Benjamin Spencer, wrongfully convicted by a Texas court, which caused him to spend 34 years in prison for a murder in the 1980s, was declared innocent on Thursday. He said that although he couldn’t turn back time, he was happy and ready to move forward.
“I am excited that this day has finally come,” said Mr. Spencer, now 59 years old.
A Dallas County judge approved a motion from the District Attorney’s office to dismiss a charge against Mr. Spencer for aggravated robbery. He was initially convicted of the murder of Jeffrey Young in 1987, during the robbery of his car.
“It’s a good day,” said defense attorney Cheryl Wattley, who has worked on Mr. Spencer’s case for more than 20 years. “I’m trying very hard not to cry,” she added.
Ms. Wattley praised Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot for treating the case with seriousness.
Mr. Creuzot said he was “relieved and had acted with humility to help correct this injustice,” as he stated.
Prosecution witnesses, including an informant who was in prison and seeking a reduced sentence, had given false testimony, said Mr. Creuzot. He added that prosecutors at the time had not provided the defense with evidence that excluded Mr. Spencer from the crime, including fingerprint evidence.
Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Garza, who heads the Conviction Integrity Unit, said: “There is no credible or physical evidence that he was involved in any way in the commission of the crime.”
Mr. Spencer is one of 60 people declared innocent, who has spent the longest period in prison, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
Under Texas law, Mr. Spencer is entitled, among other things, to receive a payment of about $80,000 for each year he spent in prison, said his attorney Ms. Wattley.
She added that Mr. Spencer is trying to live his life with honor and “trying to be an example from which others can be inspired.”
