Michael Sullivan, a resident of the United States, was in prison for almost three decades. His mother and four siblings died while in jail. The lover also passed away. And inside the prison, he has been the victim of serious attacks several times.
On Wednesday, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the crime for which Sullivan sacrificed so much in his life, he never committed the crime!
Earlier this month, Sullivan, now 64, took a step closer to justice. A Massachusetts jury acquitted him of the 1986 murder and robbery of Wilfred McGrath. Not only that, but Sullivan was awarded $13 million in damages. This amount in Bangladeshi currency is more than 155 crore rupees.
Massachusetts state law—provides a maximum of $1 million in damages for false allegations. But Sullivan sacrificed so much that his case is given special consideration.
In 1987, Sullivan was found guilty of murdering Wilfred McGrath. According to police, McGrath was beaten and left behind an abandoned supermarket during the robbery.
Sullivan was suspected in the murder. Because his sister had spent time with McGrath in the apartment they shared, as well as going out the night before the murder. There was another suspect in the case named Gary Grace. However, Grace pleaded not guilty to the charges against Sullivan.
Most influential in the case was the testimony of a state police chemist at the time. Blood and a hair similar to McGrath's were found on Sullivan's jacket, he testified in court. This testimony was one of the basis for Sullivan's conviction.
Sullivan's life in prison was miserable. His nose was almost torn off in one of the attacks. Another attack caused him to lose an ear. As he was imprisoned for a long time, he was not given the opportunity to receive any training or education inside the prison.
Describing his feelings in prison, Sullivan said, 'When you know you're innocent, life becomes harder.'
In 2011, Sullivan's lawyer requested a DNA test. The tests showed no blood on Sullivan's jacket and no evidence of McGrath's DNA on the alleged hair. As a result, a new trial was ordered in 2012 and Sullivan was released the following year. After a long era of release, he also got compensation.
The AP reported that after his release, Sullivan was unable to return to a normal life. Because in those days the world has advanced a lot. He was completely new to the world of technology. And he did not have the skills to find work. He now lives with his sister Donna Faria and helps her sister's family with small chores.
Speaking about his situation, Sullivan said, 'I have not yet adapted to the outside world. I don't go out much. I am always afraid.'
This time, Sullivan wants to buy a truck with the compensation money and leave the rest of the money for the future of his siblings' children. He said, 'The most important thing is to look after my nephews and nieces. I will be happy if they are good.'
