Innocent Man Released After 48 Years in Prison: Longest Unjustly Held in US History

48 Years Innocent in Prison

In 1975, Glynn Simmons was convicted of a robbery after being falsely implicated by a witness. After serving 48 years in prison, the 71-year-old has been declared innocent.

After spending 48 years in prison, a man in the US state of Oklahoma has been declared innocent. The sentence of the now 71-year-old African American citizen has been overturned. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, which documents such cases in the US, Glynn Simmons is the inmate who has spent the longest time unjustly imprisoned in US history before being acquitted.

A judge ruled that Simmons had been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for murder. “This court finds, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the crime for which Mr. Simmons was convicted and incarcerated (…) was not committed by Mr. Simmons,” said Judge Amy Palumbo.

Robbery Resulting in Death

In 1975, Simmons was sentenced to death along with a co-defendant in connection with an armed robbery. The sentence was later converted to life imprisonment. The crime took place in December 1974 in Edmond, Oklahoma, where an employee was killed by a gunshot during the robbery.

The conviction was primarily based on the testimony of an 18-year-old customer who was also shot in the head but survived. She had identified the two defendants during a police lineup.

Conviction Despite Doubts

Despite doubts about the testimony of the 18-year-old, as she contradicted herself, the conviction was handed down. The inconsistencies were never communicated by the police, it was said.

Simmons always maintained his innocence. He claimed to have been in the state of Louisiana at the time of the crime, not in Oklahoma. He spent exactly 48 years, one month, and 18 days in prison since his conviction. His co-defendant was already released on parole in 2008.

Relief – and Criticism of the Justice System

After his release, Simmons expressed relief. He stated to reporters that justice has finally been served. “When you know you’re innocent, you have to persist and never give up,” said Simmons. However, returning to society after such a long time is not easy.

Simmons also criticized the justice system, pointing out that statistically, black people are disproportionately sentenced to prison. Skin color plays a significant role in this. His lawyer, John Coyle, confirmed that there had never been any real evidence against Simmons. “He was just a black boy in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

$175,000 for a Lifetime

The case was reopened this year at the defense’s request, and even the prosecution, after a hearing in April, requested the overturning of Simmons’ conviction. “There was an important police report that was not handed over,” said prosecutor Vicki Behenna, referring to doubts about the previous witness testimony.

Simmons is now entitled to compensation of up to $175,000 (around €160,000), it has been reported. However, it may still take years before the claim can be made. Currently, Simmons is living off donations. After his release, he was diagnosed with cancer, according to one of his attorneys.