A man identified as Glynn Simmons who sent 48 years in prison for a crime he did not commit has been released after ht was declared innocent.
A man identified as Glynn Simmons who spent many years in prison for a crime he did not commit, has finally been declared innocent and released after 48 years.
According to BBC News, Simmons was convicted in 1973 for the murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers. However during trial he maintained his innocence and even after his imprisonment he still said he was innocent. After a thorough review, the court has determined that he was wrongly imprisoned.
The ruling was made by Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo who presides over the case.
“This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offense for which Mr. Simmons was convicted, sentenced, and imprisoned… was not committed by Mr. Simmons.” the judge said.
The court’s decision marked the end of a long legal battle that began when Simmons, who was 23 years old at that time was sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment in 1977.
Now 71 years old, Glynn Simmons happy over the judgement opined the it is a lesson in resilience and tenacity.
“It’s a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Don’t let nobody tell you that it (exoneration) can’t happen because it really can,” Simmons said in reaction to his long-awaited release.
This new developments come after a renewed push for justice and a review of the evidence surrounding the case.
In light of the wrongful conviction, Glynn Simmons will receive $175,000 in compensation.
He also has the option to pursue legal action against Oklahoma City for the years of injustice he endured.
Joe Norwood, Glynn’s lawyer, said Glynn is trying to sustain himself for now. He was quoted by NPR as saying;
“Glynn is having to live off of GoFundMe. That’s literally how the man is surviving right now, paying rent, buying food,. Getting him compensation, and getting compensation is not for sure, is in the future and he has to sustain himself now.”