You can't make this kind of stuff up. Many people who go to prison dream of the day that they will be released. Most people would assume, that those who have been behind bars would do everything in their power to avoid going back. That would make sense. However, for Shaurn Thomas that was not the case. After being exonerated after 24 years in prison, this man winds up right back where he started.
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Man Exonerated After 24 Years For Murder
When Shaurn Thomas was just 20-years-old he was sentenced to life in prison. In 1990, a robbery gone wrong resulted in the death of a North Philadelphia businessman. Shaurn Thomas had some connection to the case and the sitting jury at the time convicted him of second-degree murder.
However, "the judge vacated his conviction in 2017 after issues with the police investigation," according to the NY Post. There were issues with the interrogation tactics, alibis, and more. While prosecuters were not entirely convinced of Mr. Thomas's innocence, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office declined to retry his case. Thus, Mr. Thomas was exonerated of his crimes after 24 years in jail.
In addition to his freedom, the NY Post reports that Thomas was also given "a $4.1 million settlement" for serving those 24 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later dropped. It seemed like Mr. Thomas's life was finally turning around.
Right Back Where We Started
Many would assume that the sweet taste of freedom, along with being a millionaire would be enough to keep someone on the straight and narrow. However, for Shaurn Thomasthat was not enough. Mr. Thomas is on his way back to prison after pleading guilty to murder last Thursday.
He plead guilty to the killing of his girlfriend's friend, Akeem Edwards, last year. The motive? This friend "failed to pay out $1,200 for the cocaine Thomas gave him to sell." If you are shocked, you are not alone. Even the judge on the case couldn't believe the facts. After all, who wants to go back to prison after being exonerated after 24 years?
However, Shaurn Thomas did not hesitate to tell the truth. When the judge questioned him, ensuring that a millionaire who spent half of his life in prison would truly risk it all by murdering someone, Thomas confessed. The victim's family is hopeful that Thomas will receive life behind bars....again.
