Massachusetts man wrongly convicted of murder receives $13 million settlement after years of incarceration

Michael Sullivan spent nearly three decades in prison for a murder and robbery he long insisted he did not commit. He lost his mother and siblings, endured beatings in prison, and his girlfriend moved on with her life. Recently, a Massachusetts jury ruled him innocent and awarded him $13 million. Sullivan received this injustice due to a chemist’s false testimony, despite not being the key reason for his conviction. Sullivan’s attorney argued for DNA testing which ultimately proved his innocence, leading to a new trial and his release in 2013. The state decided against retrying his case in 2019 due to various factors, leaving Sullivan struggling to adjust to a world that changed drastically while he was incarcerated. He lost job prospects, relationships, and still struggles to trust people, feeling like a loner. Sullivan plans to use the award money to secure the future of his nieces and nephews, prioritizing their needs over his own. He spends his days helping his sister with chores and keeping to himself, reflecting on the long years of hardship he endured. Despite the award, Sullivan hopes to receive therapy and educational services to aid in his transition back to society. Through it all, he remains determined to provide for his family and find peace after a lifetime of injustice.

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