In a historic ruling, two Chicago men have been awarded a staggering $120 million after spending 32 years behind bars for a crime they never committed. The settlement marks the largest wrongful conviction payout in U.S. history.

Nevest Coleman and Kevin Bailey were sentenced to life in prison in the 1980s for a brutal murder they had no involvement in. Despite a lack of credible evidence, coerced confessions, and serious misconduct by law enforcement, the two men lost decades of their lives behind bars. It wasn’t until 2018 that new DNA evidence proved their innocence, leading to their exoneration and release.

After years of legal battles, a federal jury ruled in their favor, holding the city of Chicago accountable for its role in their wrongful conviction. The $120 million verdict serves as both compensation for their suffering and a stark reminder of the flaws within the criminal justice system.

While no amount of money can return the years lost, this case highlights the urgent need for justice reform to prevent such tragic injustices from happening again.