US resident found not guilty after 26 years in prison on false charges

The jury in the U.S. state of Massachusetts found not guilty 64-year-old Michael Sullivan, who spent 26 years in prison on a false charge of murder. This was reported by the Associated Press agency on November 27.

The man was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1987 for the murder of Wilfred McGrath. The basis was the false testimony of one of the real perpetrators, as well as the medical examiner, who stated that on the jacket of Sullivan were found blood and hair of the victim.

In 2011, the man's attorney requested a DNA test, which showed that there was no blood on the clothing at all and the hair was unidentified. In 2013, Sullivan was released after a new trial, but he was under house arrest for a long time and then forced to wear an electronic tracking bracelet for years.

It is noted that his mother and four siblings died during the man's incarceration. He was also unable to adjust to a changed world, lacked an education and steady employment, and was unable to use a computer. Since his release, Sullivan has taken up residence in another sister's home and spends most of his time with his dog and pigeons.

The man was awarded $13 million in compensation, most of which he wants to give to his nephews when they grow up. Sullivan's lawyer said he will ask the court to provide the man with educational services and psychotherapy.

Earlier, on Nov. 15, the U.S. found a woman who was sentenced to death 16 years ago not guilty. In 2008, Melissa Lucio was found guilty of murdering her daughter Maria. The woman claimed her daughter accidentally fell down the stairs. Lucio was interrogated for hours until she pleaded guilty, but then the woman recanted her testimony and lawyers spent 16 years trying to exonerate her.