City of Oklahoma Approves $7 Million Settlement

The city of Edmond, Oklahoma has agreed to pay $7.15 million to Glynn Simmons, who spent nearly 50 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. The settlement was approved by the Edmond City Council after Simmons filed a lawsuit against the estate of a late detective and the city. Simmons was convicted of a fatal shooting in 1974, but evidence hidden by investigators and falsified witness reports led to his wrongful conviction. He was released in 2023 and determined to be “actually innocent” in 2024. Simmons is known to be the longest-served wrongfully convicted man in U.S. history. He is also expected to receive compensation from the state of Oklahoma. A jury trial for his federal case is scheduled for March 2025. Another man, Don Roberts, who was also convicted of the same murder, is hoping for a determination of innocence in his case as well. Simmons expressed gratitude to his legal team and faith in God for his eventual release and exoneration. He emphasized the long-awaited justice he is seeking against the remaining defendants in the case, including the city of Oklahoma City and a retired detective.

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