He’s Eligible for Up to $480,000 After Being Wrongly Imprisoned for 42 Years. The State Says No.

Elvis Brooks, a 69-year-old man from New Orleans, spent 42 years in prison for a murder he claims he did not commit. After the courts overturned his conviction, Brooks sought compensation from the state of Louisiana, which has a program to pay individuals wrongfully convicted. However, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has vehemently opposed his claim, arguing that he is still guilty and therefore ineligible for compensation.

This is not an isolated case, as Murrill has fought against nearly all 23 compensation claims filed since her appointment two years ago. Civil rights attorneys view Brooks' case as egregious, highlighting the injustice of the state attempting to undo his good name and falsely brand him a killer. While some states have faced challenges with new compensation funds, Louisiana's main obstacle appears to be conservative politicians who oppose the funds and fight every claim.

Murrill's tactics in Brooks' case have been particularly aggressive, raising concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the process.