Michael Sullivan, who spent more than 27 years in a Massachusetts prison for a murder he consistently denied committing, has been awarded $1 million in compensation after new DNA evidence proved his innocence.
Sullivan, now 61, was convicted in 1985 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His conviction was overturned in 2013 when advancements in DNA technology revealed he was not connected to the crime.
Earlier this month, a Massachusetts court awarded Sullivan $13 million (£10 million) in damages for his wrongful imprisonment. However, state law caps compensation at $1 million, restricting the payout he can receive.
During his time behind bars, Sullivan suffered significant personal losses, including the deaths of his mother and four siblings.
In a statement, he acknowledged the compensation but noted that no amount of money could ever restore the years stolen from him or replace the loved ones he lost while incarcerated.
