Benjamin Spencer, a Texas man who spent almost 34 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, was exonerated on Thursday. At 59 years old, Spencer expressed both relief and determination to move forward after decades of wrongful imprisonment.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Justice
“I’m just excited that this day has finally come,” said Spencer, reflecting on the years he lost behind bars. In 1987, Spencer was convicted of aggravated robbery and murder in connection with the carjacking and death of Jeffrey Young. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal, it took nearly 34 years for the justice system to correct the mistake.
Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot played a key role in the exoneration, pushing for a serious re-examination of the evidence that initially led to Spencer’s conviction. The motion to dismiss the charges against Spencer was granted by a Dallas County judge, bringing an end to a decades-long battle for justice.
False Testimony and Withheld Evidence
Spencer’s wrongful conviction was largely based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses, including a jailhouse informant who was seeking leniency. DA Creuzot acknowledged that these witnesses provided false testimony and that prosecutors at the time failed to disclose critical evidence that could have exonerated Spencer, such as fingerprints that did not match his.
The original conviction was overturned, but Spencer faced a second trial where he was once again convicted and sentenced to life in prison. However, in 2021, Spencer was released on bond after the district attorney’s office determined that his constitutional rights had been violated due to the false testimony and the withholding of exculpatory evidence.
Earlier this year, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned Spencer’s conviction and remanded the case back to Dallas County, ultimately leading to his full exoneration.
One of the Longest-Serving Wrongfully Convicted Individuals
Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Garza, who heads the office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, stated, “There exists no credible or physical evidence that he was in any way involved in this crime.” Spencer’s exoneration adds him to the list of the 60 longest-serving wrongfully convicted individuals in the United States, according to The National Registry of Exonerations.
Looking Toward the Future
Under Texas law, Spencer is eligible for compensation, including a lump sum payment of up to $80,000 for each year he was wrongfully incarcerated, as well as an annuity. His defense attorney, Cheryl Wattley, who has dedicated over 20 years to Spencer’s case, praised his resilience and determination to live an honorable life after his release.
