Man Freed After 30 Years Secures $13M Settlement for Injustice

Handcuffed hands in orange jumpsuit behind bars.

A Massachusetts man wrongfully convicted of murder receives a $13 million award after spending nearly 30 years in prison, but state law caps his payout at $1 million.

At a Glance

Michael Sullivan was wrongfully convicted of a 1986 murder and spent nearly three decades in prison
A jury awarded Sullivan $13 million, but state regulations cap compensation at $1 million
DNA testing in 2011 undermined the prosecution’s case, leading to Sullivan’s release in 2013
Sullivan lost family members and struggled to adjust to life outside prison
The case highlights issues with false testimony and fabricated evidence in wrongful convictions

Wrongful Conviction and Jury Award

Michael Sullivan, a Massachusetts man wrongfully convicted of the 1986 murder and robbery of Wilfred McGrath, has been awarded $13 million by a jury after spending nearly three decades behind bars. Sullivan’s conviction, based on misleading testimony and questionable evidence, was overturned when conclusive DNA testing in 2011 revealed no connection between Sullivan and the crime scene.

Despite the substantial jury award, Massachusetts state regulations cap compensation for wrongful convictions at $1 million, limiting the actual payout Sullivan can receive. This discrepancy between the jury’s decision and state law highlights the ongoing debate about appropriate compensation for those who have lost years of their lives due to judicial errors.

The Path to Exoneration

Sullivan’s conviction stemmed from testimony provided by another suspect, Gary Grace, and evidence involving a purple jacket allegedly worn during the crime. However, DNA testing conducted in 2011 revealed no blood on the jacket and no DNA match to the victim, severely undermining the prosecution’s case.

“At the prosecutor’s closing, he essentially said, ‘Hey, if he wasn’t the one who did it, why did they find blood on both of cuffs of the jacket?'” – Dana Curhan

This revelation led to a new trial being ordered in 2012, resulting in Sullivan’s release in 2013. The state ultimately decided against retrying the case in 2019, paving the way for Sullivan’s exoneration. The case also brought to light serious misconduct by Robert Pino, a Massachusetts State Police chemical analyst who was later fired in 2007 for fabricating evidence and failing to report DNA matches.

Life After Wrongful Imprisonment

Sullivan’s nearly three decades of incarceration took a devastating toll on his life. During his time in prison, he lost his mother and four siblings, endured multiple attacks from other inmates, and missed countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Now free, Sullivan struggles to adjust to life outside prison walls, finding safety and comfort only among his remaining family members.

“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.” – Michael Sullivan

Despite the challenges he faces, Sullivan remains focused on the future. He plans to use the jury award to support his nieces and nephews, providing them with the opportunities he was denied. Additionally, Sullivan hopes to receive therapy and educational services as part of the judgment, aiming to heal from his traumatic experiences and rebuild his life.

Implications for the Justice System

Sullivan’s case underscores the critical importance of DNA evidence in ensuring justice and the devastating consequences of wrongful convictions. It also raises questions about the adequacy of compensation for those who have been unjustly imprisoned, especially given the discrepancy between jury awards and state-mandated caps.

As the Massachusetts attorney general’s office evaluates whether to appeal the jury’s decision, Sullivan’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing reforms in the criminal justice system to prevent similar miscarriages of justice in the future.