In a landmark case that exposes deep flaws in the justice system, Ronnie Wallace Long, a 68-year-old black man, has been awarded a $25-million settlement after enduring 44 years of wrongful imprisonment in North Carolina. Convicted in 1976 for a crime he did not commit, Long faced a racially charged trial where an all-white jury handed down two life sentences.
The pivotal moment arrived in August 2020 when a federal appeals court ordered a new hearing, ultimately leading to the vacation of Long's conviction. Governor Roy Cooper granted him a full pardon in the same year, acknowledging the injustice Long had suffered.
In 2021, Long filed a lawsuit against the state of North Carolina and the city of Concord, seeking justice for the years stolen from him. The $25-million settlement, with $22 million to be paid by the local government, signifies a significant step towards rectifying the grave miscarriage of justice.
Part of the settlement includes a written apology from the city of Concord, expressing profound remorse for its role in Long's wrongful imprisonment. The city's statement acknowledged the harm caused to Mr. Long, his family, friends, and the community, emphasizing their commitment to righting the past wrongs and taking responsibility.
Long's legal battle received support from a wrongful forensic clinic at Duke University's law school. His attorneys revealed that crucial evidence, including fingerprints and undisclosed semen samples, was never shared with the defense, and some evidence disappeared.
The settlement is not only one of the largest in wrongful conviction cases nationwide, but it also highlights the significance of the city's apology. Chris Olson, one of Long's lawyers, emphasized that the result speaks to the magnitude of injustice in Long's case, underscoring the healing power of the city's acknowledgment of its role in the wrongful conviction
