"Justice Finally Achieved"... American Man Wrongfully Imprisoned for 48 Years

Cheering with Both Arms Raised in Court After Acquittal
"A Lesson in Patience... I Am Happy"

An American man who was serving time for a robbery murder at a liquor store in 1974 was proven innocent and released from prison after 48 years.

On the 20th (local time), according to BBC, Daily Mail, and others, Amy Palumbo, a judge at the Oklahoma County District Court, recently acquitted Glenn Simmons (70).

The court stated, "We found clear and convincing evidence that Simmons did not commit the crime." Judge Palumbo made this decision after reviewing records, reports, testimonies, and other evidence related to the case. In particular, upon confirming that the prosecution had not submitted all evidence related to the case to the defense, the court overturned Simmons' sentence.

Glen Simmons. [Image source=New York Post]

Previously, Simmons was identified as the perpetrator of a liquor store robbery in Edmond, Oklahoma, in December 1974 and was convicted of first-degree murder. At that time, he was only 22 years old. He was accused of killing Carolyn Sue Rogers, a clerk, along with Don Roberts.

Simmons was identified as the perpetrator largely based on a witness's testimony. Since no fingerprints were found at the murder scene, the prosecution mainly relied on the testimony of witness Belinda Brown.

Belinda described the perpetrator's appearance, and based on this, nine suspects were narrowed down. Belinda said Simmons and Roberts were suspicious among them, and eventually, they were convicted. However, it was also reported that Belinda was in a confused state at the time, having been shot in the head.

In response, Simmons claimed that he was in his hometown of Louisiana when the incident occurred. Simmons maintained his innocence while in prison, but parole was denied. As a result, Simmons was imprisoned for 48 years, 1 month, and 18 days. Roberts, who was also convicted, was paroled in 2008. Thus, Simmons was recorded as a case of wrongful conviction with the longest imprisonment.

After his innocence was confirmed, Simmons raised both arms and cheered outside the court. He said, "(This verdict) is a lesson in patience and perseverance," adding, "No one told me that an acquittal could happen, but it actually did." He continued, "We can finally say that justice has been served today, and I am happy."

Simmons, who is suffering from liver cancer, is currently living off donations obtained through the online fundraising site 'GoFundMe.' Simmons' attorney stated, "Simmons can receive up to $175,000 in compensation from the state government for the wrongful conviction and can file a federal lawsuit against Oklahoma and other related authorities." However, he also added, "It is likely to take several years before receiving the compensation."