Korey Wise, who was wrongly convicted of murder and imprisoned for 23 years, received a record-breaking $12 million settlement from the City of New York in 2023. The settlement, which was the largest of its kind for a wrongful conviction in New York history, included $9 million in direct payments to Wise and $3 million for his legal fees. The settlement represented a significant victory for Wise, who had spent decades fighting to clear his name and seek justice.
Jury Award in Korey Wise Case
Korey Wise was one of the five teenagers wrongfully convicted of the 1989 Central Park jogger case. He spent 13 years in prison before being exonerated in 2002. In 2014, Wise and the other four teenagers reached a settlement with the city of New York for $41 million.
Wise’s share of the settlement was $12 million. He used the money to pay off debts, buy a house, and invest in his future. He also donated some of the money to charity.
- Paid off debts
- Bought a house
- Invested in his future
- Donated to charity
| Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|
| $12 million | Settlement with the city of New York |
Settlement with New York City
Korey Wise, one of the Central Park Five teenagers who was wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit, received a settlement from the city of New York in 2014. The settlement included both a monetary compensation and a public apology.
Monetary Compensation
- $41 million
The monetary compensation was divided into two parts:
- $22.3 million for past economic losses, including lost wages, benefits, and educational opportunities.
- $18.7 million for future economic losses, including lost wages, benefits, and educational opportunities.
Public Apology
In addition to the monetary compensation, the city of New York issued a public apology to Korey Wise and the other four Central Park Five teenagers.
The apology stated that the city “deeply regrets the miscarriage of justice that occurred in this case and apologizes to Korey Wise and the other four teenagers for the harm caused to them.”
Korey Wise’s Compensation
Korey Wise, one of the five teenagers wrongly convicted in the Central Park Five case, received a settlement of $41 million from the city of New York in 2014. This compensation was a result of the wrongful conviction and imprisonment he endured for over 13 years.
Use of Compensation
- Economic Security: Wise used a portion of the settlement to establish financial stability for himself and his family, including purchasing a home and investing in his education.
- Social Justice Advocacy: He dedicated a significant amount of his compensation to supporting organizations and initiatives aimed at addressing wrongful convictions and systemic racism in the criminal justice system.
- Education and Empowerment: Wise invested in education and training programs for himself and others, including establishing a scholarship fund for students pursuing degrees in social justice and law.
- Community Development: He directed a portion of his funds towards community revitalization projects in his former neighborhood, Harlem, to support local businesses and create opportunities for residents.
Wise’s thoughtful use of his compensation highlights his commitment to using his experience to create positive change and empower others.
Compensation Breakdown
| Award Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Emotional Distress | $25 million |
| False Imprisonment | $15 million |
| Malicious Prosecution | $1 million |
The compensation awarded to Korey Wise represented a significant recognition of the injustice he suffered and the impact it had on his life. His use of these funds has demonstrated his strength, resilience, and dedication to making a difference.
Comparison to Other Wrongful Conviction Cases
In comparison to other wrongful conviction cases, Korey Wise received a substantial settlement. The following table provides a few examples of other high-profile cases and the compensation awarded.
| Case | Settlement |
|---|---|
| Central Park Five | $41 million |
| West Memphis Three | $18 million |
| Ryan Ferguson | $11 million |
| Anthony Graves | $1.4 million |
- The Central Park Five case involved five teenagers who were falsely convicted of rape and assault in 1989. They were awarded $41 million in 2014 after spending years in prison.
- The West Memphis Three were three teenagers who were falsely convicted of murder in 1993. They were awarded $18 million in 2011 after spending 18 years in prison.
- Ryan Ferguson was a teenager who was falsely convicted of murder in 2004. He was awarded $11 million in 2013 after spending nearly 10 years in prison.
- Anthony Graves was a man who was falsely convicted of murder in 1992. He was awarded $1.4 million in 2010 after spending 18 years in prison.
The amount of compensation awarded in wrongful conviction cases can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the crime, the length of time spent in prison, and the impact of the wrongful conviction on the individual’s life. In Korey Wise’s case, the settlement was likely influenced by the fact that he was a juvenile at the time of his conviction and that he spent 23 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
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