In a story that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring, Maurice Hastings, a 72-year-old Black man from California, has officially won a $25 million settlement after spending nearly four decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Hastings was convicted of murder back in 1983, despite always maintaining his innocence. For years, his requests for DNA testing were denied—until 2021, when the results finally cleared him of any wrongdoing (Black News).
In 2022, his conviction was overturned, and Hastings walked free after spending 38 years behind bars. But freedom couldn’t erase what was stolen from him. Speaking after the settlement, Hastings said:
“No amount of money could ever restore the 38 years of my life that were stolen from me.” (Black News)
The $25 million payout, approved by the City of Inglewood, is now the largest wrongful conviction settlement in California’s history. It not only highlights Hastings’ strength and persistence but also raises serious questions about systemic failures in the justice system—from ignored DNA evidence to accusations of prosecutorial misconduct.
Today, Hastings lives in Southern California, staying active in his church and community. His case is a powerful reminder of why criminal justice reform and accountability are so important.
