New Milford, CT — Ricky Birch, who was wrongfully imprisoned for nearly three decades for a murder he did not commit, has been awarded $5.7 million by a jury consisting of eight men. The award concludes a lengthy legal battle against the town of New Milford and two former police detectives, where significant questions about police conduct were raised.
The civil trial scrutinized the roles of former detectives David Shortt and Steven Jordan in the 1985 investigation of Everett Carr’s murder. Although Jordan and Shortt were not found to have violated Birch’s fair trial rights, Shortt was found liable for common law negligence. The jury concluded that he was aware his investigative actions might harm Birch. Notably, Shortt passed away in 2019.
The case’s history dates back to 1989, when Birch along with Shawn Henning was convicted for Carr’s murder. Both men were exonerated in 2019 after their convictions were proven to be unjust, showcasing potential flaws in the judicial and investigative processes.
During the latest trial, representatives for the town of New Milford defended the detectives’ actions, asserting that they played only minimal roles in an investigation primarily led by the Connecticut State Police. Despite these defenses, the jury sided with Birch, leading to the multi-million dollar verdict.
Further complicating the town’s history of settlements, Shawn Henning, who had also been wrongfully convicted, had previously reached a settlement with New Milford and was awarded $2.5 million. At the time, legal representatives described the settlement as a pragmatic decision to mitigate risks and close a painful chapter for all parties involved.
In addition to their legal victories, Birch and Henning received a substantial settlement from the State of Connecticut, amounting to $25.2 million. This settlement was ratified by the state legislature in 2024, underscoring the gravity of their wrongful convictions and the state’s responsibility in the matter.
In the wake of the jury’s decision, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass indicated plans to convene with town attorneys to discuss the implications of the verdict and strategies for managing the financial burden imposed by the judgment.
This case highlights ongoing issues within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning the accountability of law enforcement personnel and the repercussions of their actions on individuals and communities. The outcomes of Birch’s and Henning’s trials may prompt further examination of police procedures and investigative accountability.
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