, but a new investigation under Manhattan's current district attorney led to the uncovering of significant new evidence, resulting in the convictions being vacated.
Ronnie Long, wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 44 years, has reached a $25 million settlement with a North Carolina city and the state, including a public apology, for his wrongful incarceration due to misconduct by authorities. The city of Concord will pay $22 million, and the State Bureau of Investigation will pay $3 million. Long, who was convicted in 1976, was released in 2020 after evidence of his innocence was revealed. The city acknowledged responsibility for the errors and misconduct that led to Long's wrongful conviction and imprisonment, with his attorneys calling the settlement and apology crucial for his healing.
Michael Skakel, a relative of the Kennedy family, is suing the town of Greenwich and a former police investigator for alleged malicious prosecution and civil rights violations after his murder conviction for the 1975 death of Martha Moxley was overturned in 2018. Skakel, who served over 11 years in prison, claims the investigator withheld evidence and targeted him to convict a "Kennedy Cousin." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages over $15,000, and the defendants have yet to respond.
Michael Skakel has filed a lawsuit against the town of Greenwich and former detective Frank Garr, alleging civil rights violations during the investigation of the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley. Skakel, a relative of the Kennedy family and Moxley's neighbor, was convicted in 2002 but had his conviction vacated in 2018. The lawsuit accuses authorities of ignoring evidence, intimidating witnesses, and pursuing Skakel for fame and potential financial gain. Skakel's attorney asserts it's time for accountability and for the untold stories of the wrongful conviction to be heard.
