Justice Prevails: Glynn Ray Simmons Freed After 48 Years Behind Bars
After nearly 50 years in prison, Glynn Ray Simmons is released as a new trial is ordered due to evidence not disclosed during his initial conviction, shedding light on the potential for wrongful convictions and the importance of proper evidence disclosure.
Glynn Ray Simmons is released from decades of imprisonment after a new trial is ordered for his wrongful conviction. (PHOTO: KTVB)
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Glynn Ray Simmons’ Wrongful Conviction: New Trial Ordered After Decades in Prison
Glynn Ray Simmons, who had spent nearly 50 years in an Oklahoma prison for a fatal shooting he claimed he didn’t commit, has been released from custody after a judge ordered a new trial. In 1974, Glynn Ray Simmons received a conviction for the death of Carolyn Sue Rogers, a liquor store clerk in Edmond. Despite being identified in a lineup by a woman injured during the robbery, Simmons maintained that he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the crime.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office requested a new trial after evidence, including a police report, was not disclosed during the initial trial. The report indicated that an eyewitness might have identified other suspects, not Simmons or his co-defendant, Don Roberts. District Judge Amy Palumbo ruled in favor of Glynn Ray Simmons, vacating his murder conviction and life sentence, citing a denial of a fair trial due to the state’s failure to disclose crucial evidence. This was reported in U.S. News.
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Glynn Ray Simmons Freed: 48 Years Behind Bars, New Trial Set for October
Glynn Ray Simmons, who was 22 years old at the time of his conviction and is now 70, expressed his relief and happiness upon his release. According to AP News, he stated that he is ready to move on and rebuild his life after spending 48 years behind bars. Initially sentenced to death, Glynn Ray Simmons and Don Roberts had their sentences commuted to life in prison following U.S. Supreme Court rulings related to capital punishment. Roberts was paroled in 2008 and testified at a hearing, asserting his innocence.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney, Vicki Behenna, announced that they would evaluate the case for retrial, with a new trial date set for October 23rd. The ‘Glynn Ray Simmons’ case highlights the importance of proper disclosure of evidence and the potential for wrongful convictions, leading to decades of wrongful imprisonment.
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