Shawn Henning and Ralph “Ricky” Birch, have been locked up since 1989 for a gruesome 1985 murder in New Milford they steadfastly insist they didn’t commit. The state’s case, never airtight to begin with, has diminished over the years as two prosecution witnesses have recanted, key defense testimony was uncovered, and DNA testing put an unknown person at the scene. Nonetheless, a state judge turned down their petition for a new trial last year, leaving the two with a slim chance of freedom.
wrongful convictions
Posted inJustice
House passes bill increasing oversight over claims commissioner
The House of Representatives voted 85 to 63 Tuesday for final passage of a bill restricting wrongful incarceration awards and requiring legislative review of any award in excess of $20,000 from the office of the claims commissioner, which made a controversial $16.8 million award to four former gang members in January.
Posted inJustice
Claims commissioner resigns amid controversy
J. Paul Vance Jr., the claims commissioner under fire for awarding $16.8 million to compensate four member members of a New Haven gang whose murder convictions were set aside, submitted a resignation letter last week, the governor’s office said Friday.
Posted inJustice
State to pay innocent man $6M for 20 years in prison
Miguel Roman, who served 20 years, six months and 10 days in prison for a murder the state concedes he did not commit, was awarded $6 million Monday by the state claims commissioner. DNA evidence exonerated him in 2008 and convicted another man in 2011.
Posted inJustice
Questions about a $16.8 million award — and the meaning of innocence
State Claims Commissioner J. Paul Vance Jr. and his role as the sole authority over how Connecticut reimburses the wrongly incarcerated faces questions at the State Capitol after his award of $16.8 million last month to four former members of a New Haven street gang, the Island Brothers. Are the standards clear? And should his awards be subject to review?
Posted inNews
An apology and $6M for innocent man’s 21 years in prison
Kenneth Ireland, who was wrongly imprisoned for 21 years and subject to the constant threat of abuse as a man labeled a rapist and murderer, was awarded $6 million and an apology Thursday by Connecticut’s claims commissioner.