City of Atlanta Settles for $1.5 Million with Wrongfully Jailed Man

City of Atlanta Approves $1.5 Million Settlement for Wrongfully Arrested Man

The city of Atlanta has agreed to a $1.5 million settlement for Keith Sylvester, a man wrongfully arrested and jailed for nearly 14 months in connection with the murder of his mother and stepfather. Sylvester, who has consistently maintained his innocence since his arrest in 2018, faced allegations of strangling his mother, Deborah Hubbard, and his stepfather, Harry Hubbard.

The Misguided Arrest

On July 3, 2018, two people were tragically found dead inside a home along Harvel Drive in northwest Atlanta. Sylvester was swiftly arrested, accused of the heinous crime, and spent almost 14 months behind bars despite his repeated denials. “I am innocent and had nothing to do with my mother and stepfather’s death,” Sylvester stated firmly.

Turning Point in the Investigation

The case against Sylvester began to crumble when new evidence emerged pointing to a different suspect. Detectives eventually traced the crime back to Cornelius Muckle. Crucial evidence, such as Muckle’s cellphone being located at the crime scene and the fact that he pawned items from the Hubbard household just two days after the murders, implicated him beyond doubt.

Sylvester’s Ordeal and Efforts to Find the Real Culprit

Sylvester’s experience was nothing short of harrowing. Reflecting on his wrongful imprisonment, he expressed that his mugshot “should have never been taken.” Despite his unjust situation, Sylvester took proactive steps to assist in the search for the true perpetrator. He even put up arson signs in his neighborhood, hoping to bring his mother and stepfather’s killer to justice.

Community’s Reaction and Closure

The community was understandably relieved when Sylvester’s innocence was proven. Neighbor Brandon Graham summed up the collective sentiment, saying, “He had a loving relationship with his mother and his family. So, to find out we do have a suspect that is not him, that’s a great thing.”

Following the detailed investigation and the emergence of new evidence, Keith Sylvester was finally set free. His wrongful arrest and the subsequent ordeal led him to sue the City of Atlanta, which has now led to the approved $1.5 million settlement to compensate for the false accusation and 14-month confinement he suffered.

Justice for Sylvester and Upcoming Trial

As the case moves forward, the focus shifts to the trial of Cornelius Muckle, who is now the principal suspect in the double murder. Muckle’s trial is set to commence on October 3, bringing hope for a sense of closure for the affected families and the community at large.

The city’s approval of the settlement for Keith Sylvester signifies an important step in addressing the consequences of wrongful arrests and underscores the vital importance of accurate and thorough investigations.