Atlanta City Council Considers $1.5 Million Settlement for Wrongfully Imprisoned Son of Murder Victims

The City of Atlanta has the chance to right a terrible wrong after a tragic double murder led to the false imprisonment of a grieving son. Keith Sylvester’s life was shattered when he discovered his mother, Deborah, 65, and her husband, Harry Hubbard, 67, had been brutally murdered in their Georgia home in July 2018. The Hubbards were strangled and their home was set ablaze, leading to a devastating loss for Sylvester.

In the aftermath of the murders, Sylvester found himself not only mourning the loss of his parents but also facing false accusations. He was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and arson, spending 14 months in jail for a crime he did not commit. It wasn’t until 2020 that the true culprit, Cornelius Muckle, was identified and charged with the murders.

Former Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard confirmed that Sylvester’s innocence was proven through an independent investigation by the Major Felonies Unit. Now, five years after the tragedy, Sylvester is seeking justice for his wrongful imprisonment. The Atlanta city council is considering a $1.5 million settlement for Sylvester as compensation for the ordeal he endured.

As Sylvester continues to seek closure and justice for his parents, the City of Atlanta has the opportunity to make amends for the grave injustice he suffered. With Muckle awaiting trial for the murders, Sylvester’s fight for justice is far from over, but the potential settlement offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future after years of darkness.