Vincent Simmons, a Black man from Louisiana, was wrongfully convicted in 1977 and spent 44 years in prison for a crime he did not commit before finally being exonerated. Here’s a breakdown of his case
Vincent was Convicted in 1977 and was sentenced to 100 years in prison for the alleged attempted aggravated rape of two 14-year-old white twin sisters in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
Reports indicate there was No Physical Evidence such as DNA, fingerprints or other forensic evidence linking Simmons to the case. Prosecution relied solely on the twins’ testimony.
Multiple people testified that Simmons was at a family gathering miles away at the time of the alleged crime, but their accounts were ignored. This has led Simmons maintain that his conviction was as a result of racial bias.
In 2021, there was a Breakthrough when a judge finally ruled that the original trial was unfair and that Simmons’ constitutional rights had been violated. After 44 years behind bars, Vincent Simmons was released at age 69, with the conviction overturned.
Simmons filed a wrongful conviction lawsuit seeking compensation for his decades in prison. Since his release, he has been adjusting to life after prison, advocating for criminal justice reform.
He continues to seek financial restitution for his lost years.
