[Can't Breath in Racist System] After 18 Years in Jail for Wrongful Murder Conviction Latino Man Reaches Settlement with New York

From [HERE] Exoneree Fernando Bermudez will receive $4.75 million from the state of New York in compensation for the 18 years he was wrongly incarcerated for a murder he didn’t commit. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, this is the largest settlement the state has ever paid for a wrongful conviction.  

Bermudez was convicted of second degree murder for a shooting that took place outside of a Manhattan night club in 1991.  A federal judge reversed Bermudez’ conviction in 2009 after several witnesses recanted their testimony, saying they were coerced by police into identifying Bermudez.  

In a statement Bermudez said, “”Of course, the settlement will never erase the injustice that I experienced as an innocent man in prison for 18 1/2 years. The mental and physical toll, which began 23 years ago, continues for me.”

Bermudez also has a pending civil rights lawsuit against New York City.  Bermudez has shared his experience of being wrongly convicted with audiences around the globe. You can watch a video featuring Bermudez and his family talking about the injustice they endured here.