The Unlived Life of Eric Glisson (6 photos)

The legislative and judicial system are, of course, necessary to maintain order in society. But often they make fatal mistakes that cannot be fully corrected.





In 1995, Eric Glisson was only 18 years old. A couple of months ago he became a father and, together with his girlfriend, was learning to be a parent. But all dreams and plans for a happy life collapsed in one moment. The guy, along with four other men, was accused of murdering 38-year-old Denise Raymond. A woman was attacked in her Bronx home, handcuffed, legs tied, a pillow placed over her face and shot twice in the head.



Eric Glisson

The defendants ended up in New York's Sing Sing prison. The minimum term of imprisonment was 24 years. The investigation was conducted formally - no examination or DNA testing was carried out. The main witness for the prosecution was a semi-sane woman suffering from drug addiction, who had difficulty distinguishing day from night.



Sing Sing Prison

At the trial, Eric insisted on his innocence. But they didn’t believe him. Family and friends turned their backs on Glisson, considering him a murderer. But the convict decided not to give up. In parallel with the constant filing of appeals, he studied, played sports, taught fellow prisoners and even received a diploma in psychology.

Using the opportunity to access his own file, the guy carefully studied it and was amazed: the real criminals - members of an organized group involved in drug trafficking - were found and, moreover, confessed. But the confession took place within the framework of another case and from another investigator. The detectives, whose genius is tirelessly praised in the press and culture, did not have the desire, motivation or intelligence to connect the two cases into one. The convict sent a letter to the investigator, and the investigation was resumed.



So, thanks to Eric’s perseverance, 5 people received freedom. Innocent. They achieved a record amount of compensation in the amount of $40 million. Eric received 8 million. And this can be called a victory. But only partly. No one will return 17 years of his life - the best years that Glisson spent behind bars. As well as relationships with loved ones: at the time of his release, Eric’s daughter, who does not consider him his father, was the same age as he was at the time of his sentencing.



But the man did not despair. In the interview, he gave everyone simple life advice:

Just enjoy everything that comes your way. Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, good or bad, just take everything for granted. Before you know it, it will get better.



Eric tries to follow his advice himself. He opened a juice bar in the Bronx, came to terms with what happened, tries to look positively at the future and has a philosophical attitude towards all life's trials.