Texas Man Exonerated After 34 Years in Prison for Wrongful Conviction

Benjamin Spencer, a 59-year-old Texas man, has been exonerated after spending 34 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Spencer was initially convicted of robbery and murder in 1987, but his conviction was overturned after witnesses were found to have given false testimony. In a statement released upon his release, Spencer expressed his happiness and excitement, acknowledging the lost years but focusing on moving forward. The Dallas County District Attorney’s office dropped the charges against Spencer, acknowledging the injustice he had suffered. Spencer’s legal team, who had worked on his case for over 20 years, hailed the decision as a victory. Under Texas law, Spencer is entitled to compensation for his wrongful imprisonment, including a lump sum payment and a lifetime annuity.