After Case Dissolves, Man Who Languished in Prison Wins $10.5 Million
The New York Times, May 5, 2022: After Case Dissolves, Man Who Languished in Prison Wins $10.5 Million
“Shawn Williams was only 19 when his life was upended.
“He was accused of killing a man in Brooklyn in 1993, and, though no forensic evidence ever connected him to the murder, one woman’s testimony that she spotted him at the scene with a gun landed him in prison for 24 years.
“The teenager steadfastly maintained his innocence as he watched the milestones of early adulthood pass behind bars. Then, several years ago, the supposed witness recanted, saying that Louis N. Scarcella, a prolific and once-renowned homicide detective, coerced her into naming Mr. Williams. The prisoner was eventually released.
“Now, city officials will pay Mr. Williams $10.5 million to settle a federal civil rights suit against the former detective and two other officers. The award is believed to be the largest so far in the series of wrongful conviction cases spurred by the conduct of Mr. Scarcella, whose record has collapsed as similar accusations have mounted.”
Additional reading:
The New York Times, November 19, 2019: Falsely Imprisoned for 23 Years: Now He’s Received $7 Million
The New York Times, January 11, 2018: Another Brooklyn Murder Conviction Linked to Scarcella Is Reversed
The New York Times, May 25, 2017: Despite 7 Scrapped Convictions, Prosecutors Say Ex-Detective Broke No Laws
