Texas Man Exonerated After 34 Years of Wrongful Imprisonment
A Long-Awaited Victory
After nearly 34 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit, Benjamin Spencer has finally been exonerated. His long battle for justice came to a victorious end on Thursday, leaving him both relieved and eager to move forward.
Reflecting on Lost Time
“I’m just excited that this day has finally come,” Spencer, now 59, shared, reflecting on the decades of his life lost to wrongful imprisonment. Convicted in 1987 for the murder of Jeffrey Young during a carjacking, Spencer has always maintained his innocence. The road to this exoneration has been a long one, with Spencer having to fight through multiple convictions and appeals.
Legal Triumph and Personal Victory
The breakthrough came when a Dallas County judge granted a motion from the district attorney’s office to dismiss the aggravated robbery charge against Spencer. This motion was not just a legal victory but a significant personal triumph for Spencer, who had his life stolen by a flawed justice system.
Attorney’s Dedication and Emotional Response
Cheryl Wattley, Spencer’s defense attorney who has dedicated over 20 years to this case, expressed her emotions on the momentous occasion. “It is a good day,” Wattley said, her voice tinged with emotion. “I’m trying hard not to cry.” She also praised Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot for revisiting the discredited evidence that had wrongfully imprisoned Spencer.
A Flawed Prosecution Unraveled
Creuzot acknowledged the gravity of the case, saying he was “relieved and humbled to help correct this injustice.” The original prosecution’s case against Spencer crumbled as it was revealed that key witnesses, including a jailhouse informant seeking leniency, had provided false testimony. Moreover, crucial evidence that could have excluded Spencer from the crime, such as fingerprints, was never shared with the defense.
Enduring Injustice and Ultimate Release
Despite his 1987 conviction being overturned, Spencer faced another trial where he was again convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the aggravated robbery of Young. His fight for justice seemed endless until he was released on bond in 2021 after the district attorney’s office found that his constitutional rights had been violated due to false witness testimony and the suppression of evidence.
Overturning a Wrongful Conviction
Earlier this year, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned Spencer’s conviction, sending the case back to Dallas County. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Garza, who leads the office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, underscored the lack of credible or physical evidence linking Spencer to the crime. “There exists no credible or physical evidence that he was in any way involved in this crime,” she stated.
A Stark Reminder of Systemic Flaws
Spencer’s case now stands as a stark reminder of the flaws within the criminal justice system. According to data from The National Registry of Exonerations, Spencer is among the 60 longest-serving individuals to be declared innocent.
Compensation and Moving Forward
Under Texas law, Spencer is eligible for a lump sum payment of up to $80,000 for each year he was wrongfully incarcerated, along with an annuity. But for Spencer, the focus is on moving forward. As Wattley noted, Spencer is committed to living honorably and setting an example that can inspire others who have faced or are facing similar injustices.
