A man who was freed in 2015 after spending a quarter-century in prison for a murder he didn't commit will receive nearly $18 million in legal settlements from the city and state of New York.
The settlement is one of the largest for a wrongful conviction in New York City.
A group of young men were accused of killing a Utah tourist on a subway platform in 1990. The young man with no criminal history was coerced to make a false confession to the Labor Day crime.
The man was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison despite recanting his false confession. He spent 25 years in prison before his conviction was dropped.
The man's death was called "tragic" in a statement released Friday.
He has never forgotten the loss his family suffered. I look forward to the next chapter of my life now that my innocence has been acknowledged by my city and state.
Attorney Gabriel P. Harvis said that he was a model prisoner because he pursued his education while in jail. While in prison, he earned a number of degrees, including a master's degree.
It took so long for him to have his innocence recognized that he is the last victim in this case. He said that the large settlement was a recognition of his client's personality.
Harvis said in the past that he had suffered severe emotional and mental anguish as a result of being punished for crimes he did not commit.
He lives in Florida with his family and has two young children.
The city will give $12.8 million and the state will give 888-492-0 888-492-0s. Nick Paolucci said in a statement that the settlement resolves a longstanding civil case. The agreement is fair and in the best interests of all parties according to the findings of the district attorney.
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