-Avier Wanjou-Brass-

Cousins!

A Staten Island man falsely accused of murder has won a hefty lawsuit against New York City!

Grant Williams, 51 has been awarded $7 million after serving time for a crime he did not commit. He has been out on parole since 2019 with his conviction overturned last July. 

In 1996, Williams was accused of killing Shdell Lewis outside a Staten Island public housing area, reports Complex. 

Once Williams was cleared of the charges, he sued the city with the comptroller’s office choosing to settle his claim out of court; New York state also settled a different claim with Grant for $5 million. 

“This will assist him in going forward and trying to get back on his feet,” Williams’ attorney, Irving Cohen said, adding that the city “did the right thing.”

Multiple eye-witnesses, including a police officer identified Williams as the gunman, despite the description of the suspect and Williams not matching. One key evidence used in the case was a Wu-tang baseball cap left at the scene, not even tested for DNA. 

But other witnesses said Williams was not the gunman and the prosecution did not have any physical, forensic, or digital evidence suggesting he was an actual suspect. Repeatedly, Williams repealed his case with Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon finally agreeing to take a look. 

Williams previously worked in the legendary rap group’s studio album in Staten Island.

(📸: XXLMag/Getty)

With his friend Ghostface Killah by his side, Williams said outside the courthouse, “I used to tell everybody in prison I’m innocent.” Williams continues, “They say, ‘Oh Williams, everybody says that.’ I said, ‘I’m telling you the truth. One day you’re gonna see me on the news and they’re gonna say that I was innocent,’ and today’s that day.”

Hopefully, he can make the best of his life now that he is out! 

( 📸: Dave Sanders for The New York Times)