Man Freed After Decades: Discover His Remarkable Story and Compensation

Judge presiding over courtroom with people seated.

After 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Michael Sullivan finally receives justice with a $13 million award.

At a Glance

Michael Sullivan was wrongfully convicted of a 1986 murder and spent nearly three decades in prison.
A Massachusetts jury recently awarded him $13 million, surpassing the state’s $1 million cap.
Conviction relied on unreliable testimonies debunked by DNA evidence.
Sullivan faced personal losses and hardships during his imprisonment.

Background of the Case

Michael Sullivan’s life took a drastic turn when he was wrongfully convicted of the 1986 murder of Wilfred McGrath in Massachusetts, resulting in nearly 30 years behind bars. The case against him primarily depended on suspect testimony and evidence involving a purple jacket, which later turned out to be unreliable. Sullivan’s conviction was based on claims from another suspect, Gary Grace, alongside evidence handled by Robert Pino, a Massachusetts State Police chemical analyst who fabricated findings.

Despite overwhelming odds, Sullivan’s perseverance led to a 2011 DNA revelation that no blood or DNA from McGrath matched the evidence on the jacket. Following this discovery and acknowledging the mishandled evidence, the court ordered a new trial in 2012. With insufficient evidence, the state chose not to retry the case, resulting in Sullivan’s release.

Exoneration and Award

Recently, a jury declared Sullivan innocent and awarded him $13 million, despite Massachusetts state law that caps wrongful conviction compensation at $1 million. This considerable sum reflects the deep injustice Sullivan endured throughout his imprisonment. The jury found in favor of Sullivan “by clear and convincing evidence.”

During his imprisonment, Sullivan faced significant hardships, including the death of his mother and four siblings, physical abuse, and a complete severance of personal relationships. While the financial compensation is substantial, Sullivan’s primary relief comes from being officially exonerated. “The most important thing is finding me innocent of the murder, expunging it from my record. The money, of course, will be very helpful to me,” stated Sullivan.

Looking Ahead

Now free, Sullivan focuses on rebuilding his life, centered around his family’s financial security. He spends most of his time with his sister and plans to utilize some of his awarded funds for the benefit of his nieces and nephews, along with seeking therapy and educational services. In a testament to his character, Sullivan has expressed no hard feelings toward the reduced award, choosing to be grateful for the jury’s recognition of his suffering and mistreatment.

The wrongful conviction of Michael Sullivan serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for transparency, accountability, and reform in the justice system to prevent such tragic miscarriages of justice in the future.