According to Glynn Simmons, his incarceration has taught him “resilience and tenacity.”
A man serving the longest unjust sentence in US history—nearly 50 years in jail for a 1974 murder—was cleared by an Oklahoman court.
In July, Glynn Simmons, 70, was let free when a judge granted a new trial.
However, a county district attorney declared on Monday that there was insufficient proof to support one.
Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo ruled Mr. Simmons not guilty in an order on Tuesday.
“This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offence for which Mr Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned… was not committed by Mr Simmons,” she stated in her decision.
Following the ruling, Mr. Simmons told reporters, “It’s a lesson in resilience and tenacity,” according to the Associated Press. “Don’t let nobody tell you that it can’t happen, because it really can.”
- Man found guilty freed after witness shown to be blind
In a liquor shop heist in an Oklahoma City suburb, Mr. Simmons killed Carolyn Sue Rogers. He was incarcerated for 48 years, one month, and eighteen days. As per the National Registry of Exonerations, he is now the most senior prisoner to be exonerated.
In 1975, Mr. Simmons and another defendant, Don Roberts, were found guilty and given the death penalty. Mr. Simmons was 22 at the time.
Later, as a result of death penalty decisions made by the US Supreme Court, the sentences were lowered to life in prison.
According to Mr. Simmons, he was in his native Louisiana at the time of the murder.
In July, a district court overturned his sentence on the grounds that prosecutors had neglected to provide defense attorneys with all relevant information, including the fact that a witness had named more suspects.
A adolescent who had been shot in the back of the head testified against Mr. Simmons and Mr. Roberts, which contributed to their conviction. When cops were lining up, the adolescent pointed to multiple other men.
2008 saw the paroled release of Mr. Roberts.
Those who serve time in Oklahoma after being wrongfully convicted may be eligible for compensation of up to $175,000 (£138,000).
According to his GoFundMe, Mr. Simmons is presently fighting liver cancer. Thousands of dollars have been raised to assist with his living expenses and chemotherapy.
