Two men who were incarcerated for almost twenty years due to a crime they did not commit are finally receiving some form of justice, although no compensation can restore the time they lost. On Tuesday, the City of New Haven declared it has reached a settlement to pay Vernon Horn and Marquis Jackson $15.25 million each, concluding their federal civil rights lawsuits and marking the end of a tragic period in the city’s legal history.
The incident occurred on January 24, 1999, when three individuals wearing masks entered the Dixwell Deli in New Haven and fatally shot 22-year-old Caprice Hardy during the robbery. Horn and Jackson were found guilty for their roles in the robbery and murder, receiving identical sentences of 70 years in prison. Close to two decades afterward, in 2018, the charges against both were dropped, allowing them to leave prison freely, reported WTNH.
The law firm that represented Horn stated that these settlements are now the largest wrongful conviction compensation amounts in Connecticut history. The city will pay $12.75 million for each settlement after insurance pays part of the cost, and it will also pay all legal expenses. The deals must still be accepted by the New Haven Board of Alders, with the decision likely happening in September.
For Horn and Jackson, no financial compensation can undo their losses. Horn endured 17 years of incarceration, while Jackson served 19 years. Both men missed significant life events such as weddings, funerals, and birthdays; Horn also missed crucial moments in his daughter’s development. The following details how the city reached this point of accountability and the perspectives of both men after they were finally able to move past the ordeal.
Key Points of the Agreement
The settlement addresses two combined legal actions filed by Horn and Jackson against New Haven following their release. Mayor Justin Elicker, who held no official position during the original events, released a statement recognizing the seriousness of the situation. He stated that no individual should endure imprisonment for an offense they did not commit, and that although the city cannot restore the time Horn and Jackson lost, it must acknowledge the failure of justice.
Elicker issued a more extensive apology, speaking for the city and acknowledging that Horn and Jackson lived in New Haven and had their lives disrupted by the mistaken convictions. He stated that he hoped the financial resolutions would enable both men to progress.
In Their Own Words
Through his attorneys, Horn issued his own reflections on the price he paid during his ordeal. He talked about family he lost while locked up and the irreplaceable moments missed with his daughter, yet insisted he kept fighting to clear his name, even when it seemed no one was listening.
The upcoming settlements are set to be examined by the Board of Alders next month. If given the green light, the city will issue bonds to cover the uninsured portion, finally resolving a case that has been ongoing for 25 years.