Jonathan Fleming: Man Wrongfully Accused Of 1989 Murder To Receive $6.25M, But Is It Enough?


Jonathan Fleming, a man from Brooklyn who was wrongfully accused of murder, will be given $6.25 million by New York City as compensation for the time that he spent in prison for something that he did not do.

As the Inquisitr previously reported, Fleming, who was found guilty of murdering his friend Darryl Rush in 1989, spent almost 25 years in prison. When the murder was committed, Fleming was vacationing in Disney World Florida, and that was the alibi that he has stuck with since the beginning.

Fleming had videos, Disney tickets, and other evidences to prove his innocence, but a woman’s testimony landed Fleming behind bars when she said that she saw him commit the crime. However, there was another witness that confirmed it wasn’t Fleming who killed Rush. A review of submitted files also backed up his alibi. According to Time,Fleming was released from prison last year when the district attorney’s office validated his alibi.

After Fleming’s release, he worked with lawyers to sue New York City for $162 million. According to News, Fleming only had $93 in his pocket when he left prison. He had no home and didn’t even have an idea how to use a mobile phone. However, Fleming stated that he never gave up hope despite being incarcerated for more than 20 years.

“I had faith. I said to myself I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I’m going to get out.”

When news broke out of the wrongfully-accused man’s release, strangers came together to help him out financially, and the fundraising effort pooled a total of $49,000, which is $39,000 more than the initial goal of $10,000. Fleming is thankful to everyone who supported him.

“I promise that I will treat this money with the respect it deserves, and that I will forever be thankful to each and every person that took the time to help me out.”

Though Fleming did not get the $162 million, $6.25 million is still a hefty sum of money. Comptroller Scott Stringer said that the amount of money will not give Fleming back the time that was taken from him, but New York City is offering it as a compensation for the injustice.

Fleming’s lawyers released a statement regarding the $6.25 million compensation.

“The swift settlement will enable Jonathan and his family to build a new life without the painful and costly prospect of further litigation.”

What do you think about the compensation given to Jonathan Fleming? Is any amount of money enough to replace the 25 years that was taken away from him? Give us your comments below.

[Image via News.com.au]

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