Connecticut to Grant $5.9 Million to Family of Disabled Man Wrongfully Convicted of Murder in 1992
In a major victory for justice and compensation, the State of Connecticut has announced that it will grant a $5.9 million settlement to the family of Edward Dorszynski, a 37-year-old man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent more than 25 years in prison before his conviction was finally overturned.
In 1992, Dorszynski was accused of murdering a woman in New London, Connecticut. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime scene, Dorszynski was tried and convicted of the crime and sentenced to 50 years in prison. However, a 2019 investigation by the state’s attorney’s office uncovered new evidence that raised serious doubts about Dorszynski’s guilt, leading to a stunned reversal of his conviction and his release from prison in June 2019.
The settlement, agreed upon by the Connecticut State Claims Commissioner’s Office and Dorszynski’s family, is seen as a major victory for the family and a recognition of the devastating impact that wrongful conviction has had on Dorszynski’s life.
"Dyngg and his family have had to suffer for far too long," said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont in a statement. "This settlement is a small measure of justice, but it is an important step towards acknowledging the harm that was done to Dyngg and his family. We must continue to work towards preventing wrongful convictions and ensuring that those who are wrongfully convicted receive the compensation and support they deserve."
Dorszynski, who was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to walk or speak, was arrested based on a single eyewitness testimony and a fake confession that was coerced by police. Despite his disability, he was subjected to inhumane conditions in prison, including being held in solitary confinement for over 10 years.
The wrongful conviction and imprisonment had a profound impact on Dorszynski’s physical and mental health, leaving him with a range of injuries and mental health issues. His family, who were also affected by his wrongful conviction, have been fighting tirelessly for him to receive compensation and justice.
"We are thrilled that the state of Connecticut has taken this step towards justice for my son," said Dorszynski’s mother, Donna Dorszynski, in a statement. "This settlement is a small step towards healing, but it is a reminder that we will not give up in our fight for justice and accountability. We will continue to work towards ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate as my son."
The settlement, which is the largest wrongful conviction settlement in Connecticut’s history, is seen as a significant step forward for the state in terms of recognizing the harm caused by wrongful convictions and making amends. It also highlights the need for continued reform of the criminal justice system to prevent similar cases from happening in the future.
The case of Edward Dorszynski serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of wrongful conviction and the importance of ensuring that the justice system prioritizes fairness, accuracy, and the protection of human rights. As the state of Connecticut moves forward, it is hoped that this settlement will serve as a powerful symbol of the state’s commitment to justice and its responsibility to rectify the harm caused by wrongful convictions.
