A Man’s Journey to Freedom After 29 Years of Wrongful Imprisonment
For nearly three decades, Michael Sullivan was behind bars, serving a life sentence for a murder he long insisted he never committed. Despite his protests of innocence, Sullivan’s mother and four siblings died, his girlfriend moved on with her life, and he was badly beaten in several prison attacks.
A Life of Suffering and Isolation
Sullivan’s ordeal began in 1986 when he was convicted of murdering Wilfred McGrath. He was sentenced to life in prison and spent the next 27 years behind bars. During his time in prison, Sullivan was beaten in several attacks, including one that nearly took off his nose and another that left him with a mangled ear.
The Search for Justice
In 2011, Sullivan’s fortunes changed when his attorney requested DNA testing, which found no blood on the coat that prosecutors claimed was evidence of Sullivan’s guilt. The testing also revealed that the substances on the coat did not contain McGrath’s DNA and could not determine if the hair found on the jacket belonged to him.
The Verdict: Innocent
In 2012, a new trial was ordered, and Sullivan was released from prison in 2013. In 2014, the Supreme Judicial Court upheld a decision to grant Sullivan a new trial, and in 2019, the state decided against retrying the case. In November 2024, a Massachusetts jury ruled that Sullivan was innocent of the murder and awarded him $13 million.
A New Life After Freedom
Sullivan’s freedom came with its challenges. He struggled to adjust to life outside of prison and has difficulty functioning in a world that changed dramatically while he was incarcerated. He has few job prospects and is still haunted by the memories of his time in prison.
A Plan for the Future
Sullivan’s plan is to use most of the money to ensure his nieces and nephews have what they need when they turn 21. He also hopes to save some of the money to treat himself to a new truck. His attorney plans to ask the court to provide him with therapy and educational services as part of the judgment.
Conclusion
Michael Sullivan’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking justice. After 29 years of wrongful imprisonment, Sullivan was finally exonerated and awarded $13 million. While his journey to freedom has been long and arduous, Sullivan is determined to make the most of his second chance and ensure that his nieces and nephews have a brighter future.
FAQs
Q: How did Michael Sullivan get convicted of murder?
A: Sullivan was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1987 after police say McGrath was robbed and beaten and his body dumped behind an abandoned supermarket.
Q: What evidence was used to convict Sullivan?
A: Prosecutors claimed that a purple jacket found at the scene of the crime had blood on it and a hair consistent with McGrath, not Sullivan’s.
Q: What was the outcome of Sullivan’s DNA testing?
A: The DNA testing found no blood on the coat and that the substances on the coat did not contain McGrath’s DNA and could not determine if the hair found on the jacket belonged to him.
Q: How much money was awarded to Sullivan?
A: A Massachusetts jury awarded Sullivan $13 million in compensation for his wrongful imprisonment.
Q: What is Sullivan’s plan for the future?
A: Sullivan plans to use most of the money to ensure his nieces and nephews have what they need when they turn 21 and to treat himself to a new truck. His attorney plans to ask the court to provide him with therapy and educational services as part of the judgment.
