Edmond, Oklahoma, has agreed to a $7.15 million settlement with a man who was was wrongfully jailed for 48 years, an attorney announced.
Glynn Simmons, now 71, was incarcerated for 48 years, one month, and 18 days after being convicted of murder in a 1974 shooting. He was released on bond in July 2023 after a judge vacated the 1975 judgment and sentence upon the request of the Oklahoma County district attorney. The case was dismissed in December 2023.
According to the National Registry of Exonerations, Simmons endured the longest wrongful incarceration in the US. The registry, which tracks exonerations since 1989, indicates the average length of wrongful incarceration is just over nine years.
Simmons was 22 when he and another man were convicted of murdering Carolyn Sue Rogers during a liquor store robbery, as noted by the district attorney’s office.
The prosecution’s case heavily relied on the testimony of an 18-year-old woman who was shot in the head during the robbery, according to the exonerations registry.
Attorney Elizabeth Wang stated, “Mr. Simmons spent a tragic amount of time incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Although he will never get that time back, this settlement with Edmond will allow him to move forward while also continuing to press his claims against the Oklahoma City defendants.”
The attorney expressed eagerness to hold the defendants accountable at a trial scheduled for March.
The settlement resolves Simmons’ claims against Edmond and the estate of former Edmond detective Anthony David Garret. Additional claims against Oklahoma City and retired Oklahoma City detective Claude Shobert remain pending.
Bill Begley, Edmond’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager, said the city has no comment at this time. Oklahoma City spokesperson Valerie Littlejohn also declined to comment due to pending litigation.
Simmons was convicted of a 1974 murder, though he was “700 miles away in Harvey, Louisiana, celebrating the holidays with family and friends,” according to the attorney’s release.
The release stated, “No physical evidence ever connected him to the crime. The only ‘evidence’ against him was grossly falsified police line-ups and reports and police manipulation of a victim who briefly witnessed the crime before being horribly injured during it.”
Simmons’ release followed the district attorney’s office finding that evidence was withheld from his defense attorneys leading to him being wrongfully jailed, constituting a Brady violation. Oklahoma County District Court Judge Amy Palumbo amended the order in December 2023, dismissing the case against him without prejudice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Glynn Simmons wrongfully convicted of?
He was wrongfully convicted of murdering Carolyn Sue Rogers during a 1974 liquor store robbery.
How long did Glynn Simmons spend in prison?
Glynn Simmons spent 48 years, one month, and 18 days in prison.
Why was Glynn Simmons’ conviction vacated?
His conviction was vacated because evidence was withheld from his defense attorneys, a Brady violation.
How much was Glynn Simmons’ settlement with the City of Edmond?
Glynn Simmons’ settlement with the City of Edmond was $7.15 million.
Are there ongoing claims related to Glynn Simmons’ case?
Yes, additional claims against Oklahoma City and retired detective Claude Shobert are still pending.