In a landmark decision, a federal jury has awarded $120 million to John Fulton and Anthony Mitchell, two men wrongfully convicted of a 2003 murder, marking the largest wrongful conviction jury verdict in U.S. history.
Fulton and Mitchell were teenagers—18 and 17, respectively—when arrested for the murder of 18-year-old Christopher Collazo. Despite the absence of physical evidence or eyewitness testimony linking them to the crime, both were convicted in 2006 and sentenced to 31 years in prison.
After serving 16 years, their convictions were overturned in 2019 when a Cook County judge ordered a new trial, leading prosecutors to drop all charges. The reversal was based on findings that the original investigation and trial were marred by misconduct and lack of credible evidence.
On March 10, 2025, the jury awarded $60 million to each plaintiff. This unprecedented sum underscores the severity of the injustice they endured. Fulton expressed relief and a commitment to advocate for others wrongfully incarcerated, stating, “Justice is finally here… there are a lot of people that are just like me that are wrongfully incarcerated in the justice system, and they need to be brought home too.”
The City of Chicago plans to appeal the verdict. A spokesperson for the Department of Law stated that the city is reviewing the decision and considering its legal options.
This case highlights ongoing issues within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning wrongful convictions and police misconduct. The substantial verdict may prompt further scrutiny of investigative practices and bolster efforts for systemic reform.
Sources:
- Jury Awards $120M to 2 Men Wrongfully Convicted of 2003 Murder, Setting New Chicago Record
- Chicago jury awards $120M to two men wrongfully convicted in 2003 murder
