US Man Spent 30 Years in Jail For a Murder He Didn't Commit, Gets a Reward of 100 Crores for Wrong Conviction
Michael Sullivan's mother and four brothers passed away during his almost three decades in jail, his fiancée went on with her life, and he suffered severe beatings in many assaults while inside.
All for a murder he denied for a long time. Sullivan, 64, received some justice earlier this month when a Massachusetts jury found him not guilty of Wilfred McGrath's 1986 murder and robbery. Although state laws limit awards for unjust convictions at USD 1 million, he received USD 13 million. Although his evidence did not ensure Sullivan's conviction, the jury also discovered that a state police scientist had given a false statement throughout the trial.
All for a murder he denied for a long time. Sullivan, 64, received some justice earlier this month when a Massachusetts jury found him not guilty of Wilfred McGrath's 1986 murder and robbery. Although state laws limit awards for unjust convictions at USD 1 million, he received USD 13 million. Although his evidence did not ensure Sullivan's conviction, the jury also discovered that a state police scientist had given a false statement throughout the trial.
In recent years, the state has reversed a number of convictions, this one being the most recent. Speaking in his primary lawyer Michael Heineman's office in Framingham, Massachusetts, Sullivan stated, "The most important thing is finding me innocent of the murder, expunging it from my record." "Obviously, the money will be very beneficial to me." "We respect the jury's verdict and are evaluating whether an appeal is appropriate," stated a representative for the Massachusetts attorney general.
What happened with Sullivan in 1987?
Following police claims that McGrath was robbed, beaten, and his body discarded behind an abandoned supermarket, Sullivan was found guilty in 1987 of murder and armed robbery. When authorities discovered that his sister had gone out with McGrath the night before the murder and that the two had visited the apartment she shared with Sullivan, they focused their attention on Sullivan. Gary Grace, another murder suspect, was implicated by Sullivan and had his murder charges withdrawn.
Sullivan was wearing a purple jacket the night of the murder, according to Grace's testimony during the trial. A former State police chemist also stated that he discovered blood on the garment and a hair that was McGrath's, not Sullivan's. Sullivan received a life sentence after being proven guilty. Grace was given a six-year term after entering a guilty plea to accessory after murder. Emil Petrla entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder after beating McGrath and assisting in the disposal of his body. He was given a life sentence with the chance of release, however, he passed away while inside.
"I couldn't believe I was convicted of murder"
Recalling that the prosecution brought up the purple jacket five times during their closing argument, Sullivan remarked, "I couldn't believe I was convicted of murder." Both my brother and mother were in tears in the courtroom. I was in tears. My family and I had a really difficult time.
For Sullivan, prison would be a nightmare. In one incident, he almost lost an ear, and in another, his nose was nearly bitten off. Additionally, the jail system prevented him from enrolling in any programs to acquire critical skills because he was a lifer. According to Sullivan, "It's really difficult on a person, especially when you know you're innocent." You know, prison is a terrible place to live. Life in prison is difficult. However, Sullivan's fortunes took a significant turn in 2011.
For Sullivan, prison would be a nightmare. In one incident, he almost lost an ear, and in another, his nose was nearly bitten off. Additionally, the jail system prevented him from enrolling in any programs to acquire critical skills because he was a lifer. According to Sullivan, "It's really difficult on a person, especially when you know you're innocent." You know, prison is a terrible place to live. Life in prison is difficult. However, Sullivan's fortunes took a significant turn in 2011.