Glynn Simmons, a man who spent 48 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, has finally been declared innocent and released.
As reported by BBC News, Simmons was convicted in 1973 for the murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the years, the court, after a thorough review, determined that he was wrongfully imprisoned.
Presiding over the case, Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo made a definitive ruling, stating, “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.”
The conclusion marks the end of a protracted legal battle that began when Simmons, at 23 years old, was initially sentenced to death—a sentence later commuted to life imprisonment in 1977.
Now 71 years old, Glynn Simmons expressed his resilience and tenacity, stating, “It’s a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Don’t let nobody tell you that it (exoneration) can’t happen because it really can,” upon his long-awaited release.
Simmons’ co-accused, Don Roberts, who faced imprisonment for the same crime, awaits the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
The developments follow a renewed push for justice and a comprehensive review of the case’s evidence. In light of the wrongful conviction, Glynn Simmons is now eligible to receive $175,000 in compensation. Furthermore, he has the option to pursue legal action against Oklahoma City for the years of injustice he endured.
Joe Norwood, Glynn’s lawyer, revealed that Simmons is currently relying on GoFundMe for sustenance, emphasizing the uncertainty of future compensation and the need for him to sustain himself in the present.
