- Simmons wrongly imprisoned, 48 years
- Exonerated by Oklahoma judge
- Faces liver cancer, seeks support
A man wrongfully convicted of homicide and sentenced to 48 years in prison, the longest reported wrongful sentence in the United States, has been exonerated by an Oklahoma judge.
In July, 70-year-old Glynn Simmons was released following a district court ruling that determined his defense attorneys were not provided with critical evidence in his case.
A county district attorney stated on Monday that insufficient evidence did not qualify for a retrial.
On Tuesday, Judge Amy Palumbo rendered an order declaring Mr. Simmons innocent.
In her ruling, Oklahoma County District Judge Palumbo stated, “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.”
According to the Associated Press, Mr. Simmons told reporters following the decision, “It’s a lesson in perseverance and resilience.” It truly is possible, so do not allow anyone to convince you otherwise.
Simmons was convicted of killing Carolyn Sue Rogers in 1974 during a liquor store larceny in an Oklahoma City neighbourhood. He was sentenced to 48 years, one month, and 18 days in prison.
At 22, Mr. Simmons and co-defendant Don Roberts were convicted and executed in 1975.
Following US Supreme Court death penalty rulings, the sentences were reduced to life.
He claimed innocence, saying he was in Louisiana when the crime occurred.
On Tuesday, as the court pronounced Mr. Simmons innocent, he exhibited a grin. Later, while dressed in a fedora and a grey hooded sweater, a softly spoken Mr. Simmons revealed to the press that he had “long, long, waited” for this occasion.
He stated that while actions completed are irreversible, accountability is possible.
In July, the district court overturned his sentence because prosecutors failed to provide defense attorneys with all evidence, including the identification of additional suspects by a witness that was withheld.
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An juvenile with a posterior head trauma testified to help convict Simmons and Roberts.
According to the National Registry of Exonerations, the adolescent subsequently contradicted a portion of her testimony and pointed to several other males during police line-ups.
In 2008, Mr. Roberts was granted parole.
Individuals serving time in Oklahoma who have been wrongfully convicted are eligible for compensation of up to $175,000 (£138,000).
Mr. Simmons is presently confronted with liver cancer, as stated on his GoFundMe page. Thousands of dollars have been donated to assist with his chemotherapy expenses and daily living.
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