NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A bill to be considered by Virginia lawmakers would award nearly $3.5 million in state compensation to four Navy sailors who were wrongfully convicted in the rape and murder of an 18-year-old woman in 1997.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that unlike previous compensation bills, this one would not prohibit the men from suing the city or employees.
Del. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said that under his bill, the money would be split among the men, who became known as the “Norfolk Four:” Danial Williams, Joseph Dick, Eric Wilson and Derek Tice.
Wilson’s lawyer said the money “wouldn’t come close to being fair compensation,” but would be a step toward justice.
DNA matched only a fifth man convicted in the case.
Outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe granted the four men absolute pardons in 2017.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com
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