US brothers wrongfully jailed released after 3 decades

Two US brothers wrongfully imprisoned for three decades in the killing of an 11-year-old girl say pardons will help them move on “with not just a clear conscience, but a clear name.” It will also help them adjust to life on the outside with hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. The governor’s action this week qualified the brothers for $750,000 (€675,000) from the state.

It will also help them adjust to life on the outside with hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. The governor’s action this week qualified the brothers for $750,000 (€675,000) from the state.

Family and friends of Henry McCollum and Leon Brown were jubilant in early September after a judge quashed their convictions and ordered their release, citing new DNA evidence that points to another man killing and raping 11-year-old Sabrina Buie in 1983.