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Man wrongfully convicted of murder 23 years ago to get $6.4 million – Metro US

Man wrongfully convicted of murder 23 years ago to get $6.4 million

Credit: Getty Images. David Ranta was released from prison last March after spending nearly 23 years locked up for a murder he did not commit. Credit: Getty Images.

A man who was freed last year after spending nearly 23 years in prison for a murder he did not commit will get a $6.4 million settlement from the city.

David Ranta was wrongfully convicted for shooting and killing a Brooklyn rabbi in 1990. He was released last March when a yearlong investigation revealed that the case against him was flawed.

“After a review process and negotiations, my office was able to reach a settlement with Mr. Ranta that is in the best interests of all parties and closes the door on a truly regrettable episode in our city’s history,” said Comptroller Scott Stringer in a statement. “I am pleased that my office was able to move quickly to resolve this claim.”

The rabbi, Chaskel Werzberger, was shot by a thief who stole his car after a botched jewelry heist.

Ranta was sentenced to 37 years, though there was no physical evidence against him. The 2011 probe found that a teenager who said he saw Ranta near the murder site had not told the truth.