Texas man is exonerated after spending nearly 34 years in prison for wrongful conviction
apnews.com
A Texas man who spent 34 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted has been exonerated. A Dallas County judge granted a motion by prosecutors on Thursday to dismiss an aggravated robbery charge against 59-year-old Benjamin Spencer in the carjacking and death of Jeffrey Young.

A Texas man who spent 34 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of aggravated assault was exonerated Thursday by a Dallas County judge who ruled that he is actually innocent.

The judge approved a motion by the Dallas County District Attorney’s office to dismiss the case against Benjamin Spencer, 59, who was initially convicted in 1987 of murder in the carjacking and death of Jeffrey Young.

“This day has been a long time coming. I am relieved and humbled to help correct this injustice,” said Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot.

Spencer, who has maintained his innocence, saw his 1987 conviction later overturned. He was then tried again and convicted and sentenced to life in prison for aggravated robbery of Young.

  • seang96@spgrn.com
    12·
    4 months ago

    Good news sorta

    Under Texas law, he is eligible for a lump sum payment of up to $80,000 for each year he was incarcerated and an annuity, Wattley said.

    I figured Texas would tell him to gtfo