Richard Phillips has been in prison for more than 45 years for a murder he did not commit. He spent more time than any other wrongly convicted people in the United States. But after this murder he confessed to the other man, a resident of Michigan was acquitted and released from prison last March. Now the attorney General of Michigan Dana Nessel announced that Phillips will receive $1.5 million in compensation for the time that he was forced to spend in prison.
Phillips was awarded a $50 thousand for every year he spent in prison. His lawyer, Gabi silver told CNN that the money is not taxed and will not go to cover legal costs.
Interestingly, the payment of $1.5 million covers only 3 decades his prison term because he was also convicted on charges of armed robbery. Silver said she still struggles with this accusation. If Phillips will meet and on this point, he will be able to obtain greater amount of compensation.
The Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Warsi said in a statement: «This is excellent news and it is quite right. Although compensation will not return for 45 years he unjustly spent in prison, I sincerely hope that this will give him the deserved enjoyment of life».
Richard Phillips is now 73. He was 27 when he was arrested. A man was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 1972 without the possibility of parole. At that time, Richard Nixon fought for the presidency since George McGovern. The top five music chat was «Ben» by Michael Jackson and «Burning Love» Elvis Presley and the automotive factories of Detroit, where he worked as Phillips was at the pinnacle of success. After 4 decades, the world has changed, and after his release Richard was amazed by the variety of types of orange juice, which he saw on the shelves.
Phillips initially was accused that he allegedly pulled a man named Gregory Harris from his car and shot. Brother-in-law of the victim told investigators that he met with Phillips at a bar where they were discussing the murder. But Phillips insisted on his innocence. He told his lawyer: «I’d rather die in prison than confess to the murder he did not commit.»
In 2010, another man, Richard Palombo, confessed to killing Harris. After 4 years Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan law School has considered the recognition of Palombo. After several years of litigation, Phillips appointed a new court date in late 2017. He was released in March of 2018.
Being in prison, in 90 years, Phillips began to paint to get rid of feelings of loneliness. His paintings have often dealt with themes of hope and survival. For 30 years he has created a collection that is now for sale.
Gabi silver said Phillips, who rents an apartment, but hopes that, through the payment received will be able to buy a house and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Silver said that among such simple expectations – the acquisition of a German shepherd puppy. «He’s pretty balanced. He says he is not embittered in prison,» added silver.
