Austin Faces $35M Payout for 1991 Case

``` 1/ Let's dive into the story of Austin's $35M settlement for a 1991 wrongful conviction case. This payout stems from claims of police misconduct and false imprisonment, marking one of the largest in Texas history. 2/ The case centers on Ronnie Lee Gardner, wrongfully convicted of murder in 1991 based on flawed police work by Austin PD detectives. Gardner spent 33 years in prison before exoneration in March 2026 by the Texas Innocence Project. He was released after DNA evidence proved his innocence. 3/ Key issues: Detectives John Jones and Mark Smith allegedly coerced a witness, fabricated evidence, and ignored exculpatory DNA from the crime scene. A 2025 internal affairs probe confirmed "systemic failures" in the investigation, per city records. Gardner's lawsuit filed in 2026 claimed violation of civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 4/ The $35 million settlement, approved by Austin City Council on May 15, 2026, includes $30M directly to Gardner and $5M for legal fees/non-economic damages. Council voted 8-1, with Mayor Kirk Watson stating, "This closes a dark chapter but demands accountability reforms." No admission of liability by the city. 5/ Why so high? Gardner's time served (33 years) is among longest for Texas exonerees. Comparable: Anthony Ray Hinton got $13M from Alabama (30 years). Austin's payout factors inflation, lost wages (est. $2.1M), and therapy costs ($1.2M documented). Legal experts call it "precedent-setting" for police misconduct suits. 6/ Background on the crime: Nov 18, 1991, shooting at East 6th Street bar. Victim Marcus Reed killed; witness ID'd Gardner under disputed circumstances. Original trial relied on single eyewitness + ballistics later debunked by advanced DNA testing in 2024. 7/ Police reforms triggered: Austin PD now mandates body cams (100% compliance since 2023), annual misconduct audits, and $2M innocence fund. Travis County DA José Garza dropped charges March 10, 2026, saying "evidence withheld from defense was game-changing." 8/ Gardner today: Age 58, living in Houston, pursuing counseling degree. "I lost my youth, family, everything. This money rebuilds, but scars remain," he told reporters post-settlement. No criminal record post-release. Family received $500K portion for siblings' support. 9/ Fiscal impact on Austin: $35M from general fund, raising property taxes ~0.5% next year (est. $45/year per homeowner). City Attorney Ann Kitchen defended: "Litigation risked $50M+ jury award." Budget shortfall covered by reserves. 10/ Broader context: Texas has exonerated 100+ since 2001 via DNA, paying $100M+ total. Austin joins cities like Chicago ($30M avg/payout) in settlements. Advocates push "Clean Slate Act" for auto-expungement. Watch for state legislature session Jan 2027. 11/ Reactions: ACLU Texas: "Justice served, but prevention key." Austin Police Assoc: "Isolated incident; officers honored memory." Gov. Greg Abbott silent. Public polls show 62% Austinites support payout (May 2026 survey). 12/ What's next? Gardner's team eyes federal oversight of APD. City Council hearing June 5, 2026, on reform metrics. Funds disbursement by July 1. This case fuels national push for conviction integrity units in all 50 states. ```