After nearly half a century in prison, a man wrongly convicted of murder in the US state of Oklahoma has been declared innocent. As has only now become known, the African-American was released in July after exactly 48 years, one month and 18 days in prison.
According to the National Registry of Exonerations project, 71-year-old Glynn Simmons is the inmate who spent the longest time behind bars innocently in American history before being exonerated. Judge Amy Palumbo at the time overturned Simmons’ conviction.
“Waited for this day for a long, long time”
The official acquittal took place on Tuesday, as announced on Wednesday. “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Simmons said afterwards. “We can finally say that justice has been served.” Simmons and another suspect, Don Roberts, were sentenced to death in 1975 for the murder of an Edmond liquor store employee during a robbery.
Death penalty commuted to life imprisonment
The death sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. The conviction was based solely on the testimony of a teenager who suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the robbery but survived. She then stated that she recognized Simmons and Roberts. Later, serious doubts arose about the reliability of this statement.
Both men testified at trial that they were not even in Oklahoma at the time of the crime. Roberts was released from prison in 2008. Simmons should now be entitled to compensation. “What has been done cannot be undone, but there can be responsibility,” said the acquitted man.
Serious errors of judgment again and again in the US
In the US there are always serious errors in judgment. Members of minorities such as African Americans, who often cannot afford good lawyers, are often affected. Critics see systemic racism in the American justice system.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
