Oklahoma City to Pay $7 Million to Exonerated Inmate After Nearly 50 Years in Prison
Edmond, Okla. — The Edmond City Council has approved a historic settlement of $7.15 million for Glynn Ray Simmons, a former death row inmate who spent almost five decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit. This ruling designates him as the longest-serving prisoner in the United States to be exonerated.
Details of the Settlement
The decision, made during a council meeting without discussion, resolves a lawsuit Simmons filed against the suburb of Oklahoma City and a former police detective. According to Simmons’ attorney, Elizabeth Wang, the settlement provides a path for Simmons to rebuild his life after enduring years of wrongful incarceration.
Constitutional Violations Alleged in Lawsuit
The legal action also implicates Oklahoma City and highlights serious misconduct allegations, including falsifying witness reports. This claim remains active and is set to progress to trial in March, according to Wang’s statements.
Simmons was initially convicted at the age of 22. His lawsuit states that police investigations manipulated evidence by claiming a wounded witness had identified him as one of the perpetrators, despite the witness allegedly naming different suspects. Furthermore, critical evidence was reportedly withheld, which could have led to his exoneration much earlier.
Journey from Incarceration to Exoneration
After 48 years, Simmons was released from prison in July 2023, when a judge vacated his conviction and ordered a new trial against him. However, in September, District Attorney Vickie Behenna announced the decision not to retry the case due to insufficient evidence.
In December of the same year, Simmons was officially exonerated, with the judge declaring substantial evidence affirming his innocence. Subsequently, he received $175,000 as compensation from the state of Oklahoma for his wrongful conviction.
History of Convictions and Legal Battles
Simmons was wrongfully convicted alongside his co-defendant, Don Roberts, who was sentenced to death for the 1975 murder of liquor store clerk Carolyn Sue Rogers. After substantial legal changes regarding capital punishment by the U.S. Supreme Court, both men’s death sentences were converted to life imprisonment in 1977. Roberts was conferred parole in 2008.
Glynn Ray Simmons continues to urge a thorough exploration of the investigative processes that led to his wrongful conviction as the wait for further legal resolutions continues.
