Oklahoma Man Imprisoned Since 1974 Finally Freed Following Revelation of Withheld Police Reports

An Oklahoma man who spent nearly five decades behind bars for a crime he steadfastly claimed he did not commit has finally been granted a new trial and set free by an Oklahoma judge.

Oklahoma man Simmons maintained his innocence all along, consistently asserting that he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the incident. (Photo: iStock)

Oklahoma Man Imprisoned Since 1974 Finally Freed

Glynn Ray Simmons, an Oklahoma man and a resident of Louisiana, had been convicted in 1974 for the fatal shooting of Carolyn Sue Rogers, a liquor store clerk in Edmond.

The long-awaited ruling came after compelling evidence surfaced, indicating that crucial information was withheld by the state during the original trial.

According to the U.S. News, Oklahoma man Glynn Ray Simmons, now 70 years old, was only 22 when he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the robbery-murder.

The case relied heavily on the identification made by a witness who was injured during the robbery. However, Oklahoma man Simmons maintained his innocence all along, consistently asserting that he was in his home state of Louisiana at the time of the incident.

Upon leaving the courtroom a free man, Glynn Simmons expressed his overwhelming emotions stating, “I’m free now. It’s indescribable. I did 48 years. Justice is out the window. This is mercy. I’m happy. I’m ready to move on and make something of my life.”

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Oklahoma Man’s Trial

According to a published article, during the recent court hearing presided over by District Judge Amy Palumbo, it was revealed that the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office had failed to disclose vital police department reports related to the case.

One such report indicated that another eyewitness might have identified different suspects involved in the crime, rather than implicating Simmons and his co-defendant, Don Roberts.

Moved by the failure to disclose this crucial information, Judge Palumbo decided to vacate Oklahoma man Glynn Simmons’ murder conviction and life sentence, acknowledging that he had been denied a fair trial.

The original trial had resulted in both Oklahoma man Glynn Simmons and Don Roberts being sentenced to death. However, subsequent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning capital punishment led to their sentences being commuted to life imprisonment in 1977.

Don Roberts was released on parole in 2008 and has since maintained his innocence, testifying to it during an April hearing, as reported by the Oklahoman.

While Oklahoma man Glynn Simmons’ release is undoubtedly a significant step towards rectifying a potential miscarriage of justice, the journey is not over yet.

Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna confirmed that the next step involves a thorough evaluation of the case for retrial, which has been scheduled for October 23.

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