Texas Man Wrongfully Convicted for 34 Years Exonerated and Moving Forward

After spending 34 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Benjamin Spencer of Texas was finally exonerated on Thursday. The wrongful conviction stemmed from a murder case in the 1980s, where Spencer was initially found guilty of the carjacking and death of Jeffrey Young.

“I’m just excited that this day has finally come,” said Spencer, now 59 years old, upon hearing the news of his exoneration. His defense attorney, Cheryl Wattley, who had been working on his case for over two decades, expressed her relief and joy at the long-awaited justice.

Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot played a crucial role in correcting this injustice by dismissing the aggravated robbery charge against Spencer. Creuzot acknowledged the false testimony provided by prosecution witnesses, including a jailhouse informant seeking leniency, and the failure to disclose evidence that could have cleared Spencer’s name.

Spencer, who had always maintained his innocence, had his conviction overturned in 1987 but was later retried and sentenced to life in prison for aggravated robbery. He was released on bond in 2021 after it was determined that his constitutional rights were violated during the trial.

Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Garza, who heads the Conviction Integrity Unit, confirmed that there was no credible evidence linking Spencer to the crime. Spencer is now eligible for compensation under Texas law for the years he spent wrongfully incarcerated.

As one of the 60 longest-serving individuals to be declared innocent, Spencer hopes to move forward with his life and serve as an inspiration to others. Despite the lost years, he remains optimistic about the future and is grateful for the opportunity to start anew.