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After more than 48 years in prison, a man wrongly convicted of murder in the US state of Oklahoma has been declared innocent. The 71-year-old was sentenced to death in 1975.
According to the National Registry of Exonerations project, 71-year-old Glynn Simmons is the inmate who served the longest innocent time behind bars in American history before being exonerated.
The African-American was released in July after exactly 48 years, one month and 18 days in prison. Judge Amy Palumbo at the time overturned Simmons’ conviction. The official acquittal took place on Tuesday, as announced on Wednesday. “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Simmons said afterward. “Finally we can say that justice has been served.”
One explanation was enough
Simmons and another suspect, Don Roberts, were sentenced to death in 1975 for the murder of an Edmond liquor store employee during a robbery.
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.
Doubts about the witness’s statement
She then stated that she recognized Simmons and Roberts. Later, serious doubts arose about the reliability of this statement. Her description of the perpetrator’s status did not come close to Simmons’. 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.
Another official report in which witnesses identified other suspects was not made available to the defense at the hearing.
Simmons should now be entitled to compensation. “What has been done cannot be undone, but there can be responsibility,” said the acquitted man.
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. (SDA/neo)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
