5 Famous Wrongful Conviction Cases That Changed Connecticut

Being forced to serve a jail or prison sentence for a crime you did not commit is one of the most heinous injustices that anyone could experience. Time and freedom are priceless. When they are taken from you unjustly, you deserve to be compensated for your losses.

Connecticut has witnessed several high-profile wrongful conviction cases that have not only destroyed innocent lives but also exposed serious flaws in the criminal justice system. These cases of false imprisonment have led to legislative reforms and highlighted the critical importance of thorough investigations, proper forensic science, and fair legal proceedings.

Each wrongful conviction represents years — sometimes decades — of stolen freedom, damaged relationships, and lost opportunities. While no amount of money can truly restore what was taken, Connecticut law now provides a pathway to compensation for those who have suffered this ultimate injustice, and the attorneys at Jacobs & Dow, LLC can help you get it.

Connecticut’s Wrongful Conviction Compensation Law

Connecticut recognizes that wrongful conviction cases deserve more than just an apology. The state has established legal frameworks to provide financial compensation to individuals who have been wrongfully imprisoned. This compensation acknowledges that while freedom cannot be restored, victims deserve recognition and financial support to rebuild their lives after years of unjust incarceration.

The state’s compensation system considers various factors, including the length of imprisonment, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages resulting from false imprisonment. Understanding these protections is crucial for anyone who has suffered a wrongful conviction.

1. Shawn Henning and Ricky Birch: 30 Years Behind Bars

Perhaps the most shocking wrongful conviction cases in Connecticut history involve Shawn Henning and Ricky Birch, who spent three decades in prison for a murder they did not commit. Convicted in 1989 for the 1985 murder of Everett Carr, these men lost the prime years of their lives to a flawed investigation.

Their convictions were overturned in 2019 after a judge ruled that renowned forensic scientist Henry Lee’s testimony was erroneous and lacked proper evidence. The case exposed how expert testimony, when flawed or fabricated, can lead to devastating consequences for innocent people.

The financial settlement reflected the magnitude of this injustice. The two men settled with the state for $25.2 million, and Ricky Birch received an additional $5.7 million verdict against the town of New Milford. These substantial awards recognize that wrongful conviction cases can destroy entire lifetimes.

2. Kenneth Ireland: Two Decades of Lost Freedom

Kenneth Ireland’s case demonstrates how DNA testing can expose wrongful convictions that might otherwise never be discovered. Ireland served 21 years for a rape and murder he did not commit before being released in 2009.

His freedom came only after post-conviction DNA testing established his complete innocence. The case highlights how scientific advances can reveal the truth, but only after irreplaceable years have been stolen from innocent lives.

Ireland’s wrongful conviction underscores the importance of preserving evidence and the need for accessible post-conviction DNA testing. His case became a catalyst for reforms in how Connecticut handles potential false imprisonment cases.

3. Miguel Roman: Over 20 Years for Another Man’s Crime

Miguel Roman’s wrongful conviction case shows how devastating it can be when the criminal justice system fails. Roman served over 20 years for a murder he did not commit before being released in 2008.

Like Ireland’s case, Roman’s freedom came through post-conviction DNA testing that established his innocence. His case represents not just personal tragedy, but systemic failures that allowed an innocent man to spend more than two decades in prison while the real perpetrator remained free.

Roman’s case has become a focal point for understanding how wrongful convictions occur and what can be done to prevent them. His ongoing legal battle for compensation continues to highlight the long-term consequences of false imprisonment.

4. Stefon Morant: 21 Years Due to Police and Prosecutorial Misconduct

Stefon Morant’s case reveals some of the most troubling aspects of wrongful conviction cases: official misconduct that deliberately perverts justice. Convicted in the 1990 murders of two people in New Haven, Morant served 21 years in prison before his release in 2015.

Morant was eventually pardoned in 2021 after DNA testing failed to link him to the crime scene. Perhaps more disturbing, his civil rights lawsuit alleged that a detective manipulated his audio statement and threatened witnesses — actions that represent a complete betrayal of public trust.

His case demonstrates how police and prosecutorial misconduct can create wrongful convictions that steal decades from innocent lives. The false imprisonment in Morant’s case wasn’t just the result of mistakes — it involved deliberate actions that perverted justice.

Common Causes of Wrongful Convictions

These Connecticut cases reveal recurring patterns in how innocent people end up wrongfully convicted:

• Flawed Expert Testimony: The Henning and Birch case shows how supposedly authoritative expert witnesses can provide erroneous or fabricated testimony that leads juries to convict innocent people.
• Inadequate Legal Representation: Many wrongful conviction cases involve defendants who didn’t receive effective legal counsel during their original trials.
• Official Misconduct: Police and prosecutorial misconduct, as seen in Morant’s case, can manufacture evidence or suppress information that would exonerate innocent defendants.
• Lack of Advanced Testing: Before DNA testing became widely available, many innocent people were convicted based on less reliable evidence. The Ireland and Roman cases show how scientific advances can reveal long-hidden truths.
• Eyewitness Misidentification: While not the primary factor in these specific cases, eyewitness errors remain one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationwide.

The Ongoing Impact of False Imprisonment

Wrongful conviction cases don’t end when prison doors finally open. Victims of false imprisonment face enormous challenges rebuilding their lives after losing years or decades to unjust incarceration. They often struggle with:

• Finding employment after years away from the workforce
• Reconnecting with family and friends
• Accessing healthcare and mental health services
• Dealing with the psychological trauma of wrongful imprisonment
• Navigating a world that has changed dramatically during their incarceration

These challenges make compensation not just morally necessary, but practically essential for helping wrongful conviction victims rebuild their lives.

How Jacobs & Dow, LLC Can Help Wrongful Conviction Victims

At Jacobs & Dow, LLC, our attorneys have decades of experience protecting the rights of Connecticut clients facing criminal charges. We handle even the most complex, high-profile cases, including wrongful incarceration claims.

Our lawyers understand that wrongful conviction cases require specialized knowledge of both criminal law and civil rights litigation. We have the experience and knowledge needed to help you pursue the best compensation award available under Connecticut law.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of false imprisonment, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for this ultimate injustice. 

Contact Jacobs & Dow, LLC today to learn how our experienced attorneys can help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Time and freedom are priceless — and when they’re stolen from you unjustly, the law provides remedies to help you move forward.